fog light indicator for DRL

[mec]

I just got a 2012 EX35 with ~80k km on it. It drives nicely but I noticed that the fog light indicator in the dashboard is always on when in drive or reverse. The light switch is on "auto" and the fog light switch is set to off.
However, the car has DRL for which the fog lights are used. I'm wondering if that's normal that when the fog lights used as DRL, the fog light indicator is also on (haven't seen this on any other car before that there is any indicator for DRL...). Or should it only be on when the lights are on and the fog light switch is set to "on"? How's this for others?

 

[Julian Antorelli]

I just got a 2012 EX35 with ~80k km on it. It drives nicely but I noticed that the fog light indicator in the dashboard is always on when in drive or reverse. The light switch is on "auto" and the fog light switch is set to off.
However, the car has DRL for which the fog lights are used. I'm wondering if that's normal that when the fog lights used as DRL, the fog light indicator is also on (haven't seen this on any other car before that there is any indicator for DRL...). Or should it only be on when the lights are on and the fog light switch is set to "on"? How's this for others?

That's an excellent question, and what you're seeing is a very specific and often confusing characteristic of the Infiniti EX35 (and many other Infiniti and Nissan models from that era). What you're describing is completely normal for your vehicle. The fog light indicator on the dashboard is always on when the fog lights are being used as daytime running lights (DRL).

Here's why this happens:
- The system design: Unlike many other cars where the DRLs are a separate light or a dimmed version of the high beams, the Infiniti EX35's system is designed to use the fog lights as the DRLs.

- The indicator's purpose: The purpose of the fog light indicator on the dash is to tell you when the fog lights are on and drawing power. The system doesn't differentiate between the fog lights being used as DRLs or being manually turned on with the fog light switch. In both cases, the same bulbs are being powered, so the indicator lights up.

It's a common point of confusion for new owners because, as you noted, other cars don't typically have an indicator for their DRLs. The logic for the EX35 is simple: if the fog lights are on, for any reason, the dash light will be on.

So, to answer your specific questions:

Is it normal? Yes, it is.

Should it only be on when the lights are on and the fog light switch is set to "on"? No, it will also be on when the car is in drive or reverse and the fog lights are being used as DRLs.

You can confirm this by putting the car in park and setting the gear selector to neutral. The fog light indicator should turn off. Then, when you put it back in drive, it will turn on again. You can also turn the car off, and the light will turn off. This confirms that the system is operating as designed. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but it's a completely normal function of the vehicle.

 

[mec]

That's an excellent question, and what you're seeing is a very specific and often confusing characteristic of the Infiniti EX35 (and many other Infiniti and Nissan models from that era). What you're describing is completely normal for your vehicle. The fog light indicator on the dashboard is always on when the fog lights are being used as daytime running lights (DRL).

Thanks Julian!

 

[Julian Antorelli]

Thanks Julian!

Any time! Glad I could help.