Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Optical sensor 

Description 

The optical sensor converts the outside brightness (lux) to voltage and transmits the optical sensor signal to the BCM.

Component Function Check 

1.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR SIGNAL BY CONSULT

CONSULT

1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Select "OPTICAL SENSOR" of BCM (HEAD LAMP) DATA MONITOR item.
3. Turn the lighting switch to AUTO.
4. While the auto light system is operating, check the monitor status.

*: Illuminates the optical sensor. The value may be less than the standard value if brightness is weak.

Diagnosis Procedure

1.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR POWER SUPPLY INPUT

1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Turn the lighting switch to AUTO.
3. Check the voltage between the optical sensor harness connector and ground.

2.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR GROUND INPUT

Check the voltage between the optical sensor harness connector and ground.

3.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR SIGNAL OUTPUT

With the auto light system operating, check voltage between the optical sensor harness connector and ground. 

*: Illuminate the optical sensor. The value may be less than the standard if brightness is weak.

4.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR POWER SUPPLY FOR OPEN CIRCUIT

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect the optical sensor connector and BCM connector M18.
3. Check continuity between the optical sensor harness connector (A) and the BCM harness connector (B

5.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR POWER SUPPLY FOR SHORT CIRCUIT

Check the continuity between the optical sensor harness connector and the ground.

6.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR GROUND FOR OPEN CIRCUIT

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect the optical sensor connector and BCM connector M18.
3. Check continuity between the optical sensor harness connector (A) and the BCM harness connector (B).

7.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR SIGNAL FOR OPEN CIRCUIT

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect the optical sensor connector and BCM connector M18.
3. Check continuity between the optical sensor harness connector (A) and the BCM harness connector (B). 

8.CHECK OPTICAL SENSOR SIGNAL FOR SHORT CIRCUIT

Check the continuity between the optical sensor harness connector and ground.