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phantom highbeam

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Old 11-26-2007 | 06:39 PM
  #1  
smitty124's Avatar
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phantom highbeam

Okay... I've troubleshot this problem quite a bit, and am completely bewildered.

My passenger side highbeam does not work, both regular lights are fine, but if put in highbeam, the passenger side goes completely dead.

I've tried putting the passenger bulb in the driver side, and the highbeam worked fine. I also changed bulbs, but that still didnt fix the problem.

I took a multimeter, and to my surprise, there was still 12 volts going to the passenger highbeam terminal..

So I figured, it must be a bad connector on the harness, and replaced the harness. But still nothing..


At this point I would suspect the combo switch, but there is STILL the CORRECT voltage going to the correct terminal on the passenger highbeam when its on.. But for some really strange reason, no bulbs want to light up when they're on that side. =\
Old 11-26-2007 | 06:53 PM
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http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=325599
Old 11-26-2007 | 06:54 PM
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you said you have replaced the harness, are you sure you have put the new one on correctly?
perhaps you have the negative and positive backwards, so the regular would work, but not the high.
Old 11-26-2007 | 06:59 PM
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check the grounds on that light.

failing that, replace the headlight switch on the steering column. they're famous for going out at this age.
Old 11-26-2007 | 07:17 PM
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ya, wiring is done properly, I guess i'll replace the combo switch.. It just still confuses me that power is actually going to the correct terminal on the harness, yet the bulb still dosent work. (any bulb)

I did the 9007 upgrade while replacing both harnesses, and the same problem carried over (as expected) no highbeam on passenger side. (but harness still has live power for some reason)

My only thought is that for some reason, there is voltage, but not enough current is available on that terminal for the highbeam to fire.. maybe from a weak wire or switch... (wishful thinking of course, i'll try and get a new combo switch on my next paycheck)

Last edited by smitty124; 11-26-2007 at 07:20 PM.
Old 11-26-2007 | 07:41 PM
  #6  
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it should be at least 12v, and if its got it it *should* fire.
but before you replace, try cleaning it up. if it works, then you could go for a new one.
if not, you've wasted a few hours(tops, but I've never tried), and you'll have to start looking elsewhere...
Old 11-27-2007 | 04:53 AM
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I've read the thread about cleaning the combo switch, but heard that process makes your bulbs burn out faster. But I guess a dirty switch could maybe could explain why the bulb is getting voltage, but isnt able to draw any current..

New ones are only about $80 or so from Nissan, so i'll grab a new one when i get a chance.
Old 11-27-2007 | 05:29 AM
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I cleaned mine and it worked for a couple more months... then it started flaking out on me again. tried cleaning a second time and it didn't help any. I finally just replaced it and everything was good.
Old 11-27-2007 | 05:43 AM
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what i meant was if cleaning doesnt do anything, then it probably isnt the problem,
however, if it is, you can still get the part, and be good to go.
but if you can test to make sure you aren't "wasting" $80 on the wrong solution, you can put it into finding the right solution.
if you can afford to get it, have fun swapping it out, I encourage you to do it, it seems to be the most likely fix. but im broke, and don't wanna pay for the wrong fix.
just my opinion. note it as such
Old 11-28-2007 | 10:36 PM
  #10  
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I had a similar problem - finally tracked it down to a faulty daytime running light module. Seeing that you're in Canada and all (eh?), you may have a similar problem...

M
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