QuestionQUESTION: The lights on the instrument cluster of my 2002 Pathfinder go out intermittently, just as described in the question posed on 2/18/2009 by another owner. I read your answer and have a question: the connectors that you refer to cleaning with a #2 pencil eraser, are they the electrical connectors that plug into the back of the instrument cluster or the connector (socket?) within the back of the instrument cluster itself? I haven't yet taken the cluster out, just have the Haynes manual w/instructions and pictures.
ANSWER: Kristen,
If it is only the instrument lights that are intermittent I would look at the instrument light dimmer, on the dash.
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QUESTION: Do you mean the "dial" type switch that down on the lower left part of the dash...to the left of the steering wheel and near the mirror adjustment knob? That's the only dimmer switch/knob i've used/seen on this car. What do i check for?
Thanks so much for your answer(s)! :) kg
ANSWER: Kristen,
Yes, that is the switch. If the dimmer is defective it will make the instrument lights not work. Now, are the radio lights working or going out at the same time. If so, then it is the dimmer or headlight switch. If it is only the cluster then you are right with removing the cluster and cleaning the contacts.
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QUESTION: It is only the lights on one side of the instrument cluster that occassionally don't come on when i turn on the headlights. The radio lights, clock lights, and any others are unaffected (all warning lights surrounding the instrument gauges appear to be unaffected as well). So, it sounds like it's the contacts on the instrument cluster and not the dimmer switch then. Once the instrument cluster lights are on, they don't go out - just seem to have trouble coming on sometimes and seems completely random. I'll try cleaning the contacts. Thanks so much for your answers!
AnswerKristen,
If only some are not working means that the others are loose or blown. Remove the cluster and you can get to the bulbs in the back. There are screws that hold the cluster bezel and then four that hold the cluster. Now, it is just a matter of pulling the cluster out enough to get to the connectors. Then pull the cluster and set it face down on a soft towel to keep from scratching the lense and remove the bulbs to replace them.
