2000 Xterra dash lights work momentarily

03169102 · Mar 31, 2017

Hey everyone,

I bought my first X a few weeks ago and have been loving it ever since - previously owning a WRX.

Since I have bought the X, the dash lights don't work except for a few seconds after I turn on my headlights.

I have checked fuses and replaced all tail lights as I have read those are common issues with it. I have tried cleaning my dimmer switch and have made sure it wasn't all the way off as well.

There is an aftermarket radio in there and I read that the illumination wires could be causing an issue, but I'm not sure which ones those are. With that being said, I figured that since the dash lights turn on for a few seconds, I didn't think that would the issue.

Any thoughts?

03169102 · Mar 31, 2017

Also - I'd like to try bypassing the dimmer switch all together but I do not know how to do that.

Jeff Melton · Apr 29, 2017

My 2000 X did the same thing when I first got it. If you're having the same problem I did, heat from the dash lights themselves cause the circuitry in the dashboard on some old X's to overheat, causing the lights to go out (and sometimes the instruments to all read 0). You should be able to test this by turning down your dash dimmer switch while your headlights are running - I was able to run at like 10% brightness without the dash overheating. Turning the dimmer back up will make them overheat again.

Taking apart the dash and replacing the bulbs with low heat LEDs permanently fixed the problem for me.

Good luck!

2000 Xterra dash lights work momentarily

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities