Common Nissan Windshield Wiper Problems
It can be extremely frustrating when your windshield wipers won't turn off. If your wipers don't turn off, it can also point to more significant issues with your vehicle. That's why it's always good to address wiper problems as soon as they develop within your car.
In many modern vehicles, rain detection systems can do a great job of making sure you can see clearly whenever you're driving. But if your wipers are starting to streak, drag or just won't turn off, it's time to investigate and possibly replace your wipers or wiper components. If you're having windshield wiper issues, read on to learn some tips and tricks to help diagnose and repair the issue so you can be safe in almost any road conditions.
Rain Sensor Issues
Some modern vehicles utilize rain sensors to turn on the wipers. The rain sensor is typically located on the rearview mirror's backside or the dashboard's forward edge near the windshield. Once you locate the sensor, it's easy to test with a garden hose. If it is not working, it's usually best to let the dealer confirm the issue before attempting to repair it.
Check the Windshield Wiper Switch
Often, a wiper issue can be caused by something as simple as a faulty wiper switch. They get used a lot, and can wear out. When the switches wear, they sometimes have to be in just the right spot to work correctly. To check to see if the switch is the problem, first be in a safe place where your car can idle. Then, move the switch from its off position to the other positions. When the switch is in one of the new positions, move it a very small distance back and forth to see if the wipers start functioning as intended. If this method works, you need to replace the switch. If you're looking for tips on selecting the correct replacement wipers, check out this post.
Park Switch
Some wiper motors have a switch called a park switch. The park switch is meant to keep your wipers at the base of your windshield when not in use. If this switch fails, it can cause a couple of problems:
- The wipers may not stop in the correct location when you turn them off.
- The wiper arms may not stop at all.
If you notice either of these tell-tale beahviors, you may have a bad park switch.
Wiper Motor
If a wiper motor fails completely, the wipers won't move. Before a wiper motor completely fails, you may notice the wiper arms moving more slowly than they should. This is a sign that the motor should be replaced. When the arms are moving slowly, the motor is drawing more current than it should. This can cause the wiper fuse to blow (more on this below).
Relays And Fuses
If the wipers aren't moving at all, the first thing to check is to see if the fuse is blown. If it is blown, replace it and observe the wipers in motion. If they move more slowly than normal, the wiper motor is likely failing and drawing too much current.
If the fuse is good, another item to check is the wiper relay. Relay is short for relay switch. The wiper switch in the car is a low-current switch. When you turn the switch on, you activate the relay, which is a high-current switch. It turns on the wiper motor. If it fails, the wipers won't turn on. The relay will look like a small plastic cube, and it's usually in the same fusebox as the wiper fuse. Use the information provided in your owners manual to identify the correct relay. To check it, have someone turn on the wipers while your finger is on top of the switch. You should feel a little vibration when the wipers are turned on, and you may hear it click. Check other relays for items you know are working to learn what this is like. Relays are simple to change. They simply plug straight into the fusebox.
Wiring And Electrical Connectors
If everything else seems to be working, the next step is to check the wiring and electrical connectors. Look for the connector near the wiper motor. Inspect it to see if it is loose or suffering from corrosion. If it looks ok, also look at the wiring leading from the wiper motor back to the fuse box. Inspect it to see if any wire insulation is worn or damaged. If wiring is worn, this can also cause the fuse to blow.
Windshield Wipers From Nissan Parts Plus
Windshield wiper issues are easy to diagnose yourself. When you're ready to make repairs or replace parts, our team at Nissan Parts Plus is happy to help you find what you need. With more than 50 years in business as a Nissan dealer and service center, we know our Nissans and are always happy to help you with yours! We are an authorized Nissan dealer offering OEM parts at wholesale prices. You can contact us here or check out our VIN decoder tool here to help you order the right wipers for your Nissan.