92 maxima: electrical/light problem

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yonkers - 30 Aug 2004 13:17 GMT

When the headlights are turned off, the dashboard lights come on when the
brakes are applied. Brake lights still work though. However, when
headlights are on, back taillights don't come on. When the brakes are
applied, they work, but dashboard lights go out. I've not did any
electrical work to the car recently. Replaced the stero about 5 months
ago, but problem just started 2 days ago.

Any ideas on what would cause this problem?

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E. Meyer - 30 Aug 2004 14:44 GMT

On 8/30/04 7:17 AM, in article
79bac8065610c174c08f3572deb35f0c@localhost.talkaboutautos.com, "yonkers"
<bryanjthompson@comcast.net> wrote:

> When the headlights are turned off, the dashboard lights come on when the
> brakes are applied. Brake lights still work though. However, when
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Any ideas on what would cause this problem?

On many Nissans of that vintage, the taillights are on the same fuse as the
dash light dimmer circuit.

Replacing the stereo could be a clue. Did the new stereo have a connection
for the dimmer wire? If not (usual with aftermarket stereos), was the bare
tip of the wire taped off or is it just laying in there? All it takes is
one touch of that loose wire to anything metal and the fuse blows, then no
taillights and no dash lights.

Not sure what you are saying about the brake lights. When you push the
brake pedal with the lights turned on, are you saying the dash lights stay
off but the brake lights work? If so, that is consistent with the
taillight/dash dimmer fuse being blown. If you are saying that when you
press the brake pedal when the lights are turned off, the dash lighting cuts
out momentarily with the depressing of the brake pedal, then you probably
have a different problem.

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yonkers - 30 Aug 2004 22:01 GMT

Replacing the fuse did fix it, however the 10amp fuse keeps blowing, so
something is shorting out. Guess I'll check all my grounds.

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