93 J30 with problems

[daveyj]

I have a 93 J30 with 154,000 miles on it. I have a few problems with it that I would like to try and fix. First of all the intermiten wipers do not work. The low and high work just fine. When I push the lever for the washer fluid it will come out but the wipers will not wipe at all. Does anyone have any ideas on this? Secondly the cruise control does not work at all. Is that an easy fix? I have checked the fuses and nothing seems to be blown. Lastly, I seem to be having problems with my headlights as well, they do not always seem to work and sometimes only one will work. I have replaced the bulbs so I know that is not the problem. Any sugestions would be helpful as I do not have alot of money to bring this car in the shop. Also, my radio started to smoke so if anyone knows where I can get a cheap replacement radio please let me know. Thanks,Dave

[vishesh]

For the headlights, check the fuses. You can look for a replacement Bose HU on eBay (it will run you approx. $60) or check out Carlos' advice on replacing the Bose head unit with a different HU from other Nissan vehicles (http://www.fuzzycats.com/j30_diy.htm, look for "Bose head unit replacement"). I highly doubt that the cruise control is an easy fix. If you can do without it, it's probably not worth the cost of fixing it. I think you would need to run some diagnostics at the very least, and unless you have the right equipment (ODBII scanner etc.,) you'll have to take it to a dealer. Dealers and/or mechanics in my experience actually charge money just to diagnose an electrical problem, let alone fixing it. As always, a good start might be to look at the J30 Factory Service Manual.

Also, keep in mind that when you are asking for help on the forum, it helps to be very specific. Saying "the cruise control doesn't work" is pretty vague, so it would be hard for someone to help you on that based solely on your description.

[driverdriver]

intermittent wipers-may need new motor

Cruise control-try replacing the switch. its a plug and play part. If it isn't the switch its something else.

Headlights-previous owner could have blown the wiring by installing incorrect bulbs.

Stereo replacement-You have only two options either go after market with a Pioneer system that fits the J or suck it up and go to the dealer to purchase a refurbished unit. The stereo on the J is problematic.

All "J" parts are dealer only. Even though the car has depreciated considerbly, the prices for parts are priced like for the original price of the car which in todays dollars would translate to something like $70K. Welcome to Infiniti ownership.

Has your timing belt been changed? If not, I suugest you do it otherwise you risk engine damage/replacement. Also get your transmission flushed.

Its best to have the J serviced by someone who is familiar with at least a 300ZX. Both vehicles share the same engine and some other bits and understand the J's idiosyncricies if your not going to go to an Infiniti dealer.

[RPS13 Rocket]

intermittent wipers-may need new motor

Headlights-previous owner could have blown the wiring by installing incorrect bulbs.

Stereo replacement-You have only two options either go after market with a Pioneer system that fits the J or suck it up and go to the dealer to purchase a refurbished unit. The stereo on the J is problematic.

Headlights are most likely the relay gremlin. Replace the headlight relay on the driverside of the engine bay near the firewall.

Stereo Replacement...Don't buy Pioneer junk!! Get this part (part number 142C4NN02 - from crutchfield.com) for a Maxima with the bose system and get a mount kit for a Maxima and then you can install ANY single DIN radio you want in the J30...including a quality head unit like an ALPINE!! Just go to crutchfield...enter your car as the same year maxima with the bose system...and there you go!

[vishesh]

Cruise control-try replacing the switch. its a plug and play part. If it isn't the switch its something else.

Haha. If it isn't the switch, well, duh , it's something else.

Sorry, I'm just a stickler like that.

[vishesh]

Also, I wouldn't say that all J30 parts are dealer-only. There are plenty of places (junkyards, ebay, etc.) where you can buy parts, and there are definitely non-OEM manufacturers producing parts that work with the J30. I replaced my window motor and regulator with a non-OEM for a fraction of what it would have cost me to buy through Infiniti.

[Big Tone]

Go on eBay to check for the radio. There are a lot of them for the J on there. You'll also find a lot of people parting out their Js so check to see who's selling what.

The dealer is going to cost you $$$ no matter what it is you need repaired. If you are mechanically inclined and just need parts, my advice is to check area junk yards and eBay for the parts you are looking for.

Regarding the headlights, I've read several times where people have had similar problems and it turned out to be the wiring. Is the one headlight that ISN'T working the passenger side by any chance? If so, you're probably having the same issue. Search this forum for threads referring to the headlights because I think one of them explains how to repair faulty wiring.

[driverdriver]

[QUOTE=.....definitely non-OEM manufacturers producing parts that work with the J30. I replaced my window motor and regulator with a non-OEM for a fraction of what it would have cost me to buy through Infiniti.[/QUOTE]

Non OEM, do share.