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Calling on an electrician.

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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 05:55 PM
  #1  
flying phil's Avatar
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From: Calgary
Calling on an electrician.

I've had my 2000 Maxima SE since new. For the last ten years, the pass. side head light low beam has been intermittent (often works when it's dry, but not during the winter), the high beam non-existent.
I have a multi-meter, and no real clue how to use it. I can check for voltage... and that's about it.
Checked the two fuses, they're fine. Swapped out the solenoids, even removed the solenoids and checked the power at the solenoid plugs... they match. Two contacts have 12 Volts, two none. High beam or low beam, power distribution is the same?! I have daytime running lights which seem unaffected by everything (Pass. headlight DTRL works).
Could someone suggest a solution, or a way to properly test the system. I'm at a loss.
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 06:29 PM
  #2  
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There is always the possibility the bulb itself is bad. Have you tried swapping them and see if the problem moves to the driver side? The non-existent high beam is the easier way to diagnose (intermittent problems are tough). Does the high beam indicator show it being on?

I don't have the wiring diagram for a 2000 but there should be separate wires for the high, low, and ground. Check for voltage and if there is none then you will have to check the wiring harness for a possible break.
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 09:03 PM
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The DRL module is probably the culprit. Those things suffer from bad solder joints and do weird things with the lights.

Take the DRL module to someone that does soldering for a living and they will spot it in 2 seconds.
Old Jul 2, 2014 | 08:56 PM
  #4  
flying phil's Avatar
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It's definately not bulbs... have three sets sitting on the bench. I'll test the power at the bulb connector. I've always suspected a ground issue, but the DRL could be it. If I pull the fuse on the DRL, should that solve the problem?
Old Jul 3, 2014 | 09:55 AM
  #5  
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Swap the bulbs, see if the problem transfers....if it doesn't your light switch is more than likely the culprit...
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