ElectroKen, I have a wiring diagram for the front fog lamps for the '01 Xterra. I'd like to email it to you and see if you can come up with a "fix" for the fog light/low beam interdependance prob.




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Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
EX 4x4 3 pack

Hey Nuk'em, would ya mind terribly sending me a copy of that diagram too. highlanderkid@hotmail.com
Got some ideas myself, besides sometimes two heads are better than one. Thanks.

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2001 V6 5spd XE 4X4 3pk
Just Bada$$ Blue

"Scottish by birth, English by law, Highlander by the grace of God!"

I am just very curious where did you get the wiring diagram for 2001 ?

all i see is 2000
and if you ask a dealer to send you a CD for 2001, you will still get 2000



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I'm curious about the wiring differences myself. Send it on over to:
kpontbriant@oemcontrols.com

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Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
EX 4x4 3 pack

Nuk'em

The diagram that you sent is an exact match to the one in my printed 2000 manual. I believe that the 2001 is different because the modified relay fix that I came up with for the '00 doesn't work on the '01.
Based on feedback from others that have tried to use the relay mod the differences seem to be:

In the '00 (your diagram) one side of the fog light relay coil is connected to +12V through the low beam switch. The other side of the relay coil is connected to ground through the fog light switch.

In the '01 it seems that one side of the fog light relay coil is grounded. The other side gets +12V through the low beam switch and the fog light switch in series. In a way this makes more sense for Nissan because there is one less wire passing through the firewall using this method.

I think I'm going to have to find someone willing to let me poke around in their '01 to verify these differences.

Ken


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ElectroKen--if you want me to start poking around things w/ a multimeter just let me know, I'd certainly be willing to help out. (I have a 2001.)

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Vikram/gothamist -- MAXC member
http://www.4x4LO.com

Ken. I got that diagram directly from a Nissan service department computer. Makes me wonder if I'd want them to work on any electrical probs I might have.

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Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
XE 4x4 3 pack

Don't knock the poor dealer service department. As a dealer tech first for Mitsubishi/Mazda and now for Benz/Saab I can assure you that Factory trained techs know what they are doing. It's not unusal for makers upgrade the cars numerous times before they remember to rewrite the service books. Don't be suprised if a revised manual is at the dealer now.

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wish I could get an X here!

Any update for an easy mod to the fog lights for the 01's? I'd really like to use my fog lights when the headlights are off or on HI. I'd be glad to help in any way, but I don't much about volts and amps...

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"Do not meddle in the affairs of sysadmins, for they are subtle and quick to anger."
Join the Heartland Xterra Owners Club at www.hxoc.net

Count me as interested in this mod also. (for '01's, that is.) Thanks

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"Xterra Pride"
"all your beers are belong to us"

Count me in as well ... any info is greatly appreciated ...

Thanks in advance !

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Pepper Kay
'01 XE 3 pack 4x4
auto - SWXC #39

Make that one more that is interested in 01' mod

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01 Alpine Green SE 4x4 Auto

It appears everyone is definately interested in this I looked it over some, but havent gotten a chance to really dig into it yet. I agree it does apear that the 01 is wired diferent than the 00, I'm trying to locate an easy way to supply power from the ign. switch to the fog light switch, this would be the most appealing fix to me, though it may not be easily accomplished. Especially without updated wiring diagrams, none the less I'll keep looking.

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2001 V6 5spd XE 4X4 3pk
Just Bada$$ Blue

"Scottish by birth, English by law, Highlander by the grace of God!"

It looks like we'll have to figure this out without Nissan's help. I think the differences will be seen right at the switches. Unfortunately this will involve removing the steering column covers (still willing?). I'll try to pull the covers this weekend so I can ask some intelligent questions.



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Hey ElectroKen
I gotta say it. I have sat here and read all these threads on the fog light relay situation and you have not scoffed or had one bad reply to say. This tells me you are of a fine character and have the patience of Job.
Keep up the good work!

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01 Goldrush XE w/3 pack
4x2, Silver WAAG front & back, PIAA 520 & 1400 Lights

I agree with Logan. Ken is an "ElectroStud!" Ken I've got one of your first "experimental" relays that you gave to O'Polka for his 2001. It didn't work, so we tried it in mine, and it did (2000). I've still got it and it's awesome. I think I speak for everyone when I say "Thanks" for all your help!!



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00 Bronze 4x4 XE 3pac AT
SWXC Memeber #29

Thanks, but I honestly don't see sainthood anywhere in my future.
Anyway, I made some progress on this subject today. I pulled the covers off of the steering column and figured out all of the bits within. Now someone with a 2001 and a DVM must also remove the cover from their column and take one measurement. Blue has volunteered to drive to my house but that means a 220 mile drive for a five minute measurement.

Here is what someone needs to do:

Remove the 5 Philips head screws from the bottom cover of the steering column. The top cover will then snap off of the bottom and can be removed. Don't look at how easy it would be to steal your X at this point. It will only be depressing.

There are 3 connectors to the headlight/foglight/turn signal switch: one with 8 wires, one with 3 wires and one with 2 wires. The measurement needed is on the 2 wire connector.

With the headlights on (low beam) and the fog lights off I need to know which of the 2 wires in the 2 wire connector is live. It should be only one of them.

Also I need to know if the 8 wire connector has a red wire and a red/black stripe wire at one end. Ignore the silver bands on the wires.


One caution: avoid the solid yellow connectors in the column (and everywhere else) in your Xterra. They are part of the airbag circuit.


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Ken
On the two wire connector the red/black wire is hot when the lights (low beam) are on .... fog lights off. On the eight wire connector there is a red and a red/black wire at the bottom of the connector. I have emailed you a photo of each. I hope this helps. If you need anything else checked out on an '01 drop me a line.

Thanks for your help,
Nuk'em



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Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
XE 4x4 3 pack

ElectroKen:

We who are interested in all your hard work on the '01 relay for the fog lights, thank you in advance for the time and effort you've expended ...

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me"
SWXC #39

Perfect, Nuk'em

I think you gave me all I need to know and you've saved Blue a 220 mile drive at the same time. Let me draw this out now to make sure I've got it right.

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ElectroKen, where do I send my money ?? ... this is just too cool

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me"
SWXC #39

It doesn't look like you'll be sending me anything. All you'll need is at Radio Shack. Details to follow...

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Ah, but I'm electrically 'handicapped' ... I trust the details will make sense to even a klutz as myself ? ...

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me" ... SWXC #39

At last I think I can help all of the 2001 X owners who don't like the way their factory fog lights work. You can have the option of running the fog lights anytime OR only when the parking lights are on.

First the disclaimers-
1) I have a 2000 X so I haven't tried this. I do believe that it will work correctly.
2) The modification will involve cutting into the factory wiring harness. If this bothers you DON'T DO IT.

You will need:
1 butt splice, 18-22AWG, typically red, Radio Shack #64-3108 or equivalent.
1 "tap" connector, 14-18AWG, typically blue, Radio Shack #64-3052 or equivalent.
1 6" piece of 18AWG stranded wire, color matched to your X
electrical tape

The first step is to remove the 5 philips head screws from the bottom of the steering column cover. The two halves will snap apart and the top half can be removed. There are 3 connectors for the turn signal/headlight/foglight switch. We're interested in the one with 2 wires and the one with 8 wires.

On the 2-wire connector harness, cut back the tubing to reveal a couple inches of the wires. They are red/black and red/something else. Cut the red/black wire leaving both ends long enough to work on. Tape up the end that is still connected to the truck harness.
Using the butt splice connect one end of the 6" jumper wire to the stub of red/black wire at the 2-wire connector.

Here is where you need to choose how you want your lights to operate:

For those that want the ability to turn on the fog lights anytime, connect the 6" jumper wire to the purple wire in the 8-pin connector harness using the tap connector. Note that the headlight warning system will NOT remind you to turn the fogs off if you choose this option.

For those that want the ability to use the fog lights whenever the parking lights are on, connect the 6" jumper wire to the blue/red wire in the 8-pin connector harness using the tap connector. In this case the headlight warning system will let you know if you leave the fogs on.

Test it.

Reassemble the column covers.

All Done.

I hope some brave soul will try this and let us all know how it works.

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