Headlight troubles

[sc2nr]

FML...Ok so here is the story

2003 Pathy Drivers Headlight low beam is out works only on Highbeam. Passenger side is fine.

I checked the Relays and Fuses...All good
I checked the Bulb and it works on the passenger side.

What else am I missing, I'm reading FSM for trouble shooting and I think I covered all it's tips except the wiring and I can't get my tester to make contact with the socket properly to test that.

HELP!

Nick

[Towncivilian]

Smells like a bad headlight switch.

[sc2nr]

Even though it's just one of the low beams? If it was the switch wouldn't both low beams go? also we are talking about the one on the steering column...right? cheap and easy fix?

[Towncivilian]

Well, perhaps my reply was a bit hasty. But since you've ruled out the bulb, relay, and fuses, I think it's safe to assume that it's either the intermediate wiring for the driver's side headlight, or the switch itself. I'd start by examining as much of the wiring as you can, as well as the bulb socket for corrosion. Though as you said, the high-beam works, so ehh... confusion.

If all else fails, I believe the headlight stalk is around $60, or you can try your luck at a junkyard.

[Chuck Tribolet]

At least in a USA '01, the left and right side are separate circuits: separate fuses, relays, and contacts in the switch.

It's either the low beam contact in the bulb socket, the wiring from the socket to the switch, or the switch.

You can test the switch with a multimeter.

[fueler]

^ what he said. You just have to check all over with a multimeter. Use the Factory Service Manual (FSM) available for free on this site if you can't find the wires/contacts for some reason.

One time I had a bad wiring connection at the plug @ bulb end of wiring harness, due to broken wires...


(PS your headlights are halogen, right? not HID?)

[Densetsu]

I've seen this happen three time in Canadian Pathfinders, 2001-04. (Other years may also have this problem.) The daytime running control module seems to be a trouble spot on these Pathfinders. The US doesn't require daytime running lights, and so has a much simpler (and seemingly more reliable) setup for their headlights. Since you're in Manitoba, I'm figuring there's a good chance you have a Pathy with daytime running lights.

It happened to my '03 when I owned it -- my passenger side low beam suddenly wouldn't work, that's it. The passenger side daytime and high beams would work, and everything worked on the driver side. Bulbs, fuses, relays, harnesses, and switches all checked out (I disassembled the steering wheel and used a multimeter to make sure the switch/stalk worked fine in all positions.) When I was shopping around for my second Pathfinder last year, one seller mentioned they had the same problem, and had to replace the module on their '03. And the previous owner of my current '04 gave me receipts for the complete history of the vehicle, which include a receipt for replacing the same module.

If you've ruled out the bulbs, relays, fuses, the switches, and harnesses (check for any rust/corrosion on the contacts); and are fairly sure the wiring is OK, then there's a good chance it's the module. It's fairly easy to get to, it's a beige-coloured box beside the battery, on the passenger side wall of the engine compartment. Since it's easy to get to, if you know someone else with a Pathfinder, try swapping their module in and see if the issue goes away. If not, try and find one in a scrapyard. Since it's such an accessible spot, replacing it is a snap.

Worst case, stay away from dealerships (which were selling them for $300) and check out http://www.courtesyparts.com/control-as-p-585987.html. That's the part I used, but when you place your order, mention the part number stamped on your current module (mine was 28575-5W100) and send them your VIN as well, and they'll confirm that it's the right part. Back then it was $150 + UPS brokerage fees, about $200 at the end.

[Densetsu]

Oh, and to test the functionality of the switch/stalk, I used the circuit diagram on EL-58. The section for Canadian/DTRL headlights starts at EL-50.

[sc2nr]

Ok, I'll have to check things out tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but I had disabled my DRL, didn't like the look. Could this eliminate the DRL module, and point to the Switch itself? I hope so. I'll get d!ck tracey on it tomorrow.

thanks for all the help!

[Densetsu]

What was the method you used to disable the DRL?

[sc2nr]

how-to-disable-daytime-running-lights-t477382.html I was the model

[Buzzman]

Had the same problem last year, only it was the passenger side not working.
After much troubleshooting and cursing, it turned out to be the DRL module.
Retail price at the dealer was $278.00 (Cdn.), non-refundable.
I said no f*****g way was I paying that much.
Went to a wrecker and picked up a DRL module and the signal stalk (just in case) for $40.00.
Worked fine since then.
Hope this helps.

[Densetsu]

how-to-disable-daytime-running-lights-t477382.html I was the model

Sounds like all that procedure does is ground the parking break wire in the harness, so the module thinks the parking brake is engaged. If that was the only wire that was modified, then the DRL's should either work or not work... you shouldn't have one side working properly and one not.

If everything is still in good shape with the cut wire, then I'd still be suspicious of the module.

[sc2nr]

**UPDATE**

So i actually just put up with this problem all winter and rocked high beams like a donkey when I could. I was wondering around on the interweb last night and found this while searching "DRL fix" and also "DRL fix R50" http://youtu.be/LiTuM_kX2qM

The Video was actually made for a Honda/Acura but it worked for me, I had to search for some broken connections but it was worth not spending $200-300 on a new unit for now...

Maybe I could do a write up on it or if someone else wants to "re-shoot"' the video for the forum

hope this helps some others

Nick

[gramzee]

How hard was it to pop out that module? Does it just require some force and pulls straight up?

[Towncivilian]

The DRL module is the brown box next to the battery in this picture:


(thanks to Buzzman for the photo)

It is probably secured by a 10mm bolt. I believe there is another DRL module for the driver's side headlight as well.

[Buzzman]

Yes and no. The beige box is indeed the DRL module....but there is only the one.
There is no box on the drivers side.
The module controls the whole system, not just one side.
I got my replacement at a wrecker, as mentioned in my previous post.
Cheers.