Windshield wiper question and Intro myself.

[justjohn]

I just got back from the dealer in Beaverton Oregon with a windshield wiper problem and I'm not to happy with their answer. First thought was to find a forum and see what the real scoop is. So here I am. First, I'll intro myself. I'm a native of Oregon and located in southern Oregon. Computer Specialist by trade, but I don't make enough monies to retire anytime soon. Also too darn old to start over. My awsome care is a 2003 G35 sedan with some nice custom wheels and tires. This car is fun to drive and fast for an old goat like me.

Ok, onto my question and hopefully someone will help me on this. I drove to Portland in the rain last saturday using the wipers in delay, slow and sometimes in fast mode. Not a problem all day. Made several stops on the way up. Once up in Portland, car sat for a day and then when my wife and I decided to take a trip around town, the left wiper would slap the left beam and then slap the bottom real hard repeatedly. Not real consistent for there would be several minutes that the wiper would work perfectly stopping before hitting the beam and then gently at the "wiper" resting space.

The dealer took about 5 minutes to get my information and then took 5 seconds to turn the wiper on and then off and informed me that they are worn out and the motor and arms would need to be replaced. WTF! The price to fix.... $420 bucks! I told him that I live in southern Oregon, I hardly use the wipers in that part of the state and only have 48,000 miles on the car. Heck, I haven't even changed out the wiper blades yet!!!

Is there a reset for the wiper assembly? or something else. The motor seems to be working just fine for it has plenty of power to slap the crap out of the car and I popped the hood, which the dealer did not, and checked the arms, they seem to look brand new and tight.

Any help would be greatly appreciated......really appreciated. JustJohn

[telcoman]

I just got back from the dealer in Beaverton Oregon with a windshield wiper problem and I'm not to happy with their answer. First thought was to find a forum and see what the real scoop is. So here I am. First, I'll intro myself. I'm a native of Oregon and located in southern Oregon. Computer Specialist by trade, but I don't make enough monies to retire anytime soon. Also too darn old to start over. My awsome care is a 2003 G35 sedan with some nice custom wheels and tires. This car is fun to drive and fast for an old goat like me.

Ok, onto my question and hopefully someone will help me on this. I drove to Portland in the rain last saturday using the wipers in delay, slow and sometimes in fast mode. Not a problem all day. Made several stops on the way up. Once up in Portland, car sat for a day and then when my wife and I decided to take a trip around town, the left wiper would slap the left beam and then slap the bottom real hard repeatedly. Not real consistent for there would be several minutes that the wiper would work perfectly stopping before hitting the beam and then gently at the "wiper" resting space.

The dealer took about 5 minutes to get my information and then took 5 seconds to turn the wiper on and then off and informed me that they are worn out and the motor and arms would need to be replaced. WTF! The price to fix.... $420 bucks! I told him that I live in southern Oregon, I hardly use the wipers in that part of the state and only have 48,000 miles on the car. Heck, I haven't even changed out the wiper blades yet!!!

Is there a reset for the wiper assembly? or something else. The motor seems to be working just fine for it has plenty of power to slap the crap out of the car and I popped the hood, which the dealer did not, and checked the arms, they seem to look brand new and tight.

Any help would be greatly appreciated......really appreciated. JustJohn

justjohn

Welcome to NICO & the old Farht chapter. (There are a few others around here besides us)

Sorry I can't help you but perhaps someone has already experienced your problem? My only suggestion would be to get a second opinion from another dealer. Ask to speak to the service manager. Sometimes taking care of the Service Manager $$ can get you better results

Telcoman

[justjohn]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll just take it to a local import/domestic repair shop and see what they can offer. Last month something was wrong with the sensors in the fuel injection system and that cost me over $700 to fix.

I did think about going to another dealer, but the next dealer is over 300 miles away. Hate to drive that far and get the same answer from a minimum wage mechanic. I love my car and can barely get it away from the wife, but if this stuff keeps happening, I'll sell the car and get an Audi or BMW (well, maybe not a BMW). I can't have a car that is breaking down at $500 - $600 a month! I might as well make payments on a car that can last longer than it's warranty.

Ok, I'm just crying in my old man beard, but that's what I feel darn-it. Got to be an answer to something as simple as the frigg'n wiper problem without replacing the motor and arms. (And of course, they will suggest to change out the whole wiper switch assembly at the same time.) If these wear out this fast, makes me really wonder about the rest of the car.

Sorry to be such a scrooge and only my second post. Not a good sign I know. But, I'm at least not a troll etc.. I do plan on staying around awhile and see what else I can do with the G35. I've been on another forums for my Harley and Corvette, and I've really enjoyed the changes I've made to both and I've given posts back to help others. I plan on the same here. Ok, I'm rattling one like a magpie....sorry. Just John

[telcoman]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll just take it to a local import/domestic repair shop and see what they can offer. Last month something was wrong with the sensors in the fuel injection system and that cost me over $700 to fix.

I did think about going to another dealer, but the next dealer is over 300 miles away. Hate to drive that far and get the same answer from a minimum wage mechanic. I love my car and can barely get it away from the wife, but if this stuff keeps happening, I'll sell the car and get an Audi or BMW (well, maybe not a BMW). I can't have a car that is breaking down at $500 - $600 a month! I might as well make payments on a car that can last longer than it's warranty.

Ok, I'm just crying in my old man beard, but that's what I feel darn-it. Got to be an answer to something as simple as the frigg'n wiper problem without replacing the motor and arms. (And of course, they will suggest to change out the whole wiper switch assembly at the same time.) If these wear out this fast, makes me really wonder about the rest of the car.

Sorry to be such a scrooge and only my second post. Not a good sign I know. But, I'm at least not a troll etc.. I do plan on staying around awhile and see what else I can do with the G35. I've been on another forums for my Harley and Corvette, and I've really enjoyed the changes I've made to both and I've given posts back to help others. I plan on the same here. Ok, I'm rattling one like a magpie....sorry. Just John

justjohn

I feel your pain. I got rid of my 92 Lexus because things started to go wrong and cost me money. First the clutch & a couple of weeks later a caliper stuck & had to be replaced. Total was $2600 and thats what started me looking for a new car. One of the big advantages of a new one is it comes with all new parts and a 4 year warranty. Today is my second anniversary owning my G35 and I love it. A much better vehicle than my 92 Lexus. In 45.5k miles the only two minor problems were a defective tire pressure sensor and a defective drivers air bag sensor. Both were replaced under warranty at no charge.I've been reading posts on this site for almost two years. From what I've learned is there were some problems and issues with the 03 & 04 G35's

Perhaps the dealer is still open. This is an excellent time to buy a new one.

Telcoman

[W661335PF]

[W661335PF]

Welcome to the Forum..... I'm another of the old farhts here (with Telcoman, whose really ancient, and some others), but don't let that dissuade you, we sometimes (rarely for me) know our stuff and even border on brilliance, raw intellect and wisdom on rare occasion.

The G has numerous, pesky little problems, noises, squeaks, etc. . From decades of driving, engine repairs and rebuilding cars, I've learned to buy used at salvage yards (the heck with EBAY, dealers and those guys). New wiper motors at a salvage yard (many are over the internet) will cost <$100 and you can easily install them. In fact, you can get >90% of your car at a salvage yard for a fraction of the cost of a dealer or EBAY. Some things I avoid at a salvage yard-- rotor, brake pads, some electronic parts, struts and coils, but a lot I'll buy-- used ECU, oxygen sensor/mass air meter, transmission, engine, bumpers, doors, windshields, differential, rims, tires, hood, trunk lid, etc., etc.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[Kendahl]

My RX-7, the predecessor to my G37, has the same problem with its left hand wiper. But it's 24 years old with 190k miles. By comparison, your G35 is barely broken in. Both wipers are fine on our ten year old Subaru which has 176k miles. I drove a Datsun 810 for fifteen years and never had trouble with its wipers.

Since your car is out of warranty, I would suggest you have it serviced by an independent foreign car shop reasonably close to home. Get a second opinion about the wipers there. If you don't know of a good shop, ask around. Someone on this forum might have a suggestion. The CarTalk web site lists mechanics who have been recommended (supposedly) by satisfied customers. Car clubs, including the nearest chapter of the Sports Car Club of America, are another source of advice. (We learned about the shop we have patronized for 30 years through the local SCCA chapter.)

[telcoman]

Welcome to the Forum..... I'm another of the old farhts here (with Telcoman, whose really ancient, and some others), but don't let that dissuade you, we sometimes (rarely for me) know our stuff and even border on brilliance, raw intellect and wisdom on rare occasion.

The G has numerous, pesky little problems, noises, squeaks, etc. . From decades of driving, engine repairs and rebuilding cars, I've learned to buy used at salvage yards (the heck with EBAY, dealers and those guys). New wiper motors at a salvage yard (many are over the internet) will cost <$100 and you can easily install them. In fact, you can get >90% of your car at a salvage yard for a fraction of the cost of a dealer or EBAY. Some things I avoid at a salvage yard-- rotor, brake pads, some electronic parts, struts and coils, but a lot I'll buy-- used ECU, oxygen sensor/mass air meter, transmission, engine, bumpers, doors, windshields, differential, rims, tires, hood, trunk lid, etc., etc.

Hope this helps and good luck!

W661335PF

Happy New Year my friend

From one old farht to another, I agree with you that salvage yards are an excellent resource for those with older G's out of warranty. You can go in there and let them know what you need. G's get totaled just like any other vehicle but the parts you need may still be in excellent condition. If you show up with your own tools and remove it yourself you'll save even more money. I used to replace the main fuze box regularly on my old 1980 VW Rabbit Diesel because water frequently leaked into it. I had to tape plastic bags over it under the dash.What us old Farhts had to go thru in the old days these young kids would not believe.

Telcoman

[SVTCOBRA]

I assume that you went to an infiniti dealer.I would check with a Nissan dealer for a second opinion if one is close by.

[justjohn]

Thanks for the repliies. Yes, I did go to the Infinity dealer in the Porland area. I guess, when I see the wipers slapping the heck out of the care and someone tells me that the wiper motor is bad just doesn't make sense to me. It like someone telling me it's not raining when I can see that I'm standing in it and I'm wet to the skin. For heavens sake, I rarely use the wipers and as mentioned I haven't even replaced the wiper blades yet, they even look still new.

Anyway, I'm taking to a import shop here in town and see if I can get some help. The Nissan dealer here in town will change my oil, but that is about it. They say they don't have the mechanics that can work on the car. I don't believe that, but that's what I'm told. Aaawwww.....Just John

[tollboothwilley]

Just had this problem myself John

Ironically that is also my name...

So here is the deal, when i was at the dealership they want to look at it and make expensive repairs. I talked to the parts manager who helped shed some light on the sitution for me after the initial parts guy gave me the wrong wiper blades. In the wiper linkage assembly there are 2 arms that connect the blades with the motor and turn with it. Probably about 2 feet long. You will see round white inserts on either end of both of these ams, designed plastic to ensure that you don't burn out your motor. it leaves more sway in the wipers, you'll notice, if you try to manually move them up and down.

The assembly really isn't very complicated and you can take it apart in about 10-15 min. You can wiggle the arms and if you are getting play, they there is your problem. My part is on order from the dealership and should be here on Wednesday. I'll post pics as i replace if you want so as to give you a guide through in case you want.

the part os only $20 at the dealer...saves the $400 motor.

Hope this helps

[justjohn]

Super! If you get a chance, would you post the part number(s). Pics would be good for this old fart since I'm a computer tech and not much of a car tech. :-) Even if it took me an hour or so to fix, I'm good with that. Anyway, thanks for the information and all the help that everyone has given so far. Just John

Just had this problem myself John

Ironically that is also my name...

So here is the deal, when i was at the dealership they want to look at it and make expensive repairs. I talked to the parts manager who helped shed some light on the sitution for me after the initial parts guy gave me the wrong wiper blades. In the wiper linkage assembly there are 2 arms that connect the blades with the motor and turn with it. Probably about 2 feet long. You will see round white inserts on either end of both of these ams, designed plastic to ensure that you don't burn out your motor. it leaves more sway in the wipers, you'll notice, if you try to manually move them up and down.

The assembly really isn't very complicated and you can take it apart in about 10-15 min. You can wiggle the arms and if you are getting play, they there is your problem. My part is on order from the dealership and should be here on Wednesday. I'll post pics as i replace if you want so as to give you a guide through in case you want.

the part os only $20 at the dealer...saves the $400 motor.

Hope this helps

[telcoman]

My RX-7, the predecessor to my G37, has the same problem with its left hand wiper. But it's 24 years old with 190k miles. By comparison, your G35 is barely broken in. Both wipers are fine on our ten year old Subaru which has 176k miles. I drove a Datsun 810 for fifteen years and never had trouble with its wipers.

Since your car is out of warranty, I would suggest you have it serviced by an independent foreign car shop reasonably close to home. Get a second opinion about the wipers there. If you don't know of a good shop, ask around. Someone on this forum might have a suggestion. The CarTalk web site lists mechanics who have been recommended (supposedly) by satisfied customers. Car clubs, including the nearest chapter of the Sports Car Club of America, are another source of advice. (We learned about the shop we have patronized for 30 years through the local SCCA chapter.)

I had to laugh at your post. I guess I'm not the only one who has kept vehicles over 15 years. Your post reminded me that when my daughter was in high school she always requested that I drop her off a block from the school so the other kids would not see her getting out of my 15 year old VW Diesel Rabbit. She was embarassed to be seen in it. She did learn how to drive a stick in that VW as it was next to impossible to stall that engine when taking off in first gear it had so much torque.Maybe there should be a separate section here for old farhts like us?

Telcoman

[tollboothwilley]

symptoms : wipers not going full range of motion wipers smack down to rest position with loud thunk

reason : link assembly arms have breakaway plastic to protect motor from burning up due to excessive use or heavy loads (as with snow)

tools used: socket wrench with 10mm and 14mm sockets flathead pliers/vicegrip/channel locks

[G_whizz]

Nice job!!



If this quick fix solves your problem justjohn.... I would let the service gmanager know he has knobs working for him..

[justjohn]

Wow, I will second the nice job! The pics are great and I can't wait to get the parts and get going. Speaking of them, would you provide the part numbers so that I can call the infinity dealership and order them. I sure appreciate it....big time.

I will definitely let the dealership know this.

Again thanks, Just John

[tollboothwilley]

Its funny how the service managers are at the dealerships though. They just want you to bring it in so they can do the work at $100 an hour, probably charge 2 hours labor for this, out the door you are probably around $300.

I talked to the service manager at the dealer and he was no help.

The parts manager was knowledgeable and friendly and, i'm assuming, because he see what parts are going and coming, has a very good idea of what problems are caused by.

In any case, you are going to need to take it apart so that you know which link it is. Mine was the lower link, but the upper link could be your problem. Do that before ordering the part, and when you know what it is you can just tell them "upper link assembly for the wiper system" and they can get it for you. I'll see if i can find the part # though.... i think i accidentally threw out the paperwork.

[Rivalry]

Nice post! If I could give you rep points or something, I sure would!

Rock on!

[joe603]

tollboothwilley, check your e-mail!

Thanks for the pics and instructions on the fix

[tollboothwilley]

ok part number is: 28841-AM600

for 2003 G35 Sedan

remember, mine was the lower link, and there are two. Make sure which one is bad

[Kendahl]

Maybe there should be a separate section here for old farhts like us?

I don't know about you, but I don't think I'm old enough to qualify. Here are some genuine old farts who have earned their status:

John Fitch - Mustang pilot during World War Two. Shot down an Me 262 jet fighter. Drove at Le Mans for Briggs Cunningham's team in the early 1950s and for Mercedes. As an automotive safety engineer, developed the sand barrels used on highways to keep cars from crashing into bridge abutments. At age 87 was invited to drive a Mercedes 300 SLR gull wing coupe on the Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to set a new class speed record of 170 mph. Due to engine trouble, the fastest he could go was 150 mph. (Video: A Gull Wing at Twilight)

Paul Frere - Retired racing driver and automotive journalist. During the early 1960s, won a non-championship Formula 1 race and co-drove a winning Le Mans car. At age 87, was invited by Audi to test drive the previous year's winning car during practice for the Le Mans race. On the long Mulsanne straight, the team drivers less than half his age topped out at 192 mph. Frere only got up to 188 mph. (Source: Road & Track)

Norman Dewis - retired test driver and engineer for Jaguar. Is now a roving ambassador for Jaguar. Raced a D type at Le Mans in the mid 1950s. At age 80, takes paying passengers around a British race track (Oulton Park?) in a D type. His lap times with a passenger are 2 seconds slower than they were in competition 50 years ago. Comment to journalist when he arrived late for an interview after driving 85 miles from his home, "I'd have been here in an hour if they hadn't dug up the bloody motorway!" (Source: Automobile Magazine)

When I was in college 35 years ago, the advisor to the campus car club was the director of the physical plant. He and his wife were in their late fifties then. Their daily driver was an early 911. Buried in the back of their garage was a 300 SL gull wing coupe. The two of them campaigned an Austin Healey bugeye Sprite in SCCA class H Production. They wore T shirts labeled "Geriatric Racing Team".

[jgiedzinski]

My son's G35 2003 is experiencing the same problem (wipers slapping hard). Having read your post I'm ordering Part # 28841-AM 600 and looking forward to replace it myself. What a wonderfull post!!! I had to save the pictures to view them in their entirety, but that's no problem. I'm electronic engineer (another old f.) trying to save a buck or two. Thanks a bunch

[kmckis1029]

and this is why i like this forum!

[Afton]

Would also just like to say hello as an old guy at 60 who just purchased a 2004 G35. I admire all of you for sharing helpful information, just joined this forum a couple days ago.
Larry