Re: Alternator Question!

[Jan van de Wouw <Jan@xxxx>]

David Teitelbaum wrote:

>On most cars (not Deloreans) the rear defogger is
>shut off by a timer to keep it from running constantly. Maybe that is
>a good area to improve, adding a timer to the defogger instead of
>increasing the alternater.

I'd like to quote the ownersmanual (page 11) on this:

> Rear Window Defogger Indicator
> This indicator will illuminate when the defogger is in use.
> The system incorporates a timing device which automatically
> switches the circuit on or off in a continuous cycle of
> several minutes duration for optimum efficiency.

It states that this function is for efficiency in defogging, 
but in this way the AVERAGE load is cut in half (on a 50% duty cycle).
The timer is the right-most relay on the rear row of relays 
(looking towards the rear of the car), nearest to the doorlock module.

The systems that automatically switch off usually have a push button
instead of a rocker switch, so it seems to me that incorporating this 
on the original system would not be all that easy.

Just leave it the way it is, I live in a humid climate and haven't 
had to use it so far, while on my other car (with a larger cabin)
I need the defogger allmost instantly in fall and winter.
The heat from the engine and the "insulation" to wind of the rearwindow
by the louvers and the rear quarter panels have part in this: 
the window doesn't get really cold, so it doesn't fog up that easily...

Jan van de Wouw
Thinking Different... Using a Mac...
Living the Dream... Driving a DeLorean...

#05141 "Dagger" since Sept. 2000

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