I've got 2 problems

[NRG]

1st problem is both Windshield Washer Pumps don't work.  Fuse is good.  My mechanic friend thinks they may have a common ground so I'm wondering if I can cut the ground wires near the pump and connect them to a ground that way.

 

2nd problem, I can turn the cruise control on  but it won't set.  It worked fine last week.  The brake lights don't stay on so is there another switch on the brake pedal for the cruise control?  If it's the same switch that turns on the brake lights then what other problem could it be?

 

And one more thing, I'm not sure if it's a WD21 or R50, can't tell by looking at the VIN number and don't see anything on the label inside drivers door.

[Slartibartfast]

2001 is an R50. The WD21 ended in '95 in the US. The question is whether you've got the VG33 (3.3l) or VQ35 (3.5l).

 

Looks like there are two switches on the brake pedal. One for the brake lights, one for the cruise control (which Nissan calls ASCD for some reason). If the R50 pedal assembly is built like the WD21, there's a little rubber plug that bumps against the end of the switch, until it cracks and falls out, and causes the switch to think the brakes are always pressed. Check for that before assuming it's the switch. There's a troubleshooting section for the cruise control in the EL section of the service manual, which you can download for free from Nicoclub. There's an '01 and an '01.5 manual, depending on whether you've got a VG or a VQ.

 

Cutting the wires at the pumps will not do what you want it to. The front pump is ground-switched (one side of the motor gets fused power, the other side runs through the switch, then to ground), so grounding it at the pump would cause it to run constantly. The two pumps do not share a fuse with each other, though they do share fuses with their respective wiper motors--so if the wipers work, then you know the fuses are OK. If the front wipers work, then you know the ground points for the pumps are OK, because those circuits share the same two ground points.

 

I would check the pumps first. Unplug them, see if the plugs are corroded, see you've got power and ground at the plugs (while someone holds the washer button). Power the pumps directly with jumpers or a drill battery to see if they go. I would not be surprised if the pumps were seized up, especially if the truck sat for a while (or if the previous owner just didn't use them).

 

"Wiper and washer" (also in the EL section) has the circuit diagrams for the pumps and wipers. Those diagrams and a voltmeter should be enough to track down where the problem is.

[NRG]

Thank you for your reply, based on the info you gave me I've got an R50.  I'll check for the little rubber plug and see if that's it.  Also front and rear wipers do work so I will try replacing the pumps.

[gamellott]

As far as the cruise working or not. My clutch pedal does not return all the way because I believe the return spring is broken. There is another switch on the clutch pedal at the top of the throw that does not engage unless I pull the pedal all the way up to contact the switch. If it's a manual, that could be an issue to be aware of.

[NRG]

I found the problem with the cruise control, thank you Slartibartfast.  Seems like it's a plastic piece not rubber.  I found pieces of it under the dash.  Can't seem to locate what it's called so I can try and order it on either Rock Auto or Amazon.  I'm finding the cruise cutoff switch but not the little piece that prevents the plunger from going through the hole in the brake pedal part.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[gamellott]

I've taped a coin over the hole in the past since that OEM part is likely unobtanium

[Slartibartfast]

I'm guessing OE is either this or this, but check the diagrams against your pedal assembly to see if I'm looking in the right place. I ordered these when I did mine. I remember them fighting me a bit, but I haven't had trouble with them since. The description says they fit '84-'17, so I guess Nissan held onto this stupid design for a while!

 

And yeah, sounds like a lot of people use coins or similar. There's probably a plastic trim clip that would work just as well. Or one of those stick-on felt pad feet for furniture.

[NRG]

On 7/18/2025 at 2:32 PM, gamellott said:

I've taped a coin over the hole in the past since that OEM part is likely unobtanium

I found the part on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92QPFDT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1, not exact but if it falls out I'll glue it in with Gorilla.  It doesn't snap into place but so far it's staying.  After I bought that part I found this which may work better but looks like it will be harder to install https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8NKDQPL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title