Nissan 240sx Wiper and Washer System S13: adjustments, tests, relays and more
Nissan 240sx 1989-1994 S13
Nissan's 240SX S13 is equipped with a 2-speed wiper system with time delay feature. Some models are equipped with a rear wiper/washer system.
WIPER MOTOR
All wiper motors include an integral park switch inside the motor housing. The motor cover can be removed and the switch adjusted if wipers do not park correctly. Some models have an externally mounted circuit breaker to protect the wiper motor.
WIPER AMPLIFIER
All Maxima, Stanza, 240SX and 300ZX models have a Time Control Unit (TCU) which controls the delayed wiper cycle. This unit also operates the clock, turn and hazard flashers, seat belt chimes and other timed delayed circuits.
WASHER
A check valve is located in washer line between reservoir tank and nozzle. If removed, install valve with arrow toward nozzle. All models have windshield washer systems. A separate pump is used for the rear washer. On all models a common reservoir is used for both washer systems.
WIPER COMPONENT LOCATION
- 240SX
- Amplifier
- Front: Location Not Available From Manufacturer
- Rear: Center Rear Panel
- Time Control: Unit Left Side Kick Panel
WIPER ARM ADJUSTMENT
1. Prior to installing wiper arm, turn wiper motor switch ON then OFF (Auto Stop). Install wiper arm but do not tighten nut. Set blade down on glass.
2. Set blade so that centerline of wiper blade is at specified distance from edge of glass in the STOP position (horizontal stop wipers). On vertical stop wipers, the distance is measured from centerline of wiper blade to edge of black print on glass. Tighten wiper arm nut.
3. Operate washer motor to spray washer fluid on glass. Turn wiper switch ON to operate wiper motor. Turn wiper switch OFF. Ensure proper clearance is maintained.
WIPER BLADE CLEARANCE
- 240SX
- Front: .7-1.3 Inches (25-35mm)
- Rear: 1.0-1.4 Inches (25-35mm)
WIPER AMPLIFIER TESTING
1. Disconnect and remove amplifier from vehicle or position so test leads, battery and test light can be connected to amplifier terminals. Use care to prevent improper connections since amplifier can be damaged.
2. Connect test leads and test light as shown to battery and terminals of amplifier.

Leaving test lead from terminal No. 6 for last, connect test lead to battery ground. If test light comes on, amplifier is normal. If not, replace amplifier.
WIPER RELAY
Connect test leads and test light as shown to battery and to terminals of wiper relay.

Leaving test lead from terminal No. 6 for last, connect test lead to battery ground. Relay is normal if test light comes on. If test light does not come on, replace wiper relay.
WIPER RELAY (1992 MODELS)
Remove relay. Continuity shoulcd exist between terminals No. 3 and 4, and no continuity between terminals No. 6 and 7.

Apply battery voltage across terminals No. 1 and 2. There should now be no continuity between terminals No. 3 and 4, and continuity between terminals No. 6 and 7. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.
TIME CONTROL UNIT TEST
NOTE: The Time Control Unit (TCU) is used on Nissan's 240SX model. Control unit operates many different systems for each vehicle. The following circuit test procedures only check circuits that control the wiper delay operation.
When testing time control unit, insert probes into harness side of connector while still plugged into control unit. See
image 1 and
image 2 . Ensure ignition key is in correct position when testing each circuit. Perform tests in order:
- Power Circuit
- TCU Output Wiper Relay Circuit
- Wiper Switch Circuit
- Intermittent Wiper Volume
POWER CIRCUIT
1. Turn ignition off. Access time control unit with harness still connected. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity between terminal No. 15 and ground. Continuity should exist. If not, inspect TCU harness circuit and repair or replace as needed.
2. Connect a voltmeter between terminals No. 9 (+) and 15 (-) at harness side of connector. Voltmeter should show 12 volts when ignition switch is in any position.
3. Connect voltmeter to terminals No. 5 (+) and 15 (-). With ignition switch in the OFF or ACC position, voltmeter should show zero volts. With ignition switch in the ON position, voltmeter should show 12 volts. If results are incorrect, inspect TCU harness circuit. If correct, test TCU output wiper relay circuit.
4. Connect voltmeter leads to terminals No. 2 (+) and 15 (-). With ignition switch in the ACC or ON position, voltmeter should read 12 volts. There should be no voltage reading when ignition switch is in the OFF position. If results are incorrect, inspect TCU harness circuit. If correct, test TCU output wiper relay circuit.
TCU OUTPUT WIPER RELAY CIRCUIT
Turn ignition switch to ACC position and wiper switch in the INT position, measure voltage across terminals No. 1 (+) and 15 (-). Voltage reading should be zero volts, then should read 12 volts in 3 to 12 second intervals. If not, check wiper switch circuit.
WIPER SWITCH CIRCUIT
Turn ignition switch to the OFF position and wiper switch to the INT position. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between terminals No. 12 (+) and 15 (-). Continuity should exist. If not, check wiper switch.
ITERMITTENT WIPER VOLUME CIRCUIT
Turn ignition off. Using an ohmmeter, measure resistance between terminals No. 14 and 15 while turning intermittent wiper volume switch. Reading should be from zero ohms with switch in the "S" position, and should read approximately one ohm in the "L" position. If reading is incorrect, replace wiper switch.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT WIPER MOTOR
Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable and motor wiring. Remove wiper motor mounting bolts. Remove nut and clip holding linkage arm to motor shaft. Remove motor assembly.
2. Remove wiper arm cap and nut. Remove wiper arm and wiper shaft nut. Remove inspection cover (if equipped) and remove linkage.
FYI: Before installing wiper arm(s), wiper motor must be cycled at lowest speed, then turned off to allow motor to find its parked position.
Installation
1. Clean wiper arm splines (on each pivot actuator) with a wire brush before installing wiper arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
2. On some models, wiper arm lengths differ from side to side. Compare arm lengths before installation. Driver's side arm can be identified by a "D" and is usually the shorter arm. The passenger's side arm can be identified by an "A" and is usually the longer arm.
3. Ensure clearance (position) of wiper blade is correct when installing wiper arms. Clearance is measured between edge of windshield and end of wiper blade.
WIPER RELAYS
For removal and installation of wiper relays, see wiper component location table in this article. Remove panels and fasteners as necessary. To install, reverse removal procedure.
REAR WIPER MOTOR
Removal
Remove wiper shaft nut and wiper arm. Open hatch or tailgate and remove inner panel. Disconnect wiring from motor. Remove motor mounting bolts. Remove wiper motor.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Install wiper arm so blade is in correct position.
COMBINATION SWITCH
Remove
steering wheel pad and
steering wheel. Disconnect all wiring. Remove retaining screw or clip and pull combination switch off column. Wiper switches can be separated from combination switch. To install, reverse removal procedure. Align tab on switch with hole in column.
WIPER ARM TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS - FT Lbs. (N.m)
- 240SX
- Front: 12-17 (17-23)
- Rear: 10-13 (14-18)
Did you find this repair info helpful or are improvements needed? Please leave comments below.
Nissan 240sx 1989-1994 S13
There are no comments on this page. [Add comment]