1998 Maxima SE electrical problems

[Marnie]

Hi all,
I have a 1998 Maxima SE with a electrical problem in tail lights, park lights, right fog light and clearance lights. They don't work at all. My volume control on my CD/radio seems to have some electrical problems as well. The volume does not turn up or down when it you turn the knob. The rest of the lights are fine. I have took it to an mechanic and he was not able to find any of the problems. The fuse boxes and the lights were tested and they are in working order. Has anybody else had this problem??? Would there be a logical area that may be effecting all of these lights? Is it possible that the problem is behind the dash, where all of the wires are close together? Is there something that was missed in the check? Any help would greatly be appreciated. I am female and I really don't know that much about cars, but I am willing to learn.
Thanks!

[Igobuk]

How long have you had this problem ? Have you done anything to the car recently, added anything ?

My friend had an Accord with a similar problem and it was because he had added LED washer nozzles improperly.

[Marnie]

Hi there,

[Marnie]

Hi there,
My electrical problems began I believe a year ago, but I thougth I solved the prolbem and didn't get it fixed at that time. The car has always gotten regular service and maintanence done to it at the Nissan dealership. I know that the alterantor was replaced shortly before I got the car. It also had the major tune up and maintence check completed before I got it. There were not any problems reported at that time. The right fog light burned out recently, probably in the summer, but I am not exactly sure because I rarely use fog lights.

[Igobuk]

Hello,

OK, the fog light most likely just died of old age, if one works, then both should, just replace the bulb.

The radio, again, most likely just old age, get an aftermarket radio with a nicer display.

As for the lights, sometimes stuff in the trunk sliding from side to side can fray wiring and cause lights to malfunction, check them. Other than that, if the bulbs and fuses are all OK, I'd say it's probably the switch where you actually turn the lights on/off that sticks out of the left side of the steering column. Again, assuming the bulbs and fuses all check out. You might also try asking at maxima.org (4th gen forum). It's a Maxima specific forum and you'll get more replies and perhaps more suggestions.

[Blackwind 98 SE]

check your fuses under the dash first.