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Versa wipers and defogger malfunctioning
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mailbox
New User
Dec 3, 2011, 12:49 AM
Post #1 of 4
(1949 views)
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Versa wipers and defogger malfunctioning
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2007 / Nissan / Versa / 95,000 Km
Two electrical issues that *may* be related (I am not sure)
Issue #1 - Front wipers are working erratically
When on intermittent they will sometimes wipe 2 or 3 times consecutively and then work as per normal. Sometimes when you want to use the single wipe feature it will wipe multiple times. Once it did not turn off and the system shutdown the wipers in the upper position (I believe this is an override part of the system- designed to prevent a motor burnout or further damage).
I have reviewed the service manual and followed the tests for voltage/ground/continuity, but cannot find any specifics about a problem that seems random. I don't know if the issue is 1) the combo switch, 2) the IPDM, 3) the motor, 4) the harness, or something else. These are *expensive* parts, so I am apprehensive about what to do.
Issue #2 - Defogger circuit working erratically
Now the defogger is acting really strange. It seems that when the car is cold (ie. say <5 deg C, 40 deg F) the defogger circuit will rarely turn on/off with a press of the button. Sometimes it will turn on then off immediately. Sometimes it will not turn on. Sometimes it will turn on after holding the button for a few seconds. After the car is warm the button seems to function more per normal.
It is not likely that the button connection is faulty because wiggling the button does not improve the situation.
I am beginning to wonder if the wiper problem is related to the defogger problem. These issues are really puzzling me. I don't know what to revisit. Is there any chance fuses could be causing the problems? Is it more likely the IPDM? Or is it likely something else for each issue?
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 3, 2011, 9:02 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1920 views)
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Re: Versa wipers and defogger malfunctioning
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The logic is in the BCM (body control module). The BCM gets discreet inputs from the combination switch then turns around and tells the IPDM (intelligent power distribution module) over a data bus to turn on the wiper motor though a combination of relays. That's going to be somewhat difficult to troubleshoot because you need the test equipment that is capable of capturing the glitch when it occurs. You also have to monitor the right circuit at the time. This vehicle is still new and hasn't really trickled down into the independents yet, but the first thing that I would do is connect an enhanced scan tool and interface the BCM to see if you could monitor combination switch inputs, wiper activation output, and command functions through the scan tool. This glitch would be impossible to catch with a digital volt meter.
The defogger circuit just about works the same as the wiper circuit. The switch inputs go the BCM. The BCM communicates over a data bus to tell the IPDM to energize the defogger and mirror relays to allow power to go to the heated glass elements. I would connect a scan tool up and watch the BCM inputs for the defogger switch. Then watch the output to see if the BCM is telling the IPDM to turn on the defogger.
From there you should be able follow the problem to its source. Since both system utilize the same components, it's possible that solving one problem will resolve the other.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 3, 2011, 9:03 AM)
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mailbox
New User
Dec 4, 2011, 8:58 AM
Post #3 of 4
(1899 views)
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Re: Versa wipers and defogger malfunctioning
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Do only Nissan dealers have the 'enhanced scan tool' equipment?
(This post was edited by mailbox on Dec 4, 2011, 9:00 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 4, 2011, 9:03 AM
Post #4 of 4
(1894 views)
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Re: Versa wipers and defogger malfunctioning
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No. There may be some independents running around that have enhanced scan tools that could get into that. There maybe a few that have Nissan factory scan tools which would be the most comprehensive. You'll have to check around.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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