File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

PI0857A
December, 2014

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:

Rear Window Defogger Inoperative

Models:

2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu
2006-2010 Pontiac G6
2007-2010 Saturn AURA

Attention: This PI also applies to any of the above models that may be Israel Export vehicles.
This PI has been revised to remove the rear junction (fuse) block part numbers and add a
statement referring to the parts catalog for those part numbers. Please discard PI0857.

Condition/Concern
In rare cases, some customers may comment that the rear window defogger is inoperative.
Upon further inspection, it may be observed that the rear window defogger fuse is blown and the rear junction (fuse)
block may show signs of localized damage near the fuse.
This condition may be caused by an increase in resistance though the terminal in the body side harness connector
and the junction (fuse) block.

Recommendation/Instructions
Replace the rear junction (fuse) block if damage has been observed and install an external fuse and relay circuit to
feed the rear window defogger using the procedure below.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the left rear compartment side trim access panel.
3. Release the rear junction (fuse) block from the body.

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4. Remove the X1 and X4 connectors from the block.
5. Connect the five lead connector, P/N 88987189 to the relay, P/N 13500118.

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6. To aid in the installation, mark the connector leads with the corresponding relay cavity numbers. Cut off the
cavity 4 lead not being used.
7. Open the harness by removing any tape. Use a sewing seam ripper, available from sewing supply stores, to cut
open the harness in order to avoid wire insulation damage.

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8. On the X1 connector, locate circuit 42 (red/black wire, cavity F8) and remove a 25 mm (0.5 in) strip of wire
insulation approximately 51 mm (2 in) up from the connector.
9. Splice the relay lead from cavity 3 into circuit 42 using a splice clip. Solder and tape the splice.
10. If the vehicle is equipped with heated outside mirrors:
10.1. Install the 10 amp fuse, P/N 88861353 and 30 amp fuse, P/N 88861354 into the fuse connectors, P/
N 12101917.
10.2. Splice the relay lead from cavity 5 to one lead of both fuse connectors.
10.3. On the X1 connector, locate circuits 293 (purple wire, cavity C12) and 606 (two white wires, cavity B12).
Cut the wires approximately 25 mm (1 in) up from the connector.
10.4. On the harness side, strip approximately 7.5 mm (0.313 in) of insulation from each of the three wires to be
spliced.
10.5. Splice the other lead of the 10 amp fuse connector to circuit 606 (two white wires). Due to the smaller
gauge white wires, also splice in a looped section of wire.
10.6. Splice the other lead of the 30 amp fuse connector to circuit 293 (purple wire).
11. If the vehicle is NOT equipped with heated outside mirrors:
11.1. Install the 30 amp fuse, P/N 88861354 into the fuse connector, P/N 12101917.
11.2. Splice the relay lead from cavity 5 to one lead of the fuse connector.
11.3. On the X1 connector, locate circuit 293 (purple wire, cavity C12). Cut the wire approximately 25 mm (1 in)
up from the connector.
11.4. On the harness side, strip approximately 7.5 mm (0.313 in) of insulation from the wire to be spliced.
11.5. Splice the other lead of the 30 amp fuse connector to circuit 293 (purple wire).
12. On the X1 connector, locate circuit 193 (white wire, cavity B8). Cut the wire approximately 25 mm (1 in) up from
the connector.
13. On the harness side, strip approximately 7.5 mm (0.313 in) of insulation from the wire to be spliced.
14. Splice the relay lead from cavity 1 to circuit 193 (white wire). Due to the smaller gauge white wire, also splice in
a looped section of wire.

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15. On the X4 connector, locate circuit 1350 (black wire, cavity F2) and remove a 25 mm (0.5 in) strip of wire
insulation approximately 51 mm (2 in) up from the connector.
16. Splice the relay lead from cavity 2 into circuit 1350 using a splice clip. Solder and tape the splice.
17. Install the rear junction (fuse) block.

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18. Secure the relay and fuses to the existing wiring harness with tape and tie straps.
19. Install the left rear compartment side trim access panel.
20. Connect the negative battery cable.

Parts Information
For rear junction (fuse) block part numbers, refer to the appropriate parts catalog.
Part Number

Description

Qty

13500118

Relay

1

88987189

Connector (Five Leads)

1

12101917

Connector (Two Leads)

1 or 2*

88861353
(If Equipped with Heated Outside Mirror
(RPO DD0 or DL8))

10 Amp Fuse

1

Part Number

Description

Qty

88861354

30 Amp Fuse

1

*If the vehicle is equipped with Heated Outside Mirrors (RPO DD0 or DL8), two will be required.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

N9697*

Installation of External Fuse and Relay Circuit to Feed Rear Window
Defogger

1.3 hrs

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

Additional Keywords: Defrost, Defroster, de-frost, de-froster.