During the last couple days, my tachometer backlight would flash on and off while I'm driving. Today, the upper section of it beteween the 3 and 7 numbers went off, as you can see in the pic below:



I believe some of the LEDs burned out which is unusual since these things last for years. Would any one know where I can get this fixed besides the dealer? I live in the LA/OC area in California.

 

At 80 MPH my tach is at 3k. It is rare that I ever exceed that
Why bother to spend money to fix it if it is not covered under warranty

Telcoman

 

 

Here is place I found for you about 30min form OC:
They also do on-site repairs
Fixyourgauge

If it means anything....they have good reviews in yelp
Reviews

g/l

 

That would bug the hell out of me to have half the tach light working.

 

+1. If I have it on the car it better freaking work like it was designed to! I couldn't sleep.

 

How much additional damage will result from ripping the dash apart to repair this - additional squeeks, rattles..... If it's out of warranty, leave it be IMO.

 

Some learn life's lessons the hard and expensive way


Us old farhts know better

Telcoman

 

I called this guy, he only deals with specific models, mainly GM vehicles. So the search continues.

I'm a little disappointed with the quality of Infiniti vehicles, the dashboard light should outlast the life of the vehicle.

 

Leave it be? LOL. So you're telling me that wouldn't bother you driving at night? Come on now, he drives an infiniti, not a hyundai.

 

^^It honestly depends on the situation. The OP has a 7 year old car. Definitely past the basic warranty. Perhaps extended warranty? Which would probably cover this.

BUT, it's not a simple repair. Someone more familiar can chime in, but I bet it involves in part some dash R&R. Dashboard is plastic, plastic gets brittle over time. It will never go back the same way it was.

So... Yes, I'd leave it be. I'm more bothered by noises than a few segments of tach not lighting up.

Years back I had the same issue on a motorcycle display. It happened early on in the season. While not as big of a repair was still time consuming to take the cluster apart to get at the bulbs. Rode with it that way for 3 years until I finally sold the bike.

@Telco, who you calling old fart?? I still got a few left in me

 

Commonly known as a clusterfVck!

Then you are a quick learner and are somewhat advanced

Telcoman

 

I've just noticed the same issue popping up on my G- but in the 6-9K RPM's range. I haven't done any investigating to see how much $ a repair would be. It bothers me, but I share the same hesitations noted about tearing up the gauges for a 'vanity' repair.

 

These statements are absurd to me. Changing the bulbs in the instrument cluster is not rocket science. We perform all types of maintenance and repairs which have a risk of things not going back together exactly the same. Something else to think about: the techs at the Infiniti dealers run that same risk. Warranty or not.

To each his/her own.

These. This would be as bad as any annoying noise or squeak. You can't ignore a dead light by turning up the radio.

This would bother me in any make of car. Don't be such an elitist. LOL It's just an Infiniti.


We're pushing a bit past 'vanity' and into 'safety'. The more time yours eyes have to spend on the cluster, the less time they are on the road. I imagine checking your speed at night with the incoming lights of the street lamps would take just a skosh longer. Might as well be safe AND gain your vanity points.

Another absurd statement. Bulbs went out and you're disappointed with the quality of Infiniti? Hahaha. Seriously. What manufacturer has bulbs that never go out?

I've taken the clusters out of cars ranging from Audis to Volvos to replace bulbs. They are almost always easy, and can be replaced as though it was never apart. The bulbs are typically removed with a quarter turn, snap in, or solder. Easy peasy unless they're soldered and you can't solder. If not, take it to someone who can. Removal of the cluster should still be straight forward.
I'll see what I can dig up for DIY help later today if you'd like to try to tackle it.

 

Found this in a cursory search. It's for a 370z, but it gives a good idea what is involved. I'll search a bit more if anyone would like. The FSM also has instructions, but it's usually more involved than what is actually required.