I have an '08 JKU that did not originally come with a hardtop. However, I recently purchased a hardtop for it. While I know that there is a Mopar kit (wiring, new controls, etc.) that I can purchase and install to utilize the rear window defogger and wiper, I do not want to go through the time and effort of installing it. Rather, I'd like to see if I can just use simple toggle switches to turn the defogger on/off and the wiper on/off. With that in mind, I found this pin-out and diagram of the hardtop's harness connection:

CAV CIRCUIT GAUGE COLOR Function:
1 C15 12 DB/WT REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER CONTROL OUTPUT
2 W17 18 BR/LG REAR WIPER PARK SWITCH SENSE
3 G926 18 VT/WT REAR WIPER SWITCH MUX RETURN
4 -
5 W13 16 BR/LG REAR WIPER MOTOR CONTROL
6 Z912 12 BK GROUND



So.....can I:

1. Turn on the defogger by simply providing 12V+ to CAV 1 and grounding CAV 6?

2. Turn on the wiper by providing 12V+ to CAV 5 and grounding CAV 3?

3. Put wiper in park by providing 12V+ to CAV 2 and grounding CAV 2?

If #2 and #3 above are possible, can I use a toggle switch to go back and forth between CAV 5 (ON position) and CAV 2 (OFF position)?

 

With the rear window being near vertical I've never had the need to use the rear defroster and the only time I've used the wiper was by accident . We get plenty of bad weather here in Pittsburgh too. I say just remove the assembly and plug the holes with caps and a bit of silicone.

 

For defrost you will want to time it. If on too long the glass WILL pop. (Had a Blackhawk windshield go pow once due to a faulty timer logic unit) as for wiper sure a spot toggle can supply ground for either/or depending on position. However running out the harness is just a tad more involved than running your own harness and making up a switch panel etc.

 

JerseyMark has a Mopar Hardtop Wiring Kit for sale in the billboard section currently.