Electric rear defrost circuit malfunction
What it means
B0283. Electric rear defrost circuit malfunction. The rear glass does not heat on command and the body warning light comes on. This Chevy-enhanced code applies to Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saturn models that use this code.
Findings, check these first
- Broken grid tab or open element in the rear glass
- Open or short in the rear defrost power circuit
- Blown or corroded rear defrost fuse
- Failed rear defrost relay
- Faulty output inside the body control module
Standard procedure
- Confirm the code with a scan tool and command the rear defrost on
- Check the rear defrost fuse and relay
- Test the rear defrost grid and its tab for continuity and voltage
- Repair the grid or power wiring before replacing any parts
- Replace the rear defrost relay or body control module only after the circuit tests pass, then clear the code and retest
Look up another code
Press / to jump to the box. Chevy-enhanced powertrain, body, chassis and network codes.
Sources and review
Review: checked against the recorded source material.
- Code B0283 definition | OBDII.pro
live manufacturer definition (obdii.pro)
Supports: GM manufacturer meaning for B0283
Fetched directly. The GM entry is the brand-family meaning used here. This site is independent of engine-codes and autocodes.
- B0283 CHEVROLET Electric Rear Defrost Circuit Malfunction | Engine-Codes.com
archived reference page (engine-codes.com via Wayback Machine)
Supports: Chevrolet meaning and possible causes for B0283
Fetched directly. Model and year fitment remain curator claims.
- B0283 CHEVROLET Electric Rear Defrost Circuit Malfunction | AutoCodes.com
archived reference page (autocodes.com via Wayback Machine)
Supports: corroboration of Chevrolet meaning and causes for B0283
Same Chevrolet text as the engine-codes page (both sites share one publisher).
Last updated 2026-10-10.
Report a correction for B0283. Include your vehicle, the issue and a source if you have one.