Hey guys,

I had an interesting issue yesterday. Half the cluster illumination on my 01 GXE went out for a short period of time. It was the left side, speedo, gas, etc. I am unsure as to what else wasn't working (i.e. brights indicator, seat belt, low fuel, etc.) because it seems to have fixed itself after driving for a short time. I'm not experiencing any gauge functionality problems, just the illumination. It has only happened once. Since then I have not experienced it at all. I did check my fuses, but all were in good shape.

I suppose my query's are;

Does this mean it's time for a new cluster?

Is it something I can take care of with a bit of new solder and continuity testing?

Is this a simple loose screw issue like some of the A32 wacky tach issues I've seen previously?

Car is a 2001 GXE 5 speed with 131,xxx miles on it. No major electrical mods have been performed on this car.

Thanks for your time.

 

Your problem is kind of unique, not a common one. I would start by unplugging and re-plugging the wire harness connections on the back of the cluster. If you see any ground wires screwed to the printed circuit board, tighten those. Can't remember if there are any ground wires, though.

In general, look for cold solder connections. Nissan stuff tends to have them from time to time.

 

Thanks. I'll check those out.

In searching around I located a few threads which match the description I posted.

One guy had a crack and replaced his cluster. The others basically developed into LED debates and other nonrelated lighting stuff. The remaining one seemed unresolved.

I recently had the airbag recall work done at my local dealership. I wonder if anything is done behind the instrument cluster at the same time? Maybe they Eff'd something up? More required.

Either way, Im pricing a cluster. Yay!