So I have a 2000 Maxima SE with ~227,000 miles on it. I started having issues with all my meters a couple of weeks ago - my thermometer was waving at me going down the highway, and whenever my speedometer is out, my RPMs are gone too. It was taken to the shop, and since then the only problem I've had is that my odometer reads at 776K+ miles. They said at the shop that either the dash cluster needs to be replaced or the circuit board back in the dash needs to be replaced. Crown Nissan couldn't locate a circuit board, and I haven't had any luck either. I guess what I'm wondering is if it can be rebuilt or if there's a certain place I need to look to find them? I'm not looking for any performance upgrade or anything - just the cheapest fix so I have the option of selling it and buying a Versa (I need better fuel economy, unfortunately).

Also, I've heard that putting in grounding wires makes a big difference; what kind of impact does it have? I have the wires already, but I couldn't find where they were supposed to go - the place my manual shows isn't there.

 

It's most likely the circuit board behind your instrument cluster. Some circuits probably went bad. Best bet is to find one at a junkyard - you can swap your mileage chip to keep your original mileage (will require soldering).

 

check on ebay for a gauge cluster!! my gas gauge was not working at all and the dealer said the board was bad and it will be $600 plus install and reprogram, i was like hell no, so i found one on ebay for $90 free shipping with 55k miles and its very easy to install check on the forum i did it myself, if ur worried about the mileage find one close to ur actual mileage. best option in my opinion

 

The junkyard sounds like my best bet at this point.

If I were to try that, how would I do it? I don't really know what I'm doing with circuit boards or soldering. Is it something that could be done as a DIY project, or is it too complicated?

 

Just swap out the whole cluster and note the mileage on both when you do the swap. Chances are with 227k on the car you will be the last owner so mileage really doesn't matter in my opinion. I have 154000 on my car, but my cluster says 186000. I just made a note of the mileage on the one I put In so I can add the miles to the old one to know what the car really has. But In your case with that mileage, it really doesnt matter. You just need to disclose the mileage difference if you do sell it or you are committing a huge crime! I also took pics of both of mine when I swapped so i can prove it if i sell.

 

I think I might have a cluster laying around. PM me if interested.