I am having an intermittent electrical problem that I have not been able to isolate. I have lost my heater blower motor, windshield wipers and cigarette lighter. It is not a fuse problem as when it is not working, there is no power on the fuse on either side. I still have all of the other electrical functions such as windows, radio, etc. I have not pulled the ignition cover and tried to check power thru it, but it does not help if I cycle the ignition several times. The Haynes book I have is very lacking in anything associated with the ignition curcuit and any fuseable links.
Any help is appreciated as this warm dry spell may not last but a few more days.
Randy

 

did you try to trace all them back to see where they all meet in common?

could be ground issue as well

 

Double check for power on all 3 of those functions at the fuse box, remove the fuse just to make certain there is no power on either side. If there isn't power, the problem is before hand, don't bother lookin for a ground fault, as there is no power to the function yet. Work your way back from the fuse box, I presume the next place would be the fusible links and relays, check for power and continuity across the appropriate components. I'm not totally familiar with this system, as I've never had a problem, try to get a schematic of the ignition electrical system,I hope you have a multi meter, and know how to use it!

 

Ugh I have a wiper problem too and can't figure it out. Fuse blows as soon as I turn the key to the ON position. Hope you figure it out, I have yet to figure mine out.

 

At this point, I don't think it is a ground problem because as I noted, I don't have power to either side of the fuse with the ignition turned on. I will say that I did have it for a second or two while checking, but lost it. I wonder where I could get a better schematic as what I have is pretty poor.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Randy

 

Pull the shroud from around the steering column and check out the white ignition switch at the end of the lock cylinder. One of the contacts runs a subset of "acc" circuits that might be your problem.

 

Good chance it's an ignition switch issue. Try playing with the key/switch when the problem occurs and see what happens.

 

Im gonna agree with bobflood and nopike, check that out first, i've seen contacts cause problems in the steer column on other vehicles.

 

I pulled the covers around the steering column and checked the wires at the back of the switch and also checked the six wire connector coming from the ignition switch. As per the Haynes manual, I checked and all had twelve volts when they were supposed to according to where the switch was turned. My problem is I can not find a schematic that shows detail from the ignition switch to the fuse panel.

 

Ok, finally got a few minutes to take some checks and what I am seeing is on the fuses to the blower motor, wipers and cigarette lighter is about 8 volts with no load. As soon as I turn on the wipers or blower, that reading goes to zero. I have also ckecked the voltage at the ignition switch back and switch quick connect for the different settings on the key and everything seems fine. What I have not been able to determine yet is exactly where does the fuse panel get it's power and is there any fusable links that may be broken and show a little voltage, but will not carry a load.
Again, any suggestions and help is appreciated.

 

You don't really need to check any voltages. When the problem occurs try jiggling the key switch or turn it on and off a couple of times. If things start working normally there is a very good chance it is the ithe ignition switch. It's a common problem with older Maxima and most older vehicles. The switch is failrly cheap and easy to replace so even if it does not fix the problem you are not out a whole lot of time or money.

Other cause could be the ignition or accessory relay. You can probably switch the two and and see if any thing changes.

Think about it there are some functions such as the turn signals, AC/Heat that you can not use until the ignition key is in the on position. The key has to be in the accessory position before the wipers work. If that is what is happening then the ignition switch is probably at fault.

Only other thing is fusible link h (30A) in the underhood fuse box.

The FSM has better wiring diagrams.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1995/

 

Well, I took the fuse panel box out and it amazes me how many wires go thru that thing. Our local salvage yard had about four 4th gen Maximas and I went by during lunch and they have crushed them all. I don't think this is a fuse box problem, but at least now I can determine if any wires coming to the fuse box has low voltage a little better with it out. I call this a fuse box because the back side are all quick connects and the front is fuses and three relays. This thing is over an inch thick and appears to be sealed together. I would hate to think what it looks like inside.