Nissan Repair: Dashboard lights go off when headlights are turned on, dashboard lights, nissan altima

Question
QUESTION: HI,
I have a 2.5S Nissan Altima 2006. The car is great, no problems whatsoever. I just started observing since yesterday that when I turn my headlights on, my internal dashboard lights(speedometer, fuel/shift indicators, etc.) are turning off, instead of just becoming lighter, which they normally do. And when the headlights are turned off, the dashboard lights are on again! Can you please tell me what could be wrong and how to get rid of this problem?
Thanks a lot!
KP

ANSWER: Hi KP -

This sounds like it is the headlight switch attached to the steering column.

If you have a circuit light tester (12V probe type) and knowledge of tracing wires, I can probably walk you through it, but I would just replace the switch, which is relatively simple.

Remove the plastic housing around the steering column, and then you can remove the bolts (I think 10mm) that holds the switch down, after removing the termimnal wires.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Calvin,
Thanks a lot for the quick response. This is my first car and I really do not have a knack for these things yet. Should I hence go to a mechanic for the same? If so, is any OK, like Pep Boys, etc? Or should I go to a Nissan dealer? Also, how much should I probably pay them? (A rough figure).

Thanks a lot!!
This really helped.

KP

Answer
HI KP -

Yes, go to a repair shop other than the dealer. Autozone is usually what i recommend, however Pep boys would work. I would say the entire job should not be more than $100 - $150. I can get the part for about $70, so depending on their labor (which would be half hour for me), take it from there. I am glad you are checking on prices. Don;t want you to pay more than necessary.

Aloha
calvin