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Am I mistaken, or do I get a 2nd (bonus) rear defroster switch with the new hardtop. I'd rather not open up the center console if it's already wired to the stock switch in the dash.
Can't answer your question directly but opening up the center console is not a big deal. Just slip a flat screw driver under center panel and left up. There are clips on each side at each end and just behind the shift boot. You'll see soon enough if there is an open harness in there.
You're right, no biggy. Pulled the console up and no open harness to tap into, plus no parts in the hardtop kit to convert the coin box to a switch plate. Guess I have my answer. The instructions posted on the HandA-accessories site looks like it's for the pre-02 tops (without back glass).
I wonder if it would be at all posible to install a plug in the wire to the soft-top defroster, that you could disconnect and connect to the hard-top defroster when it's installed. It would eliminate the need for two buttons. any ideas?
Might be wrong but I don't think an '02 will need 2 buttons. When the hardtop heater is connected, I would think that the soft top glass heater would be defeated, probably by the same switch that prevents you from operating the soft top when the hardtop is on. This would probably be the same switch that would prevent you from inadvertently turning on the soft top heater even if you forget to plug in the hardtop heater. Look behind the panel behind the driver's seat and you'll probably see an open harness that this switch plugs into.
You only need one defroster switch. There is a micro switch on the left rear hardtop catcher that is depressed when the hard top is installed. This switches power from the softtop to the hardtop defroster. Use caution when installing the hardtop, there is a rubber bumper on the hardtop that depresses the switch that comes off easily. You will need the MY2002 installation kit which comes with the wire harness and other hardware required.
Woohoo!
Top's on. I was up until 1230 a.m., but it only took 3 hours. Right out of the box and no adjustments needed. Dart, you were right about the softtop defroster defeat switch in the left catcher. Although awkward, I was able to do it myself without dinging the paint. Didn't want to wake the wife up.
Next up, the Vortech SC. Yeah, right.
If you have the 02 s2k you will get an extra defroast switch but you will not need it or the $350 install kit. The 02 s2k comes with most of the wiring behind the rear panel. When the hardtop is installed it makes a micro switch which sends the power to the hardtop instead of the soft top. The switch on the dash operates both defrosters.
01-22-2002, 09:01 AM
Need Info-'02 Hardtop Defroster Switch
