Does the defroster switch that operates the convertible rear window also work the Hardtop rear window, or does the install require the switch in the console?
I am thinking about converting my defrost switch on MY2000 to the dash switch. Has anyone else considering doing this? Any thoughts?

 

I just had the hardtop installation finished on my 2002 model. The install took 6 months because the wiring cable for the hardtop is different for the MY 2002 cars and was not available (to my dealer anyway) until this last week. The dash switch does work both the convert. top defroster and the hardtop. The wiring harness in the 2002 must be different than earlier years because of the defroster in the convert. top. The additional harness for the hardtop is very short and connects to a harness already at the back of the car. I don't think you will have the factory wiring in place, but perhaps you could order it as a part with the dash switch.

 

Thanks for your reply. Now I need to get a copy of the parts book so I can figure out what changees were made to the harness.

 

Bumpity-bump. Did anyone ever figure out if i'ts possible to install the MY '02 defroster switch in a '00 or '01?

-Stephen

 

JohnS2K, I'm going to be doing the switchover sometime in the month or two assuming I'm not occupied by the holidays. I just got my helms manual (00-03) a few days ago and it outlines the differences between 00/01 and 02/03. There is a different left side catcher for the 02/03 hardtop and I think that is the thing that has a relay switch built into it. I think it's going to be challenging just getting the defroster hooked up to the dash button instead of the button in the console because you'll have to make a custom harness since the defroster isn't routed in the main line on the car for 00/01. After that, you can start worrying about getting the hardtop defroster hooked up to the same button which you can probably bypass buying a new catcher and make another harness to switch. The helm's guide has a circuit diagram for the 02/03 defroster with hardtop setup.

David

 

I'm probably the only one that decided not to hook up the rear defroster.....more parts, cost and I don't think I would use it at all.

 

First off I cant see why it would take a dealer 6 months to get kit C for a 02. The catcher on the left side is different only because of the wiring and switch for the glass rear window in the soft top which requires more amperage. All the catches on the left side have a switch in them that indicates when the hard top is installed to deactive the soft top rear window defroster. Depending on the vin# of an 00 it might require kit A that includes the left rear trim panel and harness to wire the switch in the center console. The best advice I can give for putting the switch in the dash is to extend the harness from the center console.