🚀 go-pugleaf

> I checked all the fuses in the fuse box, and none appear to be
> The rear-window defroster in my '81 Malibu has stopped working.

First remember that most defrosters are relay operated, that is
the fuse inside the car (in your case) *only* covers the switching
circuit.
> defective (there was a mysterious large metal-enclosed one that

The large metal box is a circuit breaker with an automatic reset.
They are usually  used for headlamps wipers, etc...
> works when I activate the defroster.  The connections at the
> 	Jeff Percival ...!uwvax!uwmacc!jwp

O.K. , here's some tips. Check under the hood, there is a 30 amp
fuse under there near the alternator (the power for the window is
drawn directly from the output post of the alt.), it will be a 2.5 inch
white (probably) snap together affair. The relay for the window
could also be bad, it's under the hood near the wiper motor.
I would almost bet that your problem is either a blown fuse, or
a melted connector in the same wire that carries the fuse under
the hood. I had a 79' Pontiac with similar problems.
gpw
-- 

George Wilkin AT&T Network Systems   usenet ihnp4!ihlpf!gpw
312-979-6593 work