I experienced tonight for the first time a rather strange behaviour with the low-beam (main beam for those outside of North America) setting of my headlights.
I noticed while cornering that the right side low beam light was out. Switching to the high beam and then back to low beam brought the low beam lamp back on. But not always. Sometimes after one switching, and sometimes only after many switches, did the light reengage. Once in the garage, I tested various settings with the ignition on and then again with the motor running and got different results every time.
So my questions are these. . . . . .
1) Has anyone experienced anything similar and if so were you able to find the cause?
2) Could this be a sign of a bulb that isn't quite ready to fail or perhaps something else? (I've seen many residential halogen bulbs that re-light just by tapping them)
3) Is there likely another mechanism in the 'food chain' that could be the cause? (I've already had the Daytime Running Light relay replaced for a previous failure of those but my understanding is all that does is provide low voltage to the high beams).
Before I even consider exploring things myself, or as a last resort entrust a dealer, I'd sure appreciate feedback from anyone who may have experienced this previously.
And just for data purposes, it's a 2009 Versa with a whopping 4500 miles on it (no sidecracks please ;<)) )
Intermittent Headlight
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Blue_street_racer
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2010 1:20 pm
- Car: Nissan Versa S
2007 Sedan
Manual Transmission - Location: Houston, Texas
Re: Intermittent Headlight
I have a similar problem. My right low beam headlight won't turn on at all. I believe it is an improperly seated fuse in the versa's ipm. If you're looking at the engine bay it'll be a white box with a black lid on the right side next to the strut. Open it up and clean it out. Remove the fuses and hit them with a shot of WD40 before you re-seat them. It's worked for others having this problem as well. 
Re: Intermittent Headlight
Thanks. Although the problem has disappeared for now, I'll definitely keep your suggestion in mind.
Re: Intermittent Headlight
Just a further update on the intermittent low beam issue. . . . . . . .
It has now returned full time so today I decided to swap the bulbs from one side to another. I used cbramall's post from January 2010 giving step by step instructions on how to change bulbs. That post is a godsend! One socket took forever to come off but finally it did and I love how Nissan doesn't bother reversing the pivot points of the retaining clips from one side's assembly to the other. And what's even more amazing is how the Nissan Service Manual instructs the technician to remove the entire headlight assembly in order to change the bulb! Could it be that any mechanic actually does this or is this just another way to gouge owners further for artificial labor hours?
Sure enough, the passenger side low beam with what had originally been the driver's side bulb now installed still comes on intermittently. I pulled out the IPDM (which was as clean as the day it was built) only to discover it doesn't resemble the pictures of ones previously posted to other threads. After a bit of digging, I discovered in the 2009 service manual, they show two layouts, a type 'A' and a type 'B'. Mine is a type B which has no external headlight relays.
When I flick the headlight switch I can definitely feel something clicking inside my IPDM but it's none of the 4 relays one can visibly see, and which the manual clearly identifies as controlling other items. The clicks emanate from inside the thick boxed end of the IPDM, the end with the angled corner.
So I'm thinking it's a faulty IPDM at this point. I know there are a few posts covering IPDM issues but I wonder how many other Versa owners have had to have this unit replaced for whatever reason? It certainly seems to be a common issue on other Nissan model's forums. Also, what part might the Body Control Module (BCM) play in this mystery? The manual referes to it sending signals to the IPDM once the interior switch is activated. (Who ever thought the turning on of a simple headlight could get this complex!) And lastly, could it be the stalk switch? I very much doubt it's the latter as I can't imagine there being two separate contacts in it, one for left and one for right but as always, I'd greatly appreciate any input or suggestions you may have.
It has now returned full time so today I decided to swap the bulbs from one side to another. I used cbramall's post from January 2010 giving step by step instructions on how to change bulbs. That post is a godsend! One socket took forever to come off but finally it did and I love how Nissan doesn't bother reversing the pivot points of the retaining clips from one side's assembly to the other. And what's even more amazing is how the Nissan Service Manual instructs the technician to remove the entire headlight assembly in order to change the bulb! Could it be that any mechanic actually does this or is this just another way to gouge owners further for artificial labor hours?
Sure enough, the passenger side low beam with what had originally been the driver's side bulb now installed still comes on intermittently. I pulled out the IPDM (which was as clean as the day it was built) only to discover it doesn't resemble the pictures of ones previously posted to other threads. After a bit of digging, I discovered in the 2009 service manual, they show two layouts, a type 'A' and a type 'B'. Mine is a type B which has no external headlight relays.
When I flick the headlight switch I can definitely feel something clicking inside my IPDM but it's none of the 4 relays one can visibly see, and which the manual clearly identifies as controlling other items. The clicks emanate from inside the thick boxed end of the IPDM, the end with the angled corner.
So I'm thinking it's a faulty IPDM at this point. I know there are a few posts covering IPDM issues but I wonder how many other Versa owners have had to have this unit replaced for whatever reason? It certainly seems to be a common issue on other Nissan model's forums. Also, what part might the Body Control Module (BCM) play in this mystery? The manual referes to it sending signals to the IPDM once the interior switch is activated. (Who ever thought the turning on of a simple headlight could get this complex!) And lastly, could it be the stalk switch? I very much doubt it's the latter as I can't imagine there being two separate contacts in it, one for left and one for right but as always, I'd greatly appreciate any input or suggestions you may have.
Intermittent Headlight-Resolved!
Just to let you know the problem is resolved!
Versas with Daytime Running Lights (which would mean every Canadian version) have an extra electrical harness connection located in a small black box mounted under the hood just ahead of the passenger side strut tower. It contains two relays. I knew it contained one, a result of having the Daytime Lights fail in December 2009 at which point a daytime running light relay was replaced but never bothered to open it since.
The dealer mechanic simply turned on the low beams today and tapped the black box and the passenger side light immediately went dark. I was told this is a 'known' problem which Nissan has provided updated relays for. He immediately installed two new relays and the problem appears to have disappeared. Let's hope so. I was also told I can expect a recall notice from Nissan on this issue any day now and can therefore ignore it.
I subsequently combed through the LT section of the Service Manual and sure enough, in the narrative description of how the low beams operate in a unit with Daytime Running Lights, both relays are called upon when switching to low beam.
For reference, the two relay part numbers are 25230-79917 and 25230-79918. It probably is irrelevant but for the two new ones installed today, one is blue and the other black .
I know recalls are commonplace and can cover a myriad of issues, but suffice to say, I find it extremely troubling that the only failures I've experienced to date both relate to headlight operation, a very essential requirement and one that many drivers may not even be aware they have a failure of some sort with until it's too late.
Versas with Daytime Running Lights (which would mean every Canadian version) have an extra electrical harness connection located in a small black box mounted under the hood just ahead of the passenger side strut tower. It contains two relays. I knew it contained one, a result of having the Daytime Lights fail in December 2009 at which point a daytime running light relay was replaced but never bothered to open it since.
The dealer mechanic simply turned on the low beams today and tapped the black box and the passenger side light immediately went dark. I was told this is a 'known' problem which Nissan has provided updated relays for. He immediately installed two new relays and the problem appears to have disappeared. Let's hope so. I was also told I can expect a recall notice from Nissan on this issue any day now and can therefore ignore it.
I subsequently combed through the LT section of the Service Manual and sure enough, in the narrative description of how the low beams operate in a unit with Daytime Running Lights, both relays are called upon when switching to low beam.
For reference, the two relay part numbers are 25230-79917 and 25230-79918. It probably is irrelevant but for the two new ones installed today, one is blue and the other black .
I know recalls are commonplace and can cover a myriad of issues, but suffice to say, I find it extremely troubling that the only failures I've experienced to date both relate to headlight operation, a very essential requirement and one that many drivers may not even be aware they have a failure of some sort with until it's too late.