No Windshield wash 97 Pathfinder

[A1218]

Hey everyone, I was just using the windshield wash on my truck while driving and it suddenly stopped. When I pull the stalk backwards, no fluid comes out nor do I hear the pump running. The wipers do come on still though and the washer fluid still works at the rear. I thought maybe the nozzles got clogged so I pulled the main hose out from under the hood, still no fluid.

Could it be a bad stalk at the steering column or a bad windshield washer pump?

[VStar650CL]

Nissan front-rear washers all work by way of one motor with two check valves. The flow goes to the front when the motor runs forward, to the back when it runs in reverse. So if the rear washer still works, the problem isn't in the motor. It's common for the switches to fail simply because the circuit doesn't use a relay, the switch itself carries the motor current. That causes tiny sparks across the switch contacts every time the motor activates, which eventually erodes the contact plating. Even some of the most recent models use the same setup. You just don't see as many switch failures these days because the motors are better, they have better magnets and don't draw as much startup current.

[A1218]

Apparently the R50s have two pumps? One for the front and one for the rear.

[VStar650CL]

I had to look that up, but you're right. It's because the R50's were among the last to have separate front and rear wiper timers (Nissan called them "amps"). I completely forgot about those, they're dinosaurs. IIRC the front one should be at the back of the right fender. The WD says you should see 12V on the Blue/Black wire when you hit the switch, if not the relay in the amp is shot. Otherwise it's probably a bad motor.

[A1218]

I had to look that up, but you're right. It's because the R50's were among the last to have separate front and rear wiper timers (Nissan called them "amps"). I completely forgot about those, they're dinosaurs. IIRC the front one should be at the back of the right fender. The WD says you should see 12V on the Blue/Black wire when you hit the switch, if not the relay in the amp is shot. Otherwise it's probably a bad motor.

Yep, I had to look that up too. Always thought it was one pump.

Where can I locate the relay for the front pump?

[VStar650CL]

The relay is inside the wiper amp. Like I said, I recall it being at the back of the passenger side fender near the firewall. I don't recall if it's buried or not. You can also test the output right at the washer motor.

[A1218]

The relay is inside the wiper amp. Like I said, I recall it being at the back of the passenger side fender near the firewall. I don't recall if it's buried or not. You can also test the output right at the washer motor.

Ahh boy okay. I’ll have to check there to see if I find something. I know there’s a wiper relay in the box under the hood.

[VStar650CL]

That's for the rear. The WD says there's no relay for the front, and that jives with my recollection. The amp just gets power with the ignition.

[VStar650CL]

PS - The reason the rear has one is because it prevents you running the wiper with the glass open. That was a pretty common arrangement on the oldies with rear wipers.

[A1218]

PS - The reason the rear has one is because it prevents you running the wiper with the glass open. That was a pretty common arrangement on the oldies with rear wipers.

Hopefully it’s just the pump. Looks like a straightforward swap.

If it’s the amp, have to do some digging I assume.

[VStar650CL]

Amps are discontinued here and I only see one used-untested one online, but Amayama still has new ones. $50 plus shipping from Osaka:
https://www.amayama.com/en/part/nissan/28511c9962

[A1218]

Amps are discontinued here and I only see one used-untested one online, but Amayama still has new ones. $50 plus shipping from Osaka:
https://www.amayama.com/en/part/nissan/28511c9962

Oh wait I’ve seen that part. It’s located under the hood against the passenger side fender wall. Thank you!

[VStar650CL]