I have had an intermittently bouncing speedometer for 3 years and 2 different transmissions. The odometer works fine, and up until recently, cruise control did too.
Until the truck has been driving for a while, the speedo doesn't work at all, or else it bounces around wildly. Eventually it starts working, except between 40 and 60 kph, when it again bounces around wildly. I no longer drive fast anyway, so it's never bothered me, but my wife is a new driver and it makes it difficult for her to figure out how fast she's going.
Is there an easy way to get into the instrument cluster and replace the speedo? Or is the problem somewhere else?
The cruise is different. It was working fine for a long time, and then the set button became intermittent, and now it never works. I suspect either a corroded connection or a broken wire. Any good/easy way to figure this out?
Usually a bouncy speedo is caused by a stripped speed sensor in the transmission. Could also be the speedo itself, though.
Use a Philips screwdriver to pull the dash gauges. Takes all of five minutes.
Check the vacuum line to the CC diaphragm under the hood. If the line cracks and allows leaks or falls off, no more CC.
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'88 Pathfinder: 6" of lift, 33x13.50 Swamper LTB's, Rancho 9000's, L&P Stage 3 steering system, K&N, Pacesetter headers and 2.5" exhaust, Lock-Right locker, 110A alty and electric fan swap, dual batteries, 700W+ worth of PIAAs, etc.
I would address the speedo problem first and then concern oneself about the cruise control.
95 was a bad year for Nissan speedo heads. The threaded inserts in the head unit tended to crack and cause an intermittant "open" circuit. The fix was to order a new speedometer head unit from Nissan, which they will pre-program the mileage for you. That said, while the head unit is the most common failure in 95 models, it is also possible to have a bad vehicle speed sensor or pinion gear. The plastic pinion gear could "apple core" (or strip) and cause inaccurate signals or the sensor itself, could generate an improper signal. The only way to be sure is to check the AC voltage signal of the speed sensor at the back of the cluster while driving using an oscilloscope.
It turns out my repair manual is an old Haynes brand edition that has no mention whatsoever of cruise control, so I'm not sure how to find the vacuum hose. I might have to take it in for that one.
I took a look and I saw where the screws are, thanks! I was a little worried I might have some difficult dashboard removal procedure ahead me.
I will have a look at the speedo head first, because it makes a noticeable amount of noise from in behind the dial when it's bouncing around.
As far as the CC, is the control unit in behind the left rear interior panel? I only ask because last year I broke the left rear mud guard off, and didn't realize that there was a significant hole in the back. Eventually the left tail light went out, and when I went to take a look, I found that the socket was completely corroded and everything inside that panel was covered in salty road grime.
Long story short, I think it might be possible that I've got a corrosion problem with the CC control unit back there. Maybe I could try to find a used one and replace it. Who knows?
i bet u have to replace your dash cluster. pathfinders are known for the guages to go on them.. you can get one at a salvage yard for about 60bucks.. i have replaced 1 on mine and a few for friends.. it is simple and quick to replace, do not try to just replace the speedo replace the whole cluster..
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