Variable Intermittent Wipers - retrofit upgrade on '06 3i
Summary:
I've replaced my wiper stalk with the proper Variable Intermittent Wiper stalk.
What are the exact steps that the dealer would need to perform using the WDS computer to activate the VIW in the car’s software?
Full Post:
I replaced my old wiper stalk (mounted to the steering column) with the new stalk featuring the Variable Intermittent Wiper rotator ring.
This is Mazda part "BR9E-66-128 LEVER,WIP" from M3F user Tiffany. The new stalk, alone, doesn’t activate the VIW feature (the wipers function like they used to, without the variable delay).
The only thing left to do, according to bagman1, is to have this feature activated (in the car’s software?) using a WDS.
The problem is that whenever I call the local dealerships (I'm in Northern California - San Francisco bay area), they scratch their heads and say "uhhhh, I've never heard of doing that."
Question:
My question is: what, exactly, should I tell the service department so that they understand what I’m asking them to do?
Are there any Bay Area Mazda service centers that are cool about performing this kind of not-your-ordinary-oil-change type of work?
Possible terms to use:
PJB - Programmable Junction Box
WDS - Worldwide Diagnostic System (?)
Update: I'm currently at Oak Tree Mazda in San Jose, CA. Handed them all the information gathered from these board posts, explained what needs to be done. They took the car in.
After over 90 minutes, they come back with a generic statement of "we were unable to do it." It's not clear at this point, but it's looking like I will be charged either the $149 or $299 charge. For nothing. More later when the final bill comes.
Does *anybody* know of a dealership in Northern California that knows how to enable VIW on an '06?
Second update: They charged $149 for the labor. They were up front about the potential charges, so I can't complain. They ended up replacing the failing thermostat free under the emissions warranty (which I didn't expect), so that evened things out.
But I still want my damn variable intermittent wipers! It was never made clear if this is impossible, or if they just didn't know how to do it. So if anyone knows how, please do let me know. Even better if they're within driving distance of California!
I didn't even thing that the intermittent wipers were available until 2007. Sounds like a pretty big undertaking. I don't think any dealership is gonna want to even try that endeavor. You might have to go to a place that installs electronics.
you should've done a side by side of the stalks first to see if the new one has more wires or not. they may have added 2 wires for the variable switch.
in order to do the upgrade you have to replace the
1)windshield with the auto rain sense/auto light sensor (350$ CDN installed)
2) replace PJB with one that is compatible out of higher model (100$ from scrap yard)
3)install new roof harness from l/r c pillar going to sensor on windshield (scrapyard 30$)
4) instal new wiper stalk (ebay 20$)
no programming necessary
this was done on my 05 mazda 3 gx
I would think you should be able to just replace the PJB and the wiper stalk and it should work. I don't understand why you'd need the auto sensors and a new windshield. It would seem you'd only need the sensors for the auto wipers. But I am definitely no expert...
You MUST replace the windshield as the sensor on the window is what senses the auto lights and the rain that gets directed on the window. How else do you think this would work? I did the conversion on my 05 and I researched it with no results at the time when I did it. I peiced everything together and saw what was needed. I'm not trying to be rude but sometimes just accept what people say especially if the have done it before
@my_mazda3: I can't speak for everyone here, but here's my perspective.
It wasn't clear to me (and still is not clear) why installing Variable Intermittent Wipers would require a rain-sensing windshield.
Now, if we were talking about installing Rain-Sensing Wipers, then it would be totally clear.
But, as far as I know, Variable Intermittent Wipers != Rain-Sensing Wipers.
to me these cars already have variable speed wipers and the only way to add in the variable intermittant you will need to add the auto function. It automatically ajusts the speed that the wipers work at and turns them on whenever they detect rain
Not sure I understand why you say these cars have VIW already...mine only has one speed. Not meaning to be rude either, but I just don't see why you'd need a bunch of sensors and auto wipers, that's not the same thing as VIW. VIW doesn't work by sensing rain, it works by a variable adjustment on the wiper stalk. Again, I would think you ought to be able to get a PJB and wiper stalk with VIW from a 2006 or newer MZ3 and it should work....thinking I may try this...if so, I will let you guys know.
If you read what I read then you will see that I wrote these cars have variable speed wipers. By that I mean 1st click slow, second click medium, 3rd click hyper drive. The variable intermitant that you are looking for is tied in to the auto wipers. I already tried all of this on my old 05 this is why I am getting a little frustrated. I have done so many mods on my old 3 I know what works and what doesn't work. Because I started with the same intentions as you did and peiced my system together
I understand what you were saying now. I was referring only to the intermittent portion of the wipers, I was not considering the Low and High settings. In terms of intermittent, there is only one setting. So are you saying that you have already tried changing the PJB and wiper stalk on your 05. By that I mean changing to a PJB and wiper stalk with VIW capabilities.
I did some checking and decided it would be much cheaper to come up with the VIW mod. Thanks to icspots for photos of the VIW mod from billm. I got enough info from the pics that I could see what he did to make VIW work. I will be building a module up to do something similar to what was done by icspots and billm. I am hoping to make a slight twist and activate the mod when using the intermittent setting on the stalk. I will have to cut that wire, but I'd like it to function similar to 'factory' functioning VIW's. Thanks again for the input.
I apologize for the somewhat double post. Didn't think I had responded already. I will post again once I get things built up. I just ordered all the components from Mouser today. It actually isn't that complicated of a circuit. I plan to prototype it first on a breadboard to make sure it works and then I'll solder it on a protoboard and try it out in the car.
(tangent alert) Your post got me thinking about doing your version of the mod - but using the adjustment ring on the VIW stalk that I've already purchased, rather than a separate knob.
Hmmm, that's an interesting thought. I wonder if the stalk with the adjustment has a potentiometer in it. If so, it might be possible to use it. I wonder if anyone out there with an 06 or newer that would be interested to use an ohmmeter to check the resistance levels from the VIW pin to ground on their MZ3? You have an auto wiper stalk in yours right?
Actually, I was reading back over the thread and wondering if you still have the adjustable wiper stalk that you bought. It would be really neat to have the factory adjustable stalk and have the mod completely hidden!
Test Procedure: Exactly - I'm wondering if it's just a potentiometer in there. The stalk is currently installed in my car, so it might be a few days before I can take everything apart and start testing - maybe this weekend?
That would be great! If you can test it, please let me know. The mod circuit that billm used and the similar one I am using works by setting resistor and capacitor values. So its possible if the resistance values are just right, you could just use the factory adjustable stalk...or maybe use the factory adjustable stalk and some combination of resistors on the mod circuit board. I am very curious what you find for the resistance!
Definitely can't wait to see what you end up coming up with. I love the module billm made for me but having it completely integrated would be way more awesome.
If you can get this to work, and possibly have a spare module built up (or think of producing them afterwards), I would be VERY interested. This is one of the few things that I would like to adjust about my 3's factory capabilities. I, like ICSPOTS, am very excited to see what you can do with this mod.
Our 2009 Mazda has the auto/variable intermittent wipers & these do not work like standard VIW.
Turning the variable dial does not change the duration of the intermittent wipers like standard VIW. It changes the sensitivity of the rain sensor on the windshield.
IMO, the variable function does not work that well. Turning the variable knob fully to one direction or fully to the other direction does not have much effect.
For the year of your car, did Mazda offer a standard VIW system that did not incorporate the auto system?
If yes, that is the system to get, preferably from a wrecked Mazda, to convert your car...
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