2001 taurus new deck, no rear defrost

if i recall correctly in the metra kit on the piece of paper it comes with, it decribes this problem and how to fix it. i cant remember how to do it. you can also call metra they should be able to help.

That's the one with all the controlls built into the dash around the factory radio and the Metra kit replaces the whole pannel so you get the DIN spot. 

The instructions are in the kit, there is more wiring that needs to be done other than just plug-n-play stereo adapter.

I'm familiar with this install. You need to follow the kit's installation instructions if you've never done it before. It sounds to me like you just forgot some wiring.

It's definitely an effort by Ford to discourage aftermarket stereo installation. It's nowhere near as annoying as GM, though. Newer ('00+) GMs need to use a relocation harness to keep the factory deck installed. It's generally a $60 wiring harness, depending on where you buy it, and it requires you to find a good spot to conceal/secure the factory deck. All because it apparently controls the airbags or something stupid like that.

There is nothing on metra's little wiring instructions sheet. I have done a couple dozen taurus's and not had this problem and yes it is wired correctly. I even tried 2 other new kits to see if the switch was bad and its the same with the new kits. no defrost everything else perfect. I heard once its a ground thing with the switch that can cause this problem, but don't rember anything other then that.