Only the Speedometer goes on and off whenever it wants.. any clues on repairing the needle?

 

i would check the speed sensor first

 

try hiting the dashboard, may work LOL

 

It does work sometimes if i hit it.. where is the speed sensor?

 

There is a sensor under your intake tube on top of the transmission i think.

 

It's been a while but ihad to change one for the same thing (actually I can't remember if it was the rpm/mph going crazy) But when i changed the speed sensor which by the way is under the air intake box. It is to the back of the valve body.

 

I have the same issue as of two days ago. The needle started off being very wobberly at less than about 70km/h and would stay at 0km/h until about 40 or 50. Yesterday it would not leave 0km/h until I got onto the highway and the needle then went straight up to 170km/h and slowly climbed to 180km/h. About 2km along the highway I got off and as I was slowing down it then went straight off the end of the speedo and has stayed there ever since.

The odo is still working but I have concerns that my battery may go flat if there is a short.

I haven't looked at the problem yet but plan to this weekend. I'm not sure what I should look at but I'll start with the speed sensor as previously mentioned.

Edit: I have tested tapping the guage too but it did not make any difference.

if the mods want to move this into another thread, feel free. I didn't want to spam the forum 15 times to make one of my own.

Edit2: I've done some more testing now. I banged on the speedo and it does make a difference. When crusing along the highway yesterday the needle was stuck at 0. When I banged the top of the dash the needle went to 170.

I have also found that the speedo seems to go faster the slower you travel. At the times when it is off the end of the guage, the car is running at less than about 80km/h. Once I reach somewhere around 100 the needle falls down to 170-180. It stays there until i slow down. As I slow the needle gets higher and higher until if falls off the end of the guage again.

I have also tested cruise control and it still works.

 

Your problems is located in the gauge assy... u cannot hit and affect the speed sensor. Take assy out, clean connectors. Open assembly and disconnect speedo screws, clean and inspect. Quite probably u find oxidized connector or smtg cut/ loose.

Craig has done some PM for his clock, if I remember right theres a writeup how to open dash - with pics... for that and smtg else dig out the LINKS on my web page...

 

check the connector on the trans. sometimes it pops out a bit

 

I had the same problem and I found that speed sensor near the intake and the oil filter had just moved up a little bit causing a bad connection so I just had to push it back in all the way

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=405575

 

Does hitting dashboard rEAlly correct such a problem --->"djx82: It does work sometimes if i hit it.. "
Must Say ... Amazing Force; whats is useable in the dash after such a bloW?

 

I had the same problem where my speedometer was stuck at 0 and would come on and off. I dont think it was too difficult to fix because my mechanic did it for free.

 

mine stopped working, it sits above the transmission and it pops out occasionally i believe

 

Mine did the same thing about a year ago. I replaced the speed sensor (about $75 from www.rockauto.com or other online dealers) and, unfortunately, that wasn't the problem. I then bought a new gauge cluster on eBay and that fixed it. By the way, I have a speed sensor for sale if anyone would like it -- $35 plus shipping.
If it's the gauge cluster, you can buy either a GXE or SE cluster and just replace the speedo assembly. Since you have a GXE, now might be a good time to get those nifty white gauges you've always wanted. Pulling out the guage cluster is probably a "2" out of 5 in difficulty.
This is a common problem with the Maximas. Usually it's the speed sensor, but Wiking is right -- sometimes it's the speedometer itself.
If you have a multi-meter (volt/ohms/amps meter) you can check pin 27 (Automatic Transmission) on your Transmission Control Unit. You'll need a friend to help, or you'll need to be a contortionist because it involves driving the car 2-3 mph and checking between pin 27 (red lead on your meter) and ground (black lead) and observing for 0-5VDC. If you get that reading, the speed sensor is probably OK.

As you're looking at the TCU (located in the center console, behind the radio, top module, accessible from the driver's side center kick panel), locate the bolt in the middle holding the connector in place. Pin 27 is on the top row of wires, fifth to the right from the center bolt. You can (should, must) test the voltage without removing the connector.

Racer-M: the speed senser is BOLTED (well, screwed, actually) in there. It shouldn't be "popping out" at all.

 

there's a rubber(?) plug on the top that pos up.

 

If u can find another place (check the harness under hood for connector) for measurement, it might be easier... Here's the mentioned connector:

 

I think the "rubber" part is a coating/weather proofing of the inner works. The outside casing is solid aluminum. If it's popping out, then it has separated from the casing somehow.
Only one solution: Duct tape.

 

JB weld > Duct tape

 

Okay, my max just started similar problem. Speedo went all the way to 125, then it hovers around 85. You go slower and the speed increases. When you stop it pegs the needle above 125. Where is this speed sensor. Heres a pic of my engine bay. Is it the part I have marked in red with #1, and if so what does #2 connect to. This wire seems to be going nowhere, and I cannot find an empty wire to connect it to. Thanks.

 

No.1 is rusted A/T resistor (used in selectin sporty or ol' man gearchange.)

Anyways clean your batt cable connection from rust.

Check out the LINKS for detailed info...
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/1

 

Okay, wheres the speed sensor?....I know where the speedometer gear is on top of the 5 speed, but where is the sensor?

 

I believe the speed sensor and speedometer gear are one and the same.

 

Thanks. I pulled it and cleaned it, no luck. I guess if it has a sensor inside of there it could be bad.

 

Am I correct in saying that the speed sensor supplies a signal to the speedomter and cruise control module at the same time? I can turn on the main power to CCM but cannot set it at a speed I have done all the test as stated in alldata.com with the exception of actually removing the speed sensor and turning by hand. If this is correct then I assume the sensor is working if my speedo works fine.this would leave me to replace the control module. Any thoughts?

 

Yes it does. Open, Resolder the ASCD module components. Lots other stuff, fuses etc to check.

Check out. Note: the safety relay is add on device to inhibit the car killing ppl...
clic on: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/19 See Also Favorite Links.

 

I have done everything accept resolder the pcb board and I assume you mean every terminal so I will try that next.

 

I did not resolder as my pcb was so nice lookin...

U may tst the actuator motor by jumping direct +12V & gnd to its connector. It should pull the TB open in five sec...

 

Did that last night and no problems. The controller unit seems to be the problem for me.

 

I took a look at my speedo yesterday and I believe that it is the actual speedo and not the sensor or wiring.

I first checked the voltage across pin 27 and ground as suggested by gearhed and found that at < about 5KM/h the voltage would go as hi as 11V AC as apposed to 0-5V as the manual says. After 5KM/h it stays is around 4.5V. Is the voltage suppost to be infact DC?

I also ran through the procedure to check the wiring and sensor using the diagnostics test that instructs you to go through the gears and then check the P light on P/AC/C switch which confirmed that it was OK.

I then pulled out the dash and checked the circuit board which looked perfect so I didn't resolder any joins.

I have found a wrecker with another speedo for AU$125 so I'll pick that up in the morning and hopefully it will fix the problem.

I'll keep you posted for the benifit of jasba or anyone alse with the same problem.

 

I pulled the dash out again and replaced the speedo. It is now working perfect. Thanks for the info guys.