If you have a digital trip/odo, here's how to properly re-install needles
 

I've been on the .org for close to a year now, and I've never seen this procedure being explained so forgive me if it's been done before.

This procedure works on virtually all Nissan meters which has a digital trip/odo. If you have the analog/mechanical trip/odo, don't bother reading.

Background:
Nissan meters w/ the digital trip/odo has a built-in diagnostics function that will automatically position the needles at a fixed location for all 4 gauges (tach, speedo, fuel, temp). This location is useful for needle re-calibration.

Here's what you have to do:
Before removing your needles, you need to mark this 'fixed' location by:
a) Turning key to OFF
b) While holding the trip/odo reset button down, turn the key to IGN position & hold the button down for at least 0.8 seconds. (1-2 seconds is perfectly fine - no need to rush).
c) After that, push the button 3 times in the next few seconds (you'll have about 7 seconds to do this).

You will notice that all segments of the trip/odo will be illuminated.

NOW, when you push and hold the button, the needles will move to a fixed (calibration) mode. You can mark this spot, then safely remove the needles. As long as you're in the diagnostics mode, the needles will move to the set location when you hold the button down & return to zero position when you release the button. You can do this over & over until you are comfortable with your markings.

(To leave the diagnostics, you can simply turn the key back to the OFF position).


Now, you can remove the needles by gently prying them off.

To reinstall the needles, simply go back in to the diagnostics using the steps outlined above. Move the needle base to the 'fixed' location by holding the button down and setting the needles to the location you marked. Then, just push the needles in gently.

If you had removed the needles before marking this set location, you're basically screwed.

wow, how did you find this out?

now i might get the needle kit if ne1 can confirm this works.

geo1317

You have a 98, you should have a digital odo/trip, try it later and confirm yourself that it works. :cool:

Another contribution to the .org

I just removed my needles the way that its explained here:

http://www.bee.net/a2low240/help/main.html

From the guys who made the indiglo needle kit.

I guess maybe your way is more accurate, but my guages all work (except the tach which is 200rpm off).

Re: If you have a digital trip/odo, here's how to properly re-install needles
 

Nice! You got this from the FSM, right?? Sounds very similar to the way you enable diagnostics for the airbag cpu and the auto climate control unit. I'm gonna try this right now just to watch my needles move :laugh:

DW

Um, this doesn't work on my car:(

DW

And you have a digital odo? :confused:

I am not sure if it's in the FSM (it could be), I got it from work.

I tried it on a Frontier meter w/ a digital odo & it worked. Sadly, I have a 95 with the mechanical odo.

Can someone confirm if this works on our meters with a digital odo? It's frustrating me that it doesn't work on dwapenyi.

Remember, you MUST hold the button down BEFORE you turn the key to IGN and you must continue to hold it down for 1-2 seconds, then release, then push and release 3 times.

If your odo display segments become illuminated, then push the button down again and hold it. The needles should move to a set location and fall back to zero-position when you release the button.

:confused:

Yup. Digital Odo. 2 trip meters. There's 2 types of digital odos now. Mine is the single row one. 98-99 Maximas have that. I think the 2000+ Maximas have the digital odos with 2 rows of display area. Maybe it works only on the 2nd gen digital odos:gotme:

DW

Re: If you have a digital trip/odo, here's how to properly re-install needles
 

AHA! Found a discrepancy! For my car, the instrucions are slightly different. I just appended to your instructions below. Lines in red are the additions;

Here's what you have to do:
Before removing your needles, you need to mark this 'fixed' location by:
AA) Turn the ignition to ON and change the digitial odo to trip A or B
a) Turning key to OFF
b) While holding the trip/odo reset button down, turn the key to IGN position & hold the button down for at least 0.8 seconds. (1-2 seconds is perfectly fine - no need to rush).
B1) the trip counter will reset to 000.0 (NOT the normal 0.0)
c) After that, push the button 3 times in the next few seconds (you'll have about 7 seconds to do this).

You will notice that all segments of the trip/odo will be illuminated.

NOW, when you push and hold the button, the needles will move to a fixed (calibration) mode. The feul gage may take up to a minute to reach its calibration spot You can mark this spot, then safely remove the needles. As long as you're in the diagnostics mode, the needles will move to the set location when you hold the button down & return to zero position when you release the button. You can do this over & over until you are comfortable with your markings.

(To leave the diagnostics, you can simply turn the key back to the OFF position).


That was it. I got my needles bouncing:)

DW

Re: Re: If you have a digital trip/odo, here's how to properly re-install needles
 

Thanks dwapenyi

I pulled a FSM for the 97 & 98 from work today. The instructions (exactly as you had ammended) was in the 98 which is the 1st year they introduced the digital odo.

Yes, you are correct. I think it's worthy to land in the FAQ for those who want to re-install meter needles.

(Pity, the instructions I got from the guy at work didn't mention anything about the trip A & B, but the FSM did)

Now, if only my 95 had a digital odo :(