I took it to the dealer, they "claim" to have fixed my problem by gouging some money out of me for a new speedo unit. What happens is that all the other gauges (temp/fuel/tach) work fine. The speedometer will take some time to kick in and work. When it doesn't work, it just sits on the needle at 0 mph and the odometer just sits there too.

Sometimes the check engine light will come on, but as soon as the speedo kicks in and works again, the check engine light goes away and the odometer works, right up until it gets stuck at about 3.9 miles (trip meter). I have no idea where to look for this problem, I'm assuming it's electrical.

Could this be a speed sensor problem, as all fuses seem to okay? I have a 94SE auto and am clueless. This doesn't happen all the time, it's so random but will usually happen on a cold start. Thanks!

 

u check the speed sensor?

 

Why didn't you just buy a gauge cluster from a junk yard and replace it yourself?

Anyway..I would think its a replay, because of the delayed reaction.

 

DanNY - Where is the speed sensor? I'm new to these cars so I have no idea where to look

Sudesh - The junkyards here seem to not have what I need (I think someone had the same idea already before me), and what is a replay?

 

Yeah, what in the world is a replay?? Are you talking about football??

 

I assume he meant RELAY but I dont see what a relay has to do with a delayed reaction

 

it's close to the tranny plug..(can't picture it right now)..wires coming out of it. but it's on the tranny case.
thats the part that drives the speedo.

 

hehe, Sorry I made a typo. It was supposed to be RELAY.

I currently am in the process of buying a maxima. I don't know if the 3rd generation max has a fuse panel to the bottom of the steering wheel to the left by the door. If it does, there's some relays to the right side of the fuses, the one thats on the very bottom would be your problem. Start up your car, if your speedo doesn't work, open the fuse box and giggle that relay a little and see if it works.

 

Cool, so it sounds like either the sensor or the relay. Thanks for the info. Looks like I have some chores before Xmas now. =]

 

This solution may seem a little elementary but I had a similar problem with my MX6GT a couple of years ago in cold weather and this solved it. It turned out to be the speedo cable needed lubrication since the car had accumulated some high mileage and after I lubed it everything was fine.

 

how would one lube the speedo cable?

 

In all actuality I haven't done this on my Nissan yet as I have only had it for two months. However, if it bears any similarity to my old MX6GT's or even my motorcycle's cable (Yamaha R6) you can take the cable out of the protective casing (much like you would a bicycle shifter or brake cable) and lube it with (I used molybdenum grease). Again, I will have to get out my service manual to see how the speedometer cable detaches and disassembles.

 

when you find out, could you let me know or make a thread? my speedo will cut out when i first start driving the car, after about 20 minutes at the very most (hot and humid), then its fine.

 

Do you have a picture of this?

 

 

holy nearly 10 year bump lol

 

I also have A problem similar.. I have A 1990 speedo dont turn on until hot... only check engine light comes on, seat belt only lights if no seat belt on, door if door is open. It don't light for fuel, temperature. Its really driving me crazy... my first car i would like to fix that problem along other details. Any one has any Idea what could it be?