It says replace combination meter. I was assuming that was different than cluster, but maybe they are one in the same. This is new to me so I am sorry for the confusion.

Thank you

 

Gotcha. What most people call "gauge clusters" Nissan calls them "combination meters."

They are all one and the same.

 

Thank you very much. Will try when I get home from work..

 

Thank you, I tried, and I could not even get numbers up on the a/b trip…

will order used cluster I guess

also tried taking battery cables off.

still no lights and no movement. All else on car works….but nothing but middle rectangle…

 

You may want to try removing the old cluster first and check the connector/ pins for power, ground, and IGN signal.

Did you ever check the passenger-side for water leaks?

 

he said no water leaks, but I will double check.

I will go through every fuse tomorrow with a meter before I tear apart. There is an auto salvage place right down road from me. I will call tomorrow..

Appreciate your help....

 

I’m actually gonna order the cluster tomorrow. I went tonight and checked every single fuse again. Even the ones in front of the battery. I could not get to the small box but I’m assuming that has nothing to do with it..

thank you for the help guys. Let’s see if I can fix it for him.

 

As mentioned in post #20 above, once you remove the old cluster I would strongly suggest you probe the power, ground, and IGN signal wires at the harness connector. This will rule out any power or wiring issue while you are waiting for the replacement cluster to arrive.

 

That I will do, when I get to the part this week, if you can just walk me through how to do that that would be awesome.

really appreciate the help, and I really like to learn challenge myself to do new things

 

No problem. All I will need once you remove the old cluster is a picture of the wires (as best you can get) on the large 40-pin connector.

 

so last question. I took car to my friend who is a mechanic. also about a year ago the gas gauge started not working and showing fuel when empty. After interrogating my 18 year old he said it blanked out once a few weeks ago and came back on. My friend believes it to be the unified meter a/c amplifier? Does that sound right to try.

I am having a hard time recognizing a used one and where to buy. I have the cluster coming as a back up. any recomendations. This seems an easy try before undertaking cluster.

 

The Unified Meter & AC Amplifier serves two (2) main purposes. First, for the Unified Meter "portion," per the FSM, "Receives information required by the combination meter from various units via CAN communication line and transmits it to the combination meter with communication line." Items like vehicle speed, engine RPM, fuel/temp, as well as the MPG and other items in the center LCD screen (between the analog gauges) all receive their inputs from the amp. Second, the AC Amplifier "portion." That is self-explanatory.

That said, you stated that the original issue was that the cluster was completely dead as in nothing was lighting up and none of the gauges moved. If the amp was the issue, no data would be sent/ received to the cluster but the cluster should still turn ON. When given power, ground, and a IGN signal, the cluster should light up. Here is my Q60 test cluster:
In other words, the cluster should not be dependent on the amp to at least illuminate. Still, when it comes to electronics, anything is possible.

However, it will be a lot easier to swap out amps than clusters. If you are game, by all means feel free to pursue that option. If nothing else it will likely fix the incorrect fuel level (common issue for these cars lately). Just take note of the connectors when you unplug them as it is VERY easy to mix them up when plugging everything back together. The connectors for the amp are marked with yellow tape from the factory.

 

Well guys, thank you for all your help. I replaced the AC meter and that did not do it but he had a fuel problem before, so I just left it. I picked up a new used cluster, just got done, taking it apart with all your help, and it all works,.

I really appreciate everyone’s help so my son can have his car back at college…

you guys are very patient and great teachers!!!

 

The replacement amp should resolve the fuel level issue- for the time being at least.

I have to admit this is the first I have come across where the cluster completely died on these cars. Either way, glad the issue is resolved.

Thank you for the update.

 

The last thing after I took it for a long ride is that the airbag is blinking on the dash, I guess that might be because maybe the last person who had the car crashed it in the airbag signal came out?


Is there a way to reset that or should I just undo the battery since I never did that yet

have a great weekend…