Windscreen Wipers - A story

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 4:57 pm

http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 4&start=15

NB8A manuals, but unlikely the wiper selector changed in the NB8A to B changeover (unless the 8B went to a variable intermittent switch?)
http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 3&start=15

Otherwise, I have the PDFs of the NB8A manuals backed up onto my laptop, if you need to feel free to send me a PM and I'll look up and send across the relevant pages for the wiper switch etc. (whole document is too big to send, it's something like 800 pages)

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 7:06 pm

Thanks Guys, I was foolishly looking in the Workshop Manual for the information on the Wiper Switch under "Wipers" (09-19-1) but it's actually under "Lighting System".(09-18-6)
I do notice that the Combination Switch set-up in the Manual shows the Lights/Wipers on the wrong side. The components are also different to those shown in the Parts Diagram/description sourced from "Mazda.epcdata.com" See pictures below:

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 7:59 pm

I wonder if it is indeed the switch or one of the many (5?) connections to the terminal block.

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 8:44 pm

Yeah, old cars are a "Magical Mystery Tour", JB.

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Thu Jul 12, 2018 5:46 pm

A postscript (hopefully) to the saga.
Thanks to the help and advice of several Forum Members, I was able to identify the correct part required and order it from Amayama.
It arrived in a week or so and I booked the car into my Auto Electrician this am to have the Wiper Switch replaced.
He said it wasn't a lot of fun, involving removal of the steering wheel and then the air bag which required disconnecting the battery and thereby prevented checking of the circuit after the replacement (I think I got that right).
In any case it all worked and I have wipers again just in case I ever get caught in the rain. Repair cost $220. Switch about $100. incl shipping.
This is what the old switch looks like just in case you ever need to know.

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Thu Jul 12, 2018 5:58 pm

Rocky, did the auto elec check this unit to determine the fault?

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Thu Jul 12, 2018 6:24 pm

I don't recall him mentioning that he did any post-replacement diagnosis of the fault.
He did test the circuits before I ordered the Switch to ensure that it was the Switch and not the Wiper Motor again.
What are you thinking Taminga?

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Thu Jul 12, 2018 7:16 pm

I just noticed that the new part had a "Mazda Genuine Parts" sticker on it.
The local Mazda Dealer told my Auto Electrician that "Mazda don't make that part any more".
Does that mean "It's no longer available in Australia because we can't be bothered ordering it for you".

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Jul 12, 2018 9:21 pm

Mazda Aust may not be all that interested in servicing parts but it may no longer be available through the Mazda network. My bet is that Mazda Au will supply it if listed but buyer would pay air costs and Mazdas price. The Amayama part could be old stock in their warehouse.Genuine parts may be available from many sources not just from Mazda. Its very unlikely that any co reproduces all the tooling to do an items like this - the costs to make the dies and the engineering and sourcing etc has to make economic return. The auto elect charge is pretty good in my view and the $100 also is good- win and tick off.

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Thu Jul 12, 2018 10:08 pm

Agree MM, I've always found my Auto Electrician to be scrupulously honest and very competent. He's an 'old style Tradie' and a very pleasant bloke into the bargain. He knows I'm fussy and so when I arrive he has cleared a sizeable space in the workshop and he knows I'm going to walk home rather than have someone drive me in my car. He can see by the state of the car that he is the only one I want working on it. I know it's in good hands.

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Sat Jul 14, 2018 2:09 pm

Rocky wrote:I don't recall him mentioning that he did any post-replacement diagnosis of the fault.
He did test the circuits before I ordered the Switch to ensure that it was the Switch and not the Wiper Motor again.
What are you thinking Taminga?

Most things are repairable, time is the issue. If it is not the mechanics everything on the board is replaceable.
Greg.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Sat Jul 14, 2018 3:54 pm

Rocky, you need the real old style wipers, the ones you use your hand to crank from the inside (just like the car you learned to drive in).

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Sat Jul 14, 2018 9:56 pm

Bruce, the car I learned to drive in didn't have wipers. You had to stop every 20 yards and wipe the windscreen with your hanky.
(You young whippersnappers, you don't know you're alive!)