I have a VSS code that keeps setting off my mil light, i've replaced the vss twice, checked all the harness', checked for broken wires, and short circuits, and that doesn't seem to be the solution to my problems. A guy at my local Nissan dealer said it could be my speedometer unit itself, i'm not sure. The funny thing is sometimes I'll be driving and hit a few pot holes or bumps and i noticed that the speedometer will be giving me a radical reading. In another case, i was doing about 90mph, and started slowing down fast and the speedometer dropped to 10 real quick and pick up to the current speed within a couple of secs. I know this isn't normal, i'm just curious if anyone has or have had a similiar experience. I need 2 know what's causing this in order for me to take steps towards repairs, all ideas and advice are welcomed, thanx.

 

i need to check mine out too, from what i can remember from 2 years back i think i was told it had something to do with my speedo. so im guessing we need a new gauge cluster or whatever its called ?

neither my rpms or mph is right, when i pass through the traps in a 1/4 mile race im a bit over 1oo mph but my timeslips are never that high.

 

Same basic issues 6 months ago, changed VSS, checked all connectors, cleaned and tightened contacts on back of cluster (all the things the existing threads on the subject suggested), and ended up solving the problem by replacing the cluster (or you could just replace the speedo).

 

Another thing i found interesting was that a nissan tech mention that if i have 2 replace da speedo, i'm not authorized due to the fact that the mileage has to be identical to the old speedo and only nissan can perform the labor swap. I personal think it's bs, but then again how would i adjust the miles on the new speedo? Also, i'm curious on why would u replace the whole cluster, isn't the cluster the whole infomartional dash unit (speedo, rpm's, coolant gauge, fuel gauge, warning lights) ?

 

I currently am having the same problem. I recieved a VSS off another member parting out his car (which is hella rare if any of you have tried to get used VSS's, no one is willing to part with it). I didn't replace the harness though, and my VSS code came back. Hopefully when I swap the harness sometime this weekend it will clear it for good.

 

I'm having the same issue. Mine throws an error code P0500, which is the speed sensor. I replaced that at the same time I changed out a starter about 2 months ago, but the code keeps coming back.

I think my wiring harness has gone, and that scares the pants off me. Priced a new one: $964. For that much, I'm leaving it parked at a busy intersection in a bad neighborhood for at least 48 hours, with the keys still in it, and then hoping for the best.

I did find the instructions for repairing the engine control harness in various places (here, AlldataDIY, and so forth), and it seems to me that if I don't do this job, wires will keep breaking, but if I do the job, I better do a darned good job of it. So I am very, very nervous about it.

If I don't do it, then wires will keep breaking, and I could easily end up with an entirely non-operative car.

Has anyone else done this job themselves? I'm not a bad mechanic. This one looks like a "patience and time" sort of thing.

 

well i havent actually pulled a gauge cluster out, seems like you could just write down your mileage and adjust it on the new cluster. in new zealand they keep track of your mileage every 6 months at WOF. So i would have to make sure we are able to change it ourselves. plus what is nissan talking about ? i dont know much but if you bought a gauge cluster 2nd hand and adjustedj the mileage how would they ever know?

 

First, in order to change out the speedo you've got to pull the entire cluster. I decided to take a chance on a used cluster off of eBay and it's working just fine. I didn't pay any attention to the mileage setting although the new one was 35K less than the bad one. But I don't understand why a dealership would not have reset the mileage on the replacement cluster if I had asked them to. Maybe there's something in the laws about that.
Second, I don't understand where guys are getting the notion that the wiring harness has gone bad. Maybe the FSM suggests that as a possible cause of the problem (I haven't bothered to look). But keep in mind that the FSM was written without the benefit of actual experience with these malfunctions in our cars, only the best guesses of technicians and engineers who (supposedly) understand how these systems work. Just for kicks, take just one of those small-gage wires and see how long it takes you to break it with flexing, bending, twisting. You'll be on Social Security (if it's still around) before that happens.
Since my problem first appeared shortly after replacing my tranny, I suspected that maybe a connector might have been buggered during the removal/reinstallation. But playing around with that connector never solved the problem.

 

Before any1 goes ahead and start repairing their main wire harness, i suggest you visually inspec the wire harness itself. The pros claim that on the passenger side of the maxima's, the wire harness that has a bend closest to the passenger side strut tower is usually faulty after age, and begins to have small breaks in it. I inspected mine by open it up with caution and taking my time. I found no breakage.

 

Thats because the trap speed is a calculation via acceleration. Its got nothing to do with a faulty speedo. I pass the line at nearly 100 too.

 

Speedo circuit board needs rebuiult or you need to get a new speedo. Common problem. Southern Electronics in Richmond,VA can fix it for $200 or you can get a new one for $225 from CDourtesy Nissan.

 

j i also have the cel, but good point about the traps. hail i always figured their equipment was off, no way in this world im not going over 100 when i come flying through, lol !

 

I know nissan had issues with the tachs failing. But when the CEL is on its not the gauge. I say go get a new (or used) speed sensor and install it. They are very simple to install, but getting down there takes removing much of the intake ducts. Its 1 10mm bolt holding it in the tranny, and dont worry no fluid will come out since its on top. Just dont drop anything in the hole!

 

The gauge can cause a CEL. If the sensor or the speedo or the wiring has a problem it can trip the code. Refer to FSM page EL-81. It may be different for 98-99s though I doubt it.

If you've changed the speed sensor already (only a $25 part) then it's time to look at the gauge cluster itself or the wiring.

You don't HAVE to have Nissan replace/repair it, in fact their prices are insane. I called a couple of local garages and they both referred me to one shop in town that will roll a used or new odo to match the one in your car. If you provide reasonable evidence that you're doing this for legit reasons it's just that simple and a whole lot cheaper than paying Nissan. Rolling an odo forward is much easier than backwards from what I've read.

FWIW I have a real clean SE gauge set with 125k on it that I bought when my speedo wasn't working. (in my case it was the sensor and wheel inside the tranny that broke). So I don't need this gauge cluster anymore.

FWIW

 

I was getting the P0500 (VSS) code, along with the occassional P0600 as well as a few others, for a while too. The symptoms of my code were a bouncy tach and a cruise control that worked about 80% of the time.

I replaced the VSS, but that did not do a thing. A few days ago I pulled out the cluster and tightened up all of the screws on the back of it. The CEL has since come back, however, neither the P0500 nor P0600 codes are among the codes pulled and the tach and cruise control have been working thus far.

I concur, try the basic steps of cleaning/tightening the contacts first, then move on to the more expensive fixes unless you are certain that, in this case, either the cluster or wiring harness are at fault.

 

I just threw the P0500 code tonight myself. My symptoms are some times when i start out my speedo will not come off of 0mph until I am at around 40 mph, other times when I am cruising at a steady speed it will drop down to 0 for a while and then come back up. What does this sound like? i know the wire going into the ECU for the speed sensor was cut when I bought the car, but I taped the wires back together (I guess the previous owner did not want a governer on the car). I am not familiar with the vehicle speed sensor, does any one have a picture of where it is? Thanks for any help. Did any of you guys ever fix your P0500 code?

Also something else I can note is that my cruise control has never worked on this car...i know that can point to a faulty vehicle speed sensor. I am on my second used cluster right now.

 

The VSS is behind the starter and in front of the fuel filter. If you remove your intake up to the throttle body, it should be visible on the top of the tranny near the firewall. When you remove it, put on some protective grippy gloves, twist and pull on it. It can be a little stubborn, but if you try to pry it out you'll break it.

Dave

 

Thanks, I'll order the part from Nissan today, and replace the part when I get it.

 

If you see any damage to the teeth of the sensor, then replacing it will simply break the new one.

By replacing the sensor you will eliminate any problems with the sensor electronics or wiring. Which is the more likely issue.

Dave

 

What do you mean by this? Something inside is causing the sensor to break? I am waiting for my parts guy to call me back now so I can order the sensor.

 

can anyone help me? my problem sounds a little bit like what you have discussed here. i do not have a reliable mechanic and i am unsure what the problem is with my car (and i don't want to just present it to the dealer and say fix it). my check engine light came on a long time ago. i got a reading and it said it was the speed sensor. the light went off a short time later, came on again once, and then went off again. it has not gone on in quite some time, but i am having an infrequent problem that goes something like this: usually i am stopped and i accelerate. the car revs and revs, moves a bit but does not switch into second gear. i usually pull over and turn off the car. sometimes this "resets" the problem and i can drive home. when i go to start the car the next day, it is fine. then at some other random time (again, not frequently but enough to be worried about a problem while driving) it will happen again. i have found no precursors to the problem. is this the speed sensor or something with the transmission?? any help would be greatly appreciated. if it is the speed sensor, how much am i looking at to fix it?