Illuminate Rotory Dimmer Switch on Dash 94Q

[rob1]

The above switch on the dash near the speedometer no longer stays in. After a few minutes it pops back out.

Can the switch be repaired?

How does it remove?

Thanks.

[rob1]

Anyone dealt with this?

[Jesda]

Sounds like the catch things inside the switch are broken. Just get a junkyard piece for $1 or order for a few bucks from your dealer or everythinginfiniti.com.

You may be able to pry the dash forward to disconnect the electrical connector and pop out the switch, otherwise you'll need to remove the plastics around the steering wheel and remove the upper dash.

[Q451990]

I would say this is a fairly common problem... I had the one on "Q1" replaced under the 100K warranty (yeah I'm a jerk) for this issue. It's replacement failed about 50-60K later. The one on "Q2" will stay locked down for a few weeks at a time...

Probably won't spend the $$ to replace it.

I took a spare switch apart once and the actual potentiometer inside is a "niles" brand. You might be able to source it at someplace like http://www.mouser.com and solder it to the PCB in the switch assembly. I'm assuming the switch is expensive from Joe, but I'm not sure...

That switch is really deep... you'll have to remove the bezel around the instrument cluster to get it out.

Good luck!

Heath

[Raxephon]

I would say this is a fairly common problem... I had the one on "Q1" replaced under the 100K warranty (yeah I'm a jerk) for this issue. It's replacement failed about 50-60K later. The one on "Q2" will stay locked down for a few weeks at a time...

Probably won't spend the $$ to replace it.

I took a spare switch apart once and the actual potentiometer inside is a "niles" brand. You might be able to source it at someplace like http://www.mouser.com and solder it to the PCB in the switch assembly. I'm assuming the switch is expensive from Joe, but I'm not sure...

That switch is really deep... you'll have to remove the bezel around the instrument cluster to get it out.

Good luck!

Heath

Just looked it up online

Illumination Switch Part#25980-60U00 $69.52

Seems a bit much for a rheostat. I hope Joe's is cheaper.

[louiegz]

Mine is popped out too. I guess I'll just live with it.

[lino]

I thought I was the only person with this problem. My repair/upgrade list is getting longer all the time

[goody90q45]

I thought I was the only person with this problem.

Add me to the list. I was wondering why nothing happened when I pushed the switch in a couple of weeks ago. I decided that depressing the switch might have been a step in a self diagnosis buried deep in the FSM. While holding it down I waited for lights to flash or the horn to honk but nothing ever happenned.

[DrewQ45]

This doesn't sound like the actual rheostat so much as it does the mechanism surround it. Sound like a spring/catch issue.

I had an issue with my rear defog switch. It was leaning in the socket. When I last replaced my clock, I pulled it out and found that one of the plastic locking tabs on the side was weak. I applied a little heat to it with a match while bending the tab out. It snapped in nice after that and never budged again.

...Drew...

[Raxephon]

This doesn't sound like the actual rheostat so much as it does the mechanism surround it. Sound like a spring/catch issue.

I had an issue with my rear defog switch. It was leaning in the socket. When I last replaced my clock, I pulled it out and found that one of the plastic locking tabs on the side was weak. I applied a little heat to it with a match while bending the tab out. It snapped in nice after that and never budged again.

...Drew...

It is a spring/catch issue. Nissan won't sell just the casing though.(At least no one I've spoken with would)

[Jeff Williams]

Mine just started doing that. I thought Evie was just leaving it out when she drove until it popped out while I was driving, Friday.

I feel better now.

[guadofreak]

wow. I am glad I never touch that thing.

[elwesso]

Mine is stuck out too.. it used to stay in but would come out whenever you hit the dash or a large bump...

It doesnt bother me.

[3rd Q]

Same on all three of my Qs and on the one I bought for parts. Only cure I'm aware of is to replace with new. Other minor things has driven me crazy until I fixed them, this hasn't (yet) .

Paul

[Q451990]

Glad we could add to your list! I actually pulled a spare I have apart... the potentiometer is made by "TOCOS Japan"

I found this site:

http://www.tocos.com/

and sent them an email with pictures requesting information. Hopefully they are still available and we can purchase them.

Heath
Modified by Q451990 at 2:36 AM 3/29/2006

[Q451990]

So far Tocos USA says that they would have to order them from Japan in a minimum quantity of 1000. The cost would be $1K - $3K. I am still seeing if they can get me a part number so that I can search for it in the aftermarket through distributors. My guess is that these were custom made in a large lot and sold to Niles Japan who made the switch assembly and won't be available.

I guess the next step (assuming I don't get a part number) is to contact http://www.nilesusa.com/ to see if they can locate or sell the part separately.

Heath

[DrewQ45]

Why do you need the potentiometer? I thought it's the plastic catch mechanism in the housing that's having the problem. I haven't pulled one apart so just asking.

..Drew...