Windshield wiper problem

[tms13pin]

A couple weeks ago I started having trouble with my wipers. It
began with the intermittent setting no longer working. Still had the
steady-low and steady-high ones. Now, even the steady settings
are tempramental. Motor seems to be functioning fine. Anyone
deal with this before? I've been told that there is a PC board that
does the timing setting. I guess it could be whole column switch
assembly, or maybe even a relay. I'm hoping this is something I
could do myself without having to take it to the dealer, as I know
I'll pay through the nose...

Any advice? Vehicle is an '08 Frontier NISMO. Never had a wiper
problem like this on a vehicle this young.

Thanks!

--Tom

[Mhannis]

could be just a bad wiper switch. good thing is..the column switches are modular. you just slip out the old assembly and slip in a new one. without actually testing the system and doing a full check of things, this is where i would go for an intermittent issue, and with only certain settings operating properly. i would venture to the switch. as it is the only piece of the system that is variable.

[lordcon]

Sounds like an IPDM issue. My fiance's 2008 Sentra all the sudden stopped squirting windshield fluid, motor wouldn't even come on. Turned out to be that the IPDM wasn't sending power to the pump - dealer wanted somewhere towards $850 to replace the unit since they are not serviceable.

Maybe just the control stalk is just going bad on yours? That would definitely be a lot cheaper of a problem.



-j

[Mhannis]

if it were the IPDM you could just replace the blown fuses. manufacturer recommends you dont..but its totally possible. i had to do that on a new sentra that had no tail lights.

[lordcon]

Originally Posted by Mhannis

if it were the IPDM you could just replace the blown fuses. manufacturer recommends you dont..but its totally possible. i had to do that on a new sentra that had no tail lights.

Is that so? Thats interesting because the dealer swore to me that the IPDM could not have the individual relays switched out. I thought that was absurd myself.

[Mhannis]

relays no. fuses yes. relays are very tightly packed into the module. to pull one out with a tool is going to cause damage to the relay and potentially the socket its in as well. as relays require some "wiggling" to pull out. theres not enough room for you to just grab onto them with your fingers and yank it straight out either. so it is usually best to replace the unit should a relay fail on it.

the fuses however. are just your basic fuse block setup and can easily be extracted witha pair of needle nose pliers and can be inserted with a new fuse just as easily and without causing damage to the recepticle.

[lordcon]

Originally Posted by Mhannis

relays no. fuses yes. relays are very tightly packed into the module. to pull one out with a tool is going to cause damage to the relay and potentially the socket its in as well. as relays require some "wiggling" to pull out. theres not enough room for you to just grab onto them with your fingers and yank it straight out either. so it is usually best to replace the unit should a relay fail on it.

the fuses however. are just your basic fuse block setup and can easily be extracted witha pair of needle nose pliers and can be inserted with a new fuse just as easily and without causing damage to the recepticle.

Oh the fuses, yeah - thats not an issue. I was just assuming the OP tried that already. In my fiance's case, replacing fuses did nothing. The individual IDPM relay was toast.

[Mhannis]

i always assume whoever is asking the questions, knows nothing unless specifying otherwise. better to underestimate than over estimate in these cases.

[tms13pin]

Thanks guys.... what's the IPDM? The fuse block? How hard is it to replace the
column stem switch assembly? I seem to be getting power to the motor, just
not every time I switch the wipers on. Sometimes they go on, sometimes they
don't, but this is only in the steady settings. The intermittent ones it'll run that
first time when I first switch it in (sometimes) but it won't repeat, no matter what
the timing setting.

--Tom

[Mhannis]

the IPDM is the Intelligent Power Distribution Module. its the large "fuse block" on the passenger side of the underhood compartment. it has a square cover panel on it as well. dont go messing with this right now because i dont believe its your problem.

what youre decribing is a memory function of the wiper module. if i recall correctly, this should be a part of the stalk. it is very simple to replace these switches as well. you simply remove the shroud pieces covering the upper end of the steering column, screws should be on the bottom side obviously. i believe there is 3 or 4 of the screws holding the two pieces together. once the screws are out, you can unsnap the pieces and use some common sense not to muscle them apart or break them. they'll snap back together when youre done.

once the shroud is off, you should be able to see a white plastic clip at the top and bottom side of the wiper switch block, press both of these tabs down/in simultaneously and the whole switch should just slide towards the passenger side of the vehicle and out. slide in a new one, and youre good to go. make sure the new one fully clicks.

if memory serves me right, the memory and brain of the module is integrated to that switch in the large bulky section of its base. this is what tells the wipers to pulse after youve selected a certain speed. it sounds to me that the brain is dead and only recognizes the first change in speed between each pulse mode.

as far as a replace and pray method of testing..i would probably go for the switch first in this particular instance, because its the cheaper component of the two, between the switch and the motor with integrated module.