anyone have a clue what might cause this?

 

Are your lights on "auto" or "on"?

 

will stay on in either position. with no key in ignition. they no longer turn off after 30 seconds

 

RELAY

 

Do they ever turn off?

 

Maybe relay is stuck! swap out with one that is similar! If not relay daylight sensor maybe defective!

 

wouldnt that only affect when the switch is in AUTO, and if, it doesn't turn on when the ignition is on OFF...

 

Have you had any success? Sure you didn't cover the photocell/light sensor on the dashboard? It's next to your V.I.N plate driver side @ windshield...round circle size of a quarter...You know back in the day! When my D21 Hardbody was in it's prime. Now and then you would have a headlight that's not working. So first thing most people would think was, you got a bad sealed beam unit (headlight). Then, you go buy one, remove your grille and all that crap, put the new bulb in and ....dam the headlight still doesn't work! It was the headlight stalk unit!!! Got any buddies with the same year as yours? After you check your relay, check the headlight/foglight control stalk by swapping it with a buddy. If it's not that...Next would be to swap out the control box. Last would be the photocell sensor (light sensor)!

 

If you have a 5.5 and are in need of the stalk I have one that I am willing to sell. I have a new stalk with fog light option and I also have a used stalk without fog light option that has 30,000 miles on it.

 

Does the dome light come on when you open the driver's door?
The body control computer ("smart entrance control unit" is the official term for it) is responsible for shutting off the headlights after about 5 min. when you leave the car. However, it wants to see the door open and then close before it starts the 5 min. timer. If your door switch is not working (i.e. the dome light does not come on when you open the door) then the timer never starts and the S.E.C.U. will not turn off the lights.

 

^^ wierd, in my i30 if i leave it in auto and open the door it shuts off immediatly or even if i take the key out it shuts off. also could be the sensor being covered too. but gl with it.

 

no it actually does not. however nissan diagnosed that problem as needing a new dome assy it has since been replaced and still does not come on with door open. but the door lights and indiglo doorsills i have DO come on/off with the door open/close. my initial thought was the SECU but 277.00 is a bit hefty right now for a maybe. is there a way to test the unit?