Yes, it is quite common for our trucks to not have rear defrost! The button you have probably controls heated side mirrors the same as mine does. To be sure, look for the defrost grid wires on your rear glass. Here is a thread with more information...

http://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=163205

 

If you don't have the wire grid on the back window you don't have. It's the one option I gave up on in my search for a truck. I had one on my '09 Ram and actually used it quite a bit here in MI. I can't believe it's an option on a near $50k vehicle. I don't think I've bought a vehicle later than 1995 that it wasn't standard equipment.

 

Wow, that is really surprising. Has anyone ever installed aftermarket rear defrost or had the dealer do it? If so, is it expensive? Thanks.

 

There are aftermarket, universal kits available...someone mentions one in the thread I linked. Honestly, I thought I would miss it in my truck but the back glass doesn't really fog up too much on me. I'm really glad I have the heated mirrors thought! That is worth gold! :smileup:

 

Honestly, I thought I would miss it in my truck but the back glass doesn't really fog up too much on me. I'm really glad I have the heated mirrors thought! That is worth gold! :smileup:

Same here. Rear window never fogs up but the mirrors always seem to. Thank god for the mirror defrost.

 

I also do not have a rear defrost on my Sport CC. Is it a fact that the rear defrost button on the dash controls the heated mirrors? I thought they were controlled by the windshield defrost. So far, I have not had the rear window fog up, and come to think of it, never used the rear defrost in the eight years I had my Avalanche.

 

It is an option that is installed during the build process. It is in addition to the power sliding window. I think the cost was $225.00 (CDN)

 

From page 137 of the 700+ page manual "These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice. This feature can be activated whenever you turn on the rear window defroster if equipped. Some vehicles may not be equipped with rear window defroster, in this case the heated mirrors will still function as intended. Refer to “Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for further information."

 

There is a picture of a rear window on one of my control knobs and when I press the knob a light comes on I thought indicated a rear defroster, but nothing seems to happen..

Might that also be a picture of a mirror?

It's the universal sign for heated mirrors as well, been used in big trucks for a lot of years.

A lot of times, the rear defrost and heated mirrors work together, if both are present.

 

On my 2013 the GFA Rear Window Defroster was a $128 option.

Greg

 

Well, I just looked at my rear window and I see no sign of anything in so I guess I don't have it. A little surprised about how folks don't really use it. On my Silverado crew cab I used it all the time when I was out plowing. Perhaps it is the design of each truck that necessitates it. Anyway, I will wait for awhile and see if I miss the option. Thanks.

 

never had a rear window defogger in any od the Rams I've owned.I think there a waste of money when you have the biggest dumbo side mirrors.The inside mirror on my truck is mainly used by my girl friend to put on here make-up LOL!

 

It was a $150 option on my 14 Laramie. I never had it on any truck before. And yes, the mirrors/rear defrost are the same button.

FWIW, waste of money. The rear window never fogs or freezes up unless you're in freezing rain.

 

So when you all have your truck parked outside over night in the winter with frost all over the windows, its easier too scrape it off with an ice scraper? I have had one on just about every car or truck that I have owned here in Chicago, and have found it much easier to hit the defrost button on the dash after warming up the vehicle as I pull away, then scrape off a back window.

 

My truck has been parked outside since the day I brought it home (last June) and I have never had an issue with the rear window needing to be scraped. I always remote start my truck in the morning for at least 5 minutes before I get in it to drive to work. I decided not to get the rear defrost when I ordered my truck last year, because I read a ton of opinions on here that stated people didn't need it on their trucks. For me, that has been true, too.

The good thing is it's only $150 option. So, if someone is on the fence about it, it's not a lot of money for the piece of mind.

 

I've never had to scrape my rear window, but with two kids and a dog in the back and my wife and I in the front, the rear window does fog up. I usually have to crack the sliding window in order to clear it.