Intermittent Wipers not working

[Meccathor]

For the past few years, my intermittent wipers have not worked at all. The two other speeds, fast and extremely fast, work perfectly though. I was looking through my factory service manual, and found that the possible causes of the problem are either A) The Time Control Unit (TCU), B) The wiper amp, or C) the wiper switch.

The problem is that I have no idea where any of these things are located. I searched around this site and 240sxforums and didn't really find any answers, hence this thread....

I took these two pictures in my engine bay and I'm pretty sure one of them is the wiper amp, so if you know which is the amp, let me know, and then tell me what the other one is... ;)

I think this one is the wiper amp, but not positive, as i've read in a bunch of threads that its located on the passenger side, though that my only be for s14's...

http://home.comcast.net/~meccathor/wiperamp3.jpg

Here's the other side of the engine bay, I think this is the wiper motor, but again, i'm not positive on that...

http://home.comcast.net/~meccathor/wiperamp4.jpg

As for the Time Control Unit, I have no idea where it is at all. The FSM doesn't give a very good description of its location. So if anyone knows, please let me know.

Also as far as when the FSM refers to the wiper switch, is it talking about the physical switch on the steering column?

Finally, As I was looking around for the TCU, I was checking under the driver side kickpanel and I found this connector that isn't plugged into anything. Does anyone have any idea what this thing is? Here's a picture:

http://home.comcast.net/~meccathor/fuse.JPG

Thanks to anyone who replies! :)

[ranisron]

Okay, I happen to have the same problems, but I got it fixed by coincidence ... when I was installing a headunit. basically, It should be one of the red fuses (15), right column, 3rd one done (or pull each of the red fuses, since I CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH ONE I pulled). When I pulled mine, it was blown, and when I replaced it, my intermmitent wiper started to work :wtf: ?

Hope your problem gets solved fast.

EDIT: If you see a white 240sx fastback with loud exhaust around pittsburgh downtown area, it's me :D

[Pstl_pete]

The first picture shows the wiper amplifier. Its the green box.

[Meccathor]

Ranisron: I just went outside and one by one tried every fuse in that box with a working one, and they were all good, so that's not by problem, thanks though.

Pstl_Pete: Thank you, is the second picture the wiper motor? and do you have any idea where the TCU is or what that connector is in the third picture?

[ThatGuy]

Tech Questions belong in Tech Talk.

[speeddreamz]

If ya noe someone try switching wiper amplifier boxes, the green one in the pic. The other thing is ur wiper motor, on the passenger side.

As far as that thing thats not plugged in, I think its a consult check if im not mistaken? Something for diagnosis.

[Meccathor]

Thanks for the replies guys, now does anyone know where the Time Control Unit is?

[projectRDM]

Read my answer on FA.

[pr240sx]

The Time Control Unit is a white box located under the fuse panel.
You need to remove the fuse panel to locate it.
As for the pictures, you are correct, the connector IS the Consult port.
Probably is the TCU, check the connections and wiggle the connectors
I assume that the wipers dont work when you activa the windshield washer too
Dimmer does not work correctly also
All these problems are TCU related.

[mjjstang]

I have same problem as you, also my wipers will all of the sudden come on for a revolution out of nowhere. this happens quite frequently, almost every time I drive. does yours ever do that. im thinking I have a messed up electrical problem though.

[Meccathor]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll let you know what the problem is when I get around to pinpointing it next week.

pr240sx: you are correct, the wipers don't come on when i hit the windshield washers, but my dimmer does work fine.

mjjstang: I've never experienced my wipers randomly coming on.

[Meccathor]

I got it fixed...

I took my TCU out and followed the pinpoint check in the factory service manual. Everything checked out ok, so I put it back together and my intermittent wipers started working again...

Really wierd...

A connection must have been loose somewhere and the process of taking it apart and putting it back together had it make contact.

Thanks for all the help everyone, I hope this thread turns out useful for others.