My g37 was sitting idle for about a month, the battery died. I jumped it and it started right away, and for nearly a month now, with regular usage, no battery issues. This was a new battery 11/18.
However, after the jump I noticed the passenger side headlight was out, other lights in the cluster were working. I do not know if the headlight was out before the battery died.
Today, I swapped the right for the left headlight bulbs and the passenger side still does not light. IOW the bulb from the passenger side IS good and works on the driver side.
So, I am thinking it is the ballast that has gone south.
Searching around, mention is made to check the fuses, before changing the ballast. I found TWO fuse boxes, one in the foot well driver's side and the other accessed right in front of the battery, but neither lists a fuse for ANY of the lights in the headlight cluster.
I've seen mention of a fuse box UNDER the battery...but does this exist on my 2009 G37? I've also seen mention that the headlights are on a circuit breaker that "resets itself."

Advice please? Is there a third fuse box under the battery, or a circuit breaker or neither, and probably just a bad ballast? I do not want to remove the battery needlessly.

Appreciate any help.

John

 

First, there is no mysterious third fuse box under the battery. You have the main fuse junction block in the driver side footwell, and you have the IPDM/er (Intelligent Power Distribution Module/engine room) next to the battery. In order to check the fuses in the IPDM/er, you might have to remove the battery in order to remove the cover- it is a very tight fit.

According to my copy of the FSM ('08 Coupe), in the IPDM/er (next to battery), fuse #:57, 15amp, is for the right (HID) headlamp:




Being that the left side works fine, you can likely rule out the HEADLAMP relay as one relay services both left and right headlamps. Also, I see no reference anywhere to there being a circuit breaker in this system. The ballast may have a internal circuit breaker but I do not know for certain.

I would first unplug the harness at the headlamp and check to see if you are receiving voltage. If you are receiving 12V, then the ballast is likely shot. If you are not receiving 12V, then you go upstream to the next junction (fuses, relays, switches, etc.).

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the response. After I posted I found this video showing the third fuse box, not under the battery but to the side of it


It is accessed as described, though the audio is bad. I had to remove the battery, but that is where the fuses on my car for some important functions, like AC, headlights, etc are. Of the three boxes, it is the biggest, and a real PITA to access. My 09 does not have what you describe; it has the footwell, and small box under the battery cover, but in front of the battery--easily accessed.

In the third box there are 4 fuses for the headlights and the are marked, R and L low, and R and L high beam, IOW one each for each side and one each for hi and lo . = 4, two 10s and 2 15s.
They are hard to inspect as the "bridges" inside are enclosed by translucent plastic, but holding them to a light, they "looked" ok, but it was a half a$$ inspection because of the plastic--just very hard to see. I did not check them with a continuity meter, though I should have.

I swapped them both, right for left, to see what would happen.
Now neither headlight goes on.
So, I think it could be a fuse or a ballast or both. I know I am at the end of my ability to figure this out and will bite the bullet and go to the dealer this am.

Very frustrating. If they are going to quote me $3000 plus, as suggested in many places on the forum, ie 14-1800 each side??? I might consider trading my much loved G in, though I'd hate that. This is a great car and well over 100k trouble free miles on her.

Thanks again

Yes, Virginia, there is a third fuse box...hidden

 

The "big box" next to the battery is the IPDM/er.
The small rectangular box in front of the battery is the fusible link array. I guess it could be considered a "third fuse box-" I digress either way.

I still suggest you check the voltage at the headlamp harness.

It would be significantly cheaper to repair the problem rather than buying a new car- unless you already have that new car itch?

Good luck...

 

No, no new car itch at all! I really like the 37. I am at the dealer now awaiting a diagnosis, that's 1.5 hour labor charge which would be deducted from repair if I go with that.
I did drive a 2018 Q60, with bells/whistles. You know, it did not WOW me. I mean it was nice, and it felt maybe more refined than my g37 and similar to it, but, in truth, maybe like comfortable old shoes, I think I liked my G37 as much.. or maybe a smidge better? It was the 3.0T. Pearl white w black leather, not leatherette.
I liked that they fixed the seat belt rubbing on the neck, the styling was a wash and the ridge at the front of the hood/grill made me think "pimple." What's up with that? The power and delivery were fine, but who really uses all those modes, I don't and I know I would find one I like and never change it. It comes w a Terry cloth rag to wipe the touch screen...really? And all the stuff Ava on that touch screen is really redundant for anyone w a smart phone.
One thing I did not like was the seat. The lateral support was better than the g37, but the base of the seat was not nearly as firm and I felt like someone really heavy had imprinted it w their weight. Even w the front button to firm/raise the center part it still felt "used." This car had less than 10k miles on it. I suppose they are not all that way and maybe a warranty item if I got it. I am not, though, I think. Even w my car as trade, as is, it was still WAY TOO MUCH, like over 40k! Ouch. That's w tax
I also don't like that it has run flat tires
Finally, it seemed I saw a whole lot more hood from the driver's position on the Q60.
Maybe I'd get used to these things or not? And it doesn't have the analog clock!

 

The newer Q60 will likely be the end of the coupe for Infiniti. I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying that, but with lackluster specs, performance, sales, and the continuing trend for those damn SUV boxes, I can see the end coming. This car isn't even offered in Japan- where they manufacture the thing! Not to mention that aftermarket support is marginal at best. The G will likely be the last car I will ever buy- I am too old to deal with all of this emerging "nanny technology" that is completely ruining the driving experience.

Sorry for the off-topic vent....

Good luck with the headlight issue. Please keep us abreast of the findings...

 

You know, I gotta agree with you. When I was talking with sales and I was rejecting their offer, they asked me what was I thinking of. I told them the price I was thinking of---20-25k to "upgrade" but also my real long term answer was easy because I had already thought about it. When that time comes, I told him, I think it will be a TESLA Model 3.

Yes, on the Nanny gizmos. I really don't need to know where the nearest "bistro" is...I already know. That whole secondary screen could be incorporated into the top screen without much lost. There were some cool features, but nothing "worth the price of admission." And it is all on my Note 9 in my pocket.

Anyway I heard from service and it was mostly good news! Turns out I had diagnosed the problem with bad "fuses" and a bad ballast correctly. To repair they are quoting me a bit over $1000--that's worth it to me. They also said the drive belt was stretched---something I didn't know about, but which could stop me cold--so, that's getting addressed also.

I am really glad I get to keep my G37 a bit longer, hoping for a long bit longer--just a great car. I've had three great cars in my lifetime--maybe 4. A '97 320 SL, that inline 6 was sweet; a 1975 BMW 2002, an '82 MB 300 CD turbodiesel, and this one the G37...that's very good company.

Thanks for the input, ILM, appreciate the feedback

 

No problem. Glad you're getting it all sorted. Price is steep at $1K, but when you love and appreciate your car, it is worth the cost.

And +1 for a inline 6!