Defrost Light Functionality - On with Lever, or on With Dash/Headlight?

[cky3396]

Hey all, just looking to confirm when the Defrost On/Off light is designed to turn on and off.

Should it illuminate only when dash lights are lit?

[EC900]

Yes, always Lights up when light switch is on and not just when levers are up.

[cky3396]

Thank you, I am assuming the Heat Levers have no influence on the light illumination. that sound right?

cheers

[Otter74]

Yes.

[GH85Carrera]

That light was only put in place because of the USA DOT regulations that all controls are illuminated. My old 1974 914 2.0 had the exact same light. In fact, that plastic cover now in my 911 is actually from my 914 as memento of my 914. For a control that no one looks at, it is silly. Just reach between the seats and and pull the levers without ever taking your eyes off the road.

So as above, it is supposed to come on when the headlights are turned on. It has zero to do with the heater. At least on the manual heat cars. I don't know if the auto heat cars illuminate it when the heat is turned on.

[PeteKz]

When I installed the new carpet kit in my 1973, I didn't put the light back in, figuring I would get to it "later." I don't miss it, so "later" probably will be "never."

[LuvNH]

Doing elec work in my 1979 911SC, does the mounting screw provide the ground for it to work?

[cky3396]

Originally Posted by LuvNH

Doing elec work in my 1979 911SC, does the mounting screw provide the ground for it to work?

ive read that the metal on the bottom half of the defrost light assembly is for ground. screw contacts metal "washer", which grounds through sheet metal

[EC900]

Originally Posted by LuvNH

Doing elec work in my 1979 911SC, does the mounting screw provide the ground for it to work?

Yes, as stated by cky3396, terminal is linked and grounds with one of the screws.
BK/BL wire +

[LuvNH]

Perfect. Thanks for that piece of info. On to the next!