My 03 Nissan Xterra Wipers arms wont move across the windshield The motors are turning but not the arms Is this something you can fix If so how?

Answer 1

I have had the same problem with an '02 Xterra--twice. Solution: at the end of the wiper arm, nearest the cowl, where the arm attaches to the shaft exiting the cowl there is a plastic cover. This cover looks like it is a fixed part of the wiper arm but WRONG! It is easily removed with a little prying. Beneath this cover is a nut (about 1/2 inch) which holds the wiper arm to the shaft. Place the wipers in the PARKED position, rotate the loose arm to the PARKED position and tighten this nut. I used a very small amount of blue thread lock on the nut before tightening. I didn't use the thread lock the first time I had this problem and am sure this is the reason for the repeat problem.

However, if this didn't fix your problem then you have problem with one or both of the connecting linkages under the black plastic hood cover between your hood and front windshield. This is a frequent problem for Xterras in the winter and spring due to icy weather and a poor design by Nissan--plastic fittings connecting the linkages. Fixing this problem is simple and will cost you about $35 dollars--cheaper if you order the parts on-line from a Nissan Dealer (I recommend that you try either http:/www.woodmennissan.com/parts/index.htm or http:/www.courtesyparts.com but I have found Woodmen Nissan to be the least expensive and fastest shipping). The part numbers for my 2000 Xterra were 28842-S3801 (connects the two wipers for synchronized operation) and 28841-3S500 (connects the passenger side wiper to the wiper motor for operation) and I believe these numbers will work for your '02/'03 as well. So that you have a comparison, the cost for these parts at the dealership I frequent in Northern VA are $16.99 (S3801) and $17.86 (3S500) respectively.

You will need a flat tip screwdriver to pry up the plastic covers protecting the wiper arm nuts, a 12mm socket and ratchet to remove the nuts, a Phillips head screwdriver, and perhaps a removal tool for plastic snap-in connectors (optional). First, remove both plastic covers and remove the securing nuts and wiper arms (leave blades attached) then unscrew your radio antenna. Next, use your flat tip screw driver and pry up the little black cover/cup on your radio antenna. Next, raise and secure your hood and gently remove the black rubber foam padding tube between the hood and the cowl. (Note: the pad is secured to the car by little plastic connectors so use a tool or be gentle detaching them). Next, lift off the passenger's side portion of the cowl (it snaps right out and will go back in easily) and then the driver's side portion. Next, unscrew the 3 screws securing the black plastic linkage cover to the frame and remove the cover in order to see all of the connections. The linkage arms connect to the ball joints at each end by plastic sockets that can easily detach or break during cold weather. First, see if you can reattach the socket to the joint (simply by pushing the plastic socket onto the metal ball joint) and then turn on your wiper motor to see if this fixes the problem. If not, then you will have to replace the broken link assembly because the plastic sockets are press manufactured in the link assembly. To do this just use your flat tip to pry-off/disconnect the socket at the other end of the assembly and install the new one by pushing its sockets onto the ball joints. Once reconnected, turn on the wiper motor to ensure it works and then reassemble your truck by reversing the above dissassembly instructions. (Note: once your wipers are back on, ensure they are properly positioned before you completely tighten down the 12-mm securing nut.)