Dash lights on 2002 Xterra

Wondering if anyone with the same problem? A few months after purchase the dash lights went out. The dealership replaced the dimmer switch for the instrument dash lights. A few months later the same happened again and once more the dealership replaced the switch. Eight months later again this happened and the dealership said that this time we would have to pay $90.00 to have the problem corrected because it was being caused by the alarm system which "they" installed at purchase. I called Nissan consumer affairs and they contacted the dealership and told them to do the repairs at no cost. Now its six months later and the lights are out again. I called Nissan once again to let them know that it happpened again as they told me to and this time Nissan tells me that they no longer can do anything because the problem is caused by an after market item and you lose warrenty on any parts that are damaged by after market items even if installed by the dealership. Any help would be appreciated.

I would insist the dealership track down the root of the problem and correct it, the fact that they have replaced the same part over and over is asinine. Part fails: replace part. Part fails repeatedly: fix problem causing part to fail. Simple.
That dimmer switch is $40-50 alone (insane) and I would absolutely not allow them to make you continue to eat that cost. Call the BBB in your area etc, get some teeth behind your complaint.

Meanwhile, hit up local junkyards and auto recyclers for that part, probably charge you $5-10 for it, stock up on 2-3.

Brent

I have a 2000 xterra. The dash lights went out after 100,000 miles about a month ago. I replaced the dimmer thumbwheel switch & fuse. It lasted about a month and the fuse has gone again. Have not had a chance to check the switch but I assume it's toast too.

Not much help, but let me know if you find a root cause.

Mine problem turned out to be the trailer light pigtail. It was stuffed in the receiver with a rubber cap and had rubbed through the wire shorting it out. The dash lights and tail lights are all on fuse 39.

I have also seen a service notice (2000-2003 Xterra's I believe) that the front side marker lights (also on the same fuse circuit) have an issue where the wire harness cover slides back and allows the wires to rub on the chassis.

Hope your issue is this easy.