hello all, I have recently bought a 2000 california spec maxima with two ses codes stored at time of purchase, they were P0500 and P0430. I expected the P0430 to require a new bank 2 pre-cat or a minimum of an 02 sim installation but decided to tackle the P0500 first since the intermittent operation of the speedometer was a real nuisance. Since the trouble code indicates "speed sensor circuit malfunction" I first went about changing the speed sensor. When I received the first of two new sensors there was a fitment problem due to a redesign of this components in the 2000 year. The gear-type driven sensor has been superseded by a transducer-type located on the output housing for the left drive-axle. My car was built in June of 2000 and apparently fell into a late year part grouping. After replacing the new type of speed sensor the speedometer still works intermittently. Took the instrument cluster out and tried tightening the 4 screws holding the speedometer unit to the circuit board, looked for broken solder joints, nothing apparent found. Rather than start a process of ohming out interconnecting wires of the ecu, sensor, speedo and tcu I thought the easiest and least time consuming course of action would be to replace the instrument cluster. The cluster was purchased used and installed about 200 miles ago. The speedo has been working without a mishap since. Interestingly enough both trouble codes have dissapeared on their own. I went through state inspection in NJ today and would like to pass on to anyone with a similar problem what may be a solution for them. The speed sensor is probably lower on the list of probable suspect components than the speedo itself. Can't explain the correction of the P0430 trouble code and don't imagine there is a correlation with the speedo problem but I would not be entirely surprised if either as these systems are all inter-related.

 

If you feel ambitious, re-install the original cluster. There have been many people that fixed cluster problems by re-seating the wire harness connectors.

If the odometer mileage reading is a lot higher on the replacement cluster, you can swap the integrated circuit from the old one ONLY IF you are experienced at soldering integrated circuits.

If you would like to download the Nissan FSM (factory service manual) for your car, click on the link and download:

http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/2000.5

 

after removing the originil instrument cluster to examine solder joints and tighten the 4 screws securing the speedo unit to the printed circuit board I did indeed reinstall the original unit. The problem remained as before so at that time the replacement cluster was ordered. If the replacement cluster didn't work I would have been compelled to check the continuity of the wirin g harnesses but fortunately that has been averted. Thanks but have already downloaded the fsm for this machine. Thanks to whoever has made this possible, otherwise I would have to use the haynes manual that is not as complete.

 

i have the same problem. my car is an se auto built in jan'00, i already replaced vss and revolution sensor. but speedo stil works intermittently and have the o/d off light blinking after engine start. i jut want some inputs on what my next step should be and trying to diagnose the exact culprit now before buying parts. thanks in advance for the replies.

 

my guess is speedo,,,,

 

update...... i did diagnostic on the cluster and all of them gauges works including speedo. im thinking of the wiring harness maybe? any inputs? thanks again.