Recurring problem-dashlights go out when headlights turned on

[teafan]

HI,
I hope someone can help me.
I've had this annoying problem intermittently for the past year. It comes and goes without warning. I'd like to know if there is a permanent fix for it.

I know nothing about cars, but I'm guessing it has something to do with a switch and/or relay relating to the headlights.

I have a 1998 Nissan Altima GXE.

When I turn on my headlights at night, the lights on the dash and radio go off. If I turn the headlights off, they come right back on. The little green lights for the A/C and fan stay on just fine.

Can someone tell me how big/expensive a problem this is? Is it dangerous or just annoying?

Appreciate any help you can give! Thanks!

Also, if there is a FAQ or other reference that lists known/common problems with this make and model, please point me in that direction.

[JustSayGo]

Check every light front and rear to see if they each work. One bad double filliment bulb will cause some unusual problems that can be difficult to trace. If all of the lights are working more than likely you have a problem with the multifunction switch.

Hopfully by design, if a vehicle has only one light working, it will be one of the headlights. In the multi-function switch there are seperate contacts for the left and right headlights. The headlight circuit is very basic and other lights do not effect headlights for good reason. Headlights don't effect the other lights.

The tail and running lights (and dash &radio lights) are connected. So to narrow the problem down, I think you will find that the problem exists also when only the running/parking lights are on (1st position on of the headlight switch), not neccasarily when the headlights are added by turning the switch all the way. The radio and dash lights are connected thru the panel light dimmer switch.

[teafan]

Wow, thanks for such a quick and thorough response!

[JustSayGo]

Your welcome. Could the greatest expence come from difficulty of taking a quick look at the instruments when it is dark rather than being able to keep your eyes on the road? Running out of gas, caught speeding, or worse would really annoy me. Your dash light problem won't directly cause more repair problems because they are out. The most expensive part is the switch. Check Ebay.