Elecrical problem

TOMMY

MEMBER
2000 NISSAN FRONTIER
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Have 2000 Nissan Frontier. V-6, AT, Air. When driving sometimes the Speedometer, Odometer, Tach, Temp gage, and Fuel gage will stop working for a few miles then come back on. Nothing else is effected, instrument lites, radio, driving lites. Seems to happen when have been driving a few miles and mostly when things like headlites, radio and/or AC is on. Problem always seems to go away if stop and turn engine off for 20-30 minutes. Can it be a relay?
Thank You!

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Perform the following to see if you can come up with anything.

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS MODE

1. To activate on-board diagnostics mode, turn ignition on. Change odometer/tripmeter to TRIP A or TRIP B. Turn ignition off.

2. While pressing odometer/tripmeter switch, turn ignition on. Ensure tripmeter indicates 000.0. Press odometer/tripmeter switch more than 3 times within 5 seconds.

3. On-board diagnostics mode is activated. All odometer/tripmeter segments should be illuminated. Replace speedometer (unified meter control unit) if operation is not as specified.

4. Press and hold odometer/tripmeter switch. Gauge indicators will move and become stable after about one minute. Meter/gauge or circuit is faulty if indicators are not as shown. See Fig. 1. Repair as necessary. See FAULT INDICATED IN ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS MODE or NO FAULT INDICATED IN ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS MODE under TROUBLE SHOOTING.

NO FAULT INDICATED IN ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS MODE
Speedometer & Odometer/Tripmeter Are Malfunctioning
Possible faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) or speedometer (unified meter control unit). Check VSS circuit. Check FPC connection. See FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT (FPC) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Repair as necessary. If no problem is found, replace speedometer (unified meter control unit).

Multiple Meter/Gauge Malfunction (Except Speedometer & Odometer/Tripmeter)

Possible faulty Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) connection or speedometer. Check FPC connection. Repair as necessary. If no problem is found, replace speedometer (unified meter control unit).

Tachometer, Fuel Gauge Or Water Temperature Gauge Is Malfunctioning

Possible faulty tachometer, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, speedometer or Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) connection. Check corresponding sensor for gauge in question. Check circuit for gauge in question.

Check FPC connection. Repair as necessary. If no problem is found, replace speedometer (unified meter control unit).