Speedometer not working properly

1996 NISSAN ALTIMA
150,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
When my speedometer drops out or doesn't work. I can tap the dash in one spot or another and it will start working. Is there a fix to this other than continuing to smack the dash?
Mar 31, 2019 at 5:43 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Interesting technique, but it works. LOL Either you have a loose connection or there is a problem with the speedometer itself. Also, since the speed sensor is on the transmission and hitting the dash makes it work again, the problem has to be under the dash.

I looked through a few schematics and found the ground for several things, including the speedometer is located behind the dash (center). Take a look at the picture attached. Start there and see if anything is loose, corroded, damaged, or partially broken. If that is roughly where you hit it, that may be the issue.

Here are a few links that may be helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Mar 31, 2019 at 7:53 PM
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