any ideas why?

 

Could you be a little more specific with the problem and does it have anything to do with your other post about the trunk rattling? You mentioned a plastic piece next to the hatch release. Would it be the item shown in this picture? If so, that is the electrical contact for the defoggers or the rear window wiper if the car is so equipped>

 

Does the indicator light in the switch light up when the button is pushed?
The rear defroster grid in my 89 Formula gets its power and ground through the hatch struts. Check to be sure the clips are still attached to both ends.

 

^yea the light goes on

trickster: yea its that thing, but what exactly is wrong with it?

 

Check to be sure that the connector is attached to it and that the two screws are tight. The connector for it may have fallen off and is rattling around in there.