imports_only1

While driving on the expressway during a bad winter storm, all of a sudden, my interior dashboard clock went out. At the same time, my wipers stopped working. While driving blind for a minute, both of them came back on again....and later it would do the same thing again. It did this like 4 times during my trip. Are they related somehow..as in connection? I couldn't find any bad fuses so I'm just wondering what happened. Anybody ever had this happened before?

VQ'rInWLA

iTrader: (83)

Jiggle the ignition switch with the key in it. This has happened to me a few times. Do you hear a click when everything cuts back on? The usual four to go out are the wipers, clock, radio, and cig lighter.

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

+1 Most likely the ignition switch, cheap and easy to change. If it's not that it's probably the accessory relay.

imports_only1

I didn't really hear any clicks because the road noise was too loud to notice it.

How could it be the ignition switch?

VQ'rInWLA

iTrader: (83)

Does it only happen when youre driving? Or has it happened upon startup?

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

Think about it, your wipers and clock, among other things, will not turn on until you turn the key to the on position. When you turn the key to on it powers the accessory relay which supplies power to things like the wipers and clock. That is why this problem is caused by the ignition switch, most likely, or the accessory relay. This is a common problem with Maxima's and many other cars.

If you want to rule out the accessory relay find it and swap it out with the ignition relay located next to it. But that would cause other problems.

Just jiggle the key when it happens if all of the sudden things start working you know it is the switch.

imports_only1

That makes sense. I'll look into the accessory relay first then the ignition switch. I hope it's not the switch bec. wouldn't it mean I have to change all my keys or key holes?

bobflood

Nope. You just change the electrical connector on the end of the key cylinder. Part new at Nissan is about $40; takes less than 30 mins to replace.

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

+1 if you don't get OEM you can get them for less from Autozone or some where. New keys not required. I would just change it.

imports_only1

would this be the right part?

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...1571030092___#

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1247936306___

bobflood

Ends look correct - though wire looks kind of short as I remember it.

02_Maxima_6sd

I just bought a 97 max and had an issue with the clock not working and wipers would only work @ one speed, slow. If I move it to the fastest speed level they would stop functioning. I hit the dash where the clock is and it light up but that no longer is working. After reading a few posts here about the ignition switch I decided to try the cheapest thing first. I notice my key was extremely worn out so I had one made at wolly world. I just used the key and the wipers are working at all speed level and do not get stuck mid point. The clock is still out so I will check the fuse on that one.

skypilots

I put a new ignition swicth in I got from advance auto. worked ok for a while now my clock ect. comes on when it wants. I still have to jiggle the key to get these to work. anything I am missing or did I buy a junk part?

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

Most likely the ignition switch you bought is fine. Check out the accessory relay it is mounted next to the fuse box.