I wanted to replace my analog cluster gauge with the digital cluster since RPM needle was going haywire on it's own. So, after unplugging everything, came to know they are different (tried searching for it before starting the project but couldn't find it), therefore since I couldn't do the switch, had to plug everything back. Well, of course after everything went in, turned on the lights, none of the internal dashboard lights are on. Checked the wiring again but still nothing. Verified the dimmer to see if that was the case and still nothing.

I guess now the digital cluster goes in classifieds if it cannot be done. Any suggestions/ideas?

Cheers

 

IIRC ive never seen this switch. although maybe possible, IDK

and your dash lights are one of two things. either unplugged dimmer, or the dimmer is turned down

 

Yeahh - gonna double check out the dimmer switch again. I may have fudged it, but some how darn thing still wouldn't come on.

Here's the pic incase anyone else ever wonder the difference b/w analog vs digital layout.

 

The swap has been done many many times before, and has been documented in this very subforum. Search, and you'll find the details of the swap; basically, just wire in the '98/'99 connectors.

Have you checked the fuse for the gauge lighting?

 

I searched and searched again with various keyword combination....but I guess I do not hold a search degree..

I did find previous find asking the same question where you are directing them to 'search' as well however they all have been unsuccessful.

Post by slow_yota: Said NO
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...e-cluster.html

Post from you where a guy had the same question and you had mentioned search!
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...e-cluster.html

You again...
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ster-96-a.html

You ...
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...w-cluster.html

Nothing here.
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...anyone-do.html

So, if you can actually find it and paste it, it can be helpful to many others before and after me.

In the meantime, I will check fuse, therefore I thank you for that direction.

 

Even though the connectors look similar the wiring between the analog and digital clusters is totally different. It's possible to switch them out and someone who knows what they are doing may be able to do it in 4-8 hours. But it would be a hassle and no guarantee that everything would function properly. Unless you can read the wiring diagrams, want to change the connections of 10-20 of the wires and have lots of time on your hands, I would not recommend it. That is probably why most of those links lead to dead ends.

Since the units are wired differently you probably blew a fuse #13 (10AMP) when you connected and powered up the new cluster. Replacing the fuse should get you back to where you started.

 

Nopika- Thank you for your concise straight forward answer. Eventually that is the conclusion I was coming down to that it may not fit unless one knows what they are doing - and I don't.

 

---Update--12/20---
I checked the fuse #13 as you suggested and is fine, however based on the diagram it says #13 is a Meter?

Then, I have read some more and said to check #25 & #26, however #26 is room lamp and #25 is blank (based on diagram) but it did have 7.5. So, confused about that.

There is a possibility that the switch may have gotten bad, which I can't test it unless with voltmeter or with another working switch, but now determining the right fuse is a challenge.

 

Fuse 13 would be the correct one it's for the gauges and warning lamps of the cluster.
Does the speedometer or anything on the cluster work? Are there other circuits that are not functioning, such as windows, lights? Try swapping the fuse with the spare one anyway.