02 Pathfinder back lights just died

Does your instrument panel lighting work?

If no check engine comes up, it would be PCM. PCM must set CHECK ENGINE LAMP when IG on.. Also check other instrument panel warning lamp come up. If not, Main Ampere Fuse must be checked.

It sounds like you have a bad dimmer switch but I have also seen the head lamp switch go bad too. try turning on the lights and playing with the headlamp switch on and off and slightly on and off if not that then go to the dimmer switch and play with that while the other hand gives the top of the dash a couple of good shots with your fist.

Verify all fuses using Test Light on both sides of fuses. Sometimes they look good so the light comes in handy. Make sure you find the ones to the radio, hvac instrument panel and Lh Taillights. Double check for grounding on trailer set up they can be problematic.

Checked Every fuse in the fuse box (no small task).This includes #4 - Power point Instrument Panel, #14 - Day time running lamps (auto lamps doesn't work nor does auto lock), #27 - ignition switch run feed, #35 - Instrument Cluster, #41 - Instrument Cluster, #42 - Delayed Accessory, #45 - Ignition switch run/start feed, #102 - Door locks body security module, #103 - Ignition switch, #110 - Ignition switch, & #116 - Ignition switch. But I also check all other ones as well, they all register OK. AC panel & radio work. Turn signals work. Mileage does not work, trip computer does. So, basically, everything works except auto head-lights, auto locks, and the dash cluster (no MPH, RPM, mileage display, Fuel, Temp, Tran Temp, and Oil Pressure).

The headlights have 2 fuses. One is a main power feed under the hood in the distrabution box and the other is under the dashboard. Check the fuses and then check for power at the switch. If you have power at the switch then its not a fuse its the switch and the trailer you had connected most likely shorted and back fed into the parking and dash light circuit. Those circuits also run from the light switch.

Hi there, have you tried the radio fuse and lighter fuse as when tail lights and dash lights wont work it is normally one of those.

Look in the Fuse Relay box under the Hood and Replace the Guage Relay. Should get it Fixed.

How long did the 2nd alt. last before it died? The voltage regulator is, I believe, attached to the alternator. Have u had the voltage regulator checked?

Hi there,

When you say you 'lose instrument panel', does that mean instrument panel lighting or the gauges go dead?

When you flip off the headlights, does the instrument panel come back? If it does, forget the fuse box.

If it's the instrument lighting, I'd be looking at headlight switch itself. In Safari's, the headlight switch and panel dimmer switch reside in one assembly. Coincidence? I think not.

I recommend replacing the switch. You can find one at a salvage yard for $5.00.

When you do the replacement, inspect the plugs and wiring attached to the old one for anything suspicious (loose wires, frayed insulation, bare wire, charred wire, etc.)

Let me know how it turns out.
Good luck,

If this works out for you, please take a sec and rate my solution.

Thanks
Mike