How do you test a switch (Infiniti G35)

[spederman]

Here is my issue with my daily driver (2003 G35)...the Illumination/dimmer switch all of a sudden keeps blowing the tail light fuse as soon as I click on the headlights/parking lights. Did some looking into it and that led me to the dimmer switch for the dash/cluster lights. If I unplug it, the fuse stays ,but as soon as I plug it in , it fries the fuse. I pulled out the switch , is there a way to test if it's bad for sure and not maybe a wire leading to it grounding out? Just don't want to drop $60 for nothing. Seems like an odd part to go out randomly.

[Skidonenko]

use a multi meter and check it for a short.

[spederman]

Easier said than done lol, I'm an electrical retard, I have no idea how to check for a short. I do have a multi meter and the switch out, how would I check it? TIA

[shumpertdavid]

The switch most likely isn't the problem. You are more likely to have a short in the wiring going between the switch and the instrument cluster. The dimmer switch typically just lowers the amount of voltage (by varying the resistance) feeding whatever lights that need dimming. So anything that dims through the dimmer can be the culprit as well as the wiring feeding it; the instrument cluster, a\c and radio controls, door switch lighting, etc.

[JC316]

Easier said than done lol, I'm an electrical retard, I have no idea how to check for a short. I do have a multi meter and the switch out, how would I check it? TIA

Get a wiring diagram, find out which wires have power feeding them. Set the meter to ohms, put the black lead to a chassis ground, then start running through the power wires, if the needle goes to 0, you found your short.

[UserX]

The switch most likely isn't the problem. You are more likely to have a short in the wiring going between the switch and the instrument cluster. The dimmer switch typically just lowers the amount of voltage (by varying the resistance) feeding whatever lights that need dimming. So anything that dims through the dimmer can be the culprit as well as the wiring feeding it; the instrument cluster, a\c and radio controls, door switch lighting, etc.

I would start with the radio controls. Those earlier G's are notorious for having radio issues. Do you have a CD stuck in your changer by chance? That will overheat the radio and cause circuit board issues. I had to remove the radio from my Mom's 2003 and have it repaired. There are places on ebay that do it for about $200.

[spederman]

Get a wiring diagram, find out which wires have power feeding them. Set the meter to ohms, put the black lead to a chassis ground, then start running through the power wires, if the needle goes to 0, you found your short.

I tried that to the connector that plugs into the dimmer switch. There are only three wires and I couldn't find a wiring diagram but assume one has to be ground and the other 2 power? When I tested each one , 2 of the wires had larger number readings like 1.5 and 15 ohm. The 3rd was at 0.2 ohm . I did the audible continuity test my meter has and all three got the beep. So does this tell me that maybe the dimmer switch is fried?

I would start with the radio controls. Those earlier G's are notorious for having radio issues. Do you have a CD stuck in your changer by chance? That will overheat the radio and cause circuit board issues. I had to remove the radio from my Mom's 2003 and have it repaired. There are places on ebay that do it for about $200.

Coincidently since I was having with the idiotic pos stock head unit ,I just swapped out to an aftermarket pioneer double din. But that was 6 weeks ago and this problem just showed up this weekend .not sure if they are related

[JC316]

I tried that to the connector that plugs into the dimmer switch. There are only three wires and I couldn't find a wiring diagram but assume one has to be ground and the other 2 power? When I tested each one , 2 of the wires had larger number readings like 1.5 and 15 ohm. The 3rd was at 0.2 ohm . I did the audible continuity test my meter has and all three got the beep. So does this tell me that maybe the dimmer switch is fried?

Yeah, I'd say that the switch is bad.

[spederman]

The switch most likely isn't the problem. You are more likely to have a short in the wiring going between the switch and the instrument cluster. The dimmer switch typically just lowers the amount of voltage (by varying the resistance) feeding whatever lights that need dimming. So anything that dims through the dimmer can be the culprit as well as the wiring feeding it; the instrument cluster, a\c and radio controls, door switch lighting, etc.

You were right, figured out my issue, I replaced the Damn clock bulbs last month and completely forgot about it, but they were apparently shorting everything out. Problem fixed

[shumpertdavid]

Glad you stuck with it and figured it out. The feeling of accomplishment at the end a joy and relief.