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All of a sudden my speedometer, tachometer, the digital gauge pod, OBD2 and heater/blower all stopped working?

Tiny
GAV911
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 NISSAN 350Z
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 129,000 MILES
Hello, I hope you can help me please with these electrics? I went out last night and on the way all of a sudden, my speedo, rev counter, the digital gauge pod, obd2 and heater/blower all stopped working. I've done a cluster self-diagnostic and the needles all worked, I've checked all the footwell fuses, fuses near battery and the fuses on the IPDM and they're fine. I managed to get my OBD port to work occasionally and pulled two codes a P0181-powertrain fuel temperature sensor A circuit range/performance.
P0463-fuel level sensor circuit high input. I've also read that HVAC amplifier module can cause a lot more issues than just the heater problem, like gauges not reading and showing an empty fuel tank. Any help or pointers on where else to look would be fantastic as all I get from Nissan is take it to your local dealership! Which isn't cheap and times are tough at the moment thankyou for listening to my problem. Thanks again.
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 4:55 AM

35 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
Let's check for power at the fuses in the IPDM because I have seen the IPDM go out and stop supplying power to various accessories.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Please run this test with the systems on. Here is how to replace the IPDM in case there is no power when testing. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.

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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Hi Ken, I have tested all the fuses on the front of the IPDM with a test light and they all tested fine, do I need to go back to it and remove it? Are there fuses on the back as well then? Thanks for your input.
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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When you did the test did you check them for power?
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
GAV911
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Yes, I put the test light on both sides of the fuse and found 2 that didn't work but checked the fuse label and realized they were for headlights and high beam. So, I put the lights on and then the torch light lit up so yes, I think they are all good, but with the 350z and a lot of reading it does mention a lot about the HVAC A/C amplifier control module. Thanks.
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 12:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that was going to be my next thing to go over if the IPDM was okay, both the HVAC and instrument cluster use the Unified Meter and A/C Amplifier, so it does sound like it is bad. I believe a can scan will help confirm the issue. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Here is the location for the unit which is under the center of the dash. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Hi Ken, yes I just ordered a 'launch CRP129E 2023 version' diagnostic tool I'm hoping that will work. Thanks
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that should do it, let me know what codes come up.
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Monday, October 2nd, 2023 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
GAV911
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Ken, the only code that came up was a p0463 and I also tried a CAN bus scan with the tool, but it just keeps coming up with failed. I did come across a video on YouTube for a Nissan Maxima, and they use the same HVAC amplifier.

https://youtu.be/YodpcnsfEQw?si=GNWvM21Dzo0HE6Ru

This has all the symptoms that I'm having. Thanks
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Monday, October 2nd, 2023 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that is what I suggested in the post above. Good find on the video to help confirm the problem. The unified meter and AC amplifier. Let me know when you replace it.

The code P0463 on a 2008 Nissan 350Z (and many other vehicles) refers to a "Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Input"

This will be the unified meter and AC amplifier as well.
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Hi Ken, yes it was a pain, but I was able to source one from the US. As they are like gold dust here in the UK lol, I reached out to all my friends on various 350z groups and forums and 350z breakers I know but with no luck (plenty of DE models not HR). It should be delivered tomorrow so I will update as soon as I've tried it. Thank you.
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, please let me know what happens.
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 7:54 AM
Tiny
GAV911
  • MEMBER
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Hi Ken, I received my new HVAC amplifier plugged it in and there is no change. I'm really gutted as I thought that was the problem, used my torque pro app (when I can get my obd to work) the only code I'm getting is a p0463 fuel level sensor. So, I lost again now? Thanks
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Unless I have a loose connection somewhere behind the dash, which I really hope not.
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, these systems use a common ground which is the M66 behind the center of the dash which needs to be checked. Here is what I am talking about.
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Thursday, October 12th, 2023 AT 10:05 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Hi Ken, is that visible and near the unified meter or is it higher up? Thanks
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Thursday, October 12th, 2023 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Also, did you just want me to check it's connected or if it's loose? Thanks Ken.
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Thursday, October 12th, 2023 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Is this what you mean? Thanks
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Thursday, October 12th, 2023 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
GAV911
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Hi Ken, just spoke to Nissan near me and just for a diagnostic test I'm looking at 150 which I think is too overpriced, do you know of a scanner I could buy that will do everything I need on my 350z for around the 300 range? Thanks.
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Friday, October 13th, 2023 AT 3:55 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, I want you to check if the ground is loose or broken off, also check for rust as well. The ground connection must be clean and tight. Scanner capability is all over the map. You will need to do research on the unit to see if you are better off getting the scanner or taking it in for diagnosis.
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Friday, October 13th, 2023 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
GAV911
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Do you know what's better for a 350z as I know I need it to read CAN-BUS but through searching I haven't come across a definitive answer for a type of scanner that would read all the 350z data. I will check the ground at the weekend as got to take all my center console and stereo out. Thanks Ken.
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Friday, October 13th, 2023 AT 8:51 AM

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