1994 Q45 wipers blow fuses

[bugme]

Hey to all...I'm new to this forum so would appreciate any help with my daughter's car...that you can give. We live in the northwest and have recently had a ton of snow. Yesterday my daughter started the car after clearing the snow off of the windshield ...then tried to start the wipers and they were sluggish. Wiped once I think and then settled to rest in place...not to work again. Thought it must be a fuse and replaced it, but it keeps blowing fuses every time she turns on the wipers. The only repair lately that's been done is a new alternator around Thanksgiving... dealership installed. I know electrical issues are difficult but thought someone may have experienced this before...however I couldn't find anything when I did a search. In Oregon...you can't drive without wipers! Lots of rain now so hoping to get this fixed soon.

[Infinitiguy19]

I am sorry to be the "bear of bad news" but your daughter has blown the wiper motor, Basically you need a new wiper motor and its a ***** to install.

I suggest you get one from a junk yard and replace it, because the wiper motors almost never go unless you did what your daughter d (force the wipers to go through a lot of snow).

You can also search to see how to replace it or you can look in the FSM AKA Service Manual: http://Nicoclub.com/FSM

Sorry but welcome to NICO.

[Q45tech]

Check/replace wiper motor assembly probably jammed it in cold forcing [frozen?] follow FSM to disconnect to isolate where fuse blowing occurs.

A dealer project unless you have spares for everything.

[bugme]

Thanks so much to both of you for your replies...all I can say is Crap...Crap...Crap! The junkyard route is probably a way to go...but will need to have a mechanic put it in....so still $$$. Luckily my daughter was able to buy this car from my friend for $1500 w/ 145K. Excellent condition but definitely has a lot of extra gee-gaws. EVERYTHING electrical!... Which was the reason for a new alternator. I guess the one that died was put in not long ago... but apparently it didn't have the capacity to take care of all the accessories...hence the death of the alternator. I really appreciate the help.

Mary

[Infinitiguy19]

No problem, you could do it your self or have some one who is "DIY" do it.

But you can look on the classifieds section of NICO, Or I can see if I have one from my 1991 Q45 part out if you want.

[bugme]

Update....just talked again with daughter and as I mentioned...the snow and ice was cleared off of the windows before she turned the wipers on. So they were wiping on bare glass. They then worked normally for about 10-15 wipes before they stopped dead in the middle of the glass. So the motor was not working overtime on the windshields...they'd been cleared. And yes it was cold...but not more than about 36º, so not like sub zero temps. Is there anything else that you can think of that may be an issue? I know I've had a 240Z since 1975 and it has the same wiper motor....so I don't think most blow that easily.Thanks again,

Mary

[Infinitiguy19]

I would check in the FSM and see if the wiper relay is still good. The wiper relay is near the motor. (Its a grey box).

[Infinitiguy19]

Then read the FSM to determine if the relay (little grey box on the top passenger corner of the engine) is good.

You can get those at the junk yard for like $5.

There is also the steering column switch as well.

Other than those 3 components (motor, relay and switch) there is just wires and a fuse so not much too it.

Hope its a relay.

[bugme]

Okay...so thanks again on the wiper issue...they have a service manuel...is this the FSM that you're referring to? If so they should be equipped to check it out. I'm crossin my fingers that it's a relay! If not...we'll deal. You guys are the best.

Mary

[Infinitiguy19]

Yup FSM is Service Manual which should be under the trunk carpet or inthe rear parcel shelf.

If you want to see for your self: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/1994_Q45/el.pdf then go to WIPER AND WASHER section of the FSM or on the paper version go to EL-205.

I hope its the relay too, But then again I have never heard of a wiper motor going out like that.

Does the fuse go out every time the wipers are switched on?

[bugme]

Yes apparently every time they replace a fuse and then start the car...hit the wipers...it blows. Wipers don't even move. In the online manual that you sent, they refer to a fusible link...assuming that's what I would term a relay? Only condition that they suggest is if it's melted. Any way to check it if it's just bad but not melted? Or do they always melt? Maybe need to just get a new/junked relay and see if it works or not?

She also said that the steering column feature that used to automatically lift when you stopped the car doesn't work anymore but thinks that has more to do with losing her settings when the battery was pulled to charge it while they replaced the alternator. Does that sound right to you?Or could that be connected with the wiper?

Again thanks for any help you can give.

[bugme]

"they refer to a fusible link...assuming that's what I would term a relay? "

Sorry...I see now that they are indeed different animals...finally found the relay schematic page. Though still hope you can answer the other questions.

Thanks

[Infinitiguy19]

is the button on the left side of the steering wheels that says "cancel" pressed in?

I would try to check all the fueses and replace the wiper amplifier AKA wiper relay.

[goody90q45]

I am sorry to be the "bear of bad news" but your daughter has blown the wiper motor, Basically you need a new wiper motor and its a ***** to install.

Check/replace wiper motor assembly probably jammed it in cold forcing [frozen?] A dealer project unless you have spares for everything.

You can replace relays and amps but I have to agree with the two posters- The wiper motor is probably toast. I removed the wiper motor on the 1st Q I parted out. I left it in on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th parts cars. It's a PITA to remove. Have bandaids ready.