BOB, YOU ARE THE MAN!!!! Thank you soooo much for your advice. I changed the two fuses you said I should, and my defog switch now works! You were right. I'm very, very thankful. I am very thankful this site is frequented by knowledgeable people like yourself. Thanks for letting me pick your brain!
:o) Yvonne 1987 Volvo 245

Welcome aboard.

The 245s of all years is fraught with problems that result from damage to the wires that enter the cargo door through the hinges. This is the usualy place to check first. Check the Archives or FAQs for a pictorial on re-routing the wires. Note that the FAQs contain significant information applicable to the 200 series, even though its title is 700/900.

The demist wiring goes through the left side hinge. Each hinge carries several wires, some break sooner than others. The wire in question is yellow.

The switch, at least on my 1986 and 1988 244GL's does not "click" on. Puching it on energized a 15 minute delay relay. The light in the switch remains on while the relay is engaged. Power for both the light and the relay comes initially from fuse #12. When the delay relay after you release the switch comes from fuse #11. This is USA model wiring.

Failure of either of these fuses will cause your symptoms. Of course, other things are powered by these two fuses. Overdrive, a/c, and more.

The fuses used by Volvo, lead foil with pointy ends, oxidize easily. It is generally a good idea, before starting up once a month or so, to use a fingertip to rotate each fuse in its holder. Takes a few seconds and often saves many minutes of frustrations.

Hope this is helpful.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)