Can you bypass the instrument cluster? - Infamous Nissan

Resetg · 05-29-2022, 09:55 PM

After doing a bit of reading and diagnostics on my truck. I'm beginning to believe the reason my alternator is intermediately working is because of the Instrument Cluster.

My tack, speedo and odometer work just fine. My fuel gauge and temp randomly work but I doubt they are correct. (I replaced the sending unit in the fuel tank BTW).

Is there a way or something I can do to bypass the cluster to get my alternator to actually charge the battery? I wouldn't be looking to do this permenately. Just something to get it working for now while I weigh out sending out the cluster for repair or replacing it all together.

Charging issue (not alternator related)

Hey all, I'm cold and stumped. 98 Frontier 4 cyl Alternator wont charge the battery, here is the rundown so far. Alternator is brand new but took it out anyway, bench tested good. Battery is new (optima) Checked positive cable from battery to alt - had continuity and low resistance Checked...

www.clubfrontier.org

For clairification I followed the steps from this post to come to my conclusion its the cluster. Everything had proper power and had the alternator bench tested.

89'HBV6 · 05-30-2022, 01:30 AM

Have you taken "contact cleaner" to the plug for the dash cluster? ...both sides?

I'm suspecting a bad/almost bad connection and this can occur when the connections oxidise. Get a can and start separating/hitting all plugs you can find. Helps to have a small (tooth?) brush handy, in case you find more than you expect.

HTH...

Resetg · 05-30-2022, 01:38 AM

I have not but I will. Truck has been mainly garage kept and only has 90k miles for a 98.

Cusser · 05-30-2022, 02:11 PM

Quick test is to start the engine and read battery voltage across the terminals at about 2000 rpm. About 13.5 to 14.5 volts = charging system is working. If working, then bad battery or parasitic drain.

Do NOT disconnect a battery cable while the engine is running !

89'HBV6 · 05-30-2022, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resetg

I have not but I will. Truck has been mainly garage kept and only has 90k miles for a 98.

Oxidation has no limits like this. I'd still do this, to every connector you can find. just be careful seperating them. The plastic is how old???

05-29-2022, 09:55 PM	#1
Resetg Join Date: May 2021 Location: Detroit Posts: 18 Vehicle: 98 Frontier Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Can you bypass the instrument cluster? After doing a bit of reading and diagnostics on my truck. I'm beginning to believe the reason my alternator is intermediately working is because of the Instrument Cluster. My tack, speedo and odometer work just fine. My fuel gauge and temp randomly work but I doubt they are correct. (I replaced the sending unit in the fuel tank BTW). Is there a way or something I can do to bypass the cluster to get my alternator to actually charge the battery? I wouldn't be looking to do this permenately. Just something to get it working for now while I weigh out sending out the cluster for repair or replacing it all together. Charging issue (not alternator related) Hey all, I'm cold and stumped. 98 Frontier 4 cyl Alternator wont charge the battery, here is the rundown so far. Alternator is brand new but took it out anyway, bench tested good. Battery is new (optima) Checked positive cable from battery to alt - had continuity and low resistance Checked... www.clubfrontier.org For clairification I followed the steps from this post to come to my conclusion its the cluster. Everything had proper power and had the alternator bench tested.

05-30-2022, 02:11 PM	#4
Cusser Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Hot Arizona Posts: 817 Vehicle: 2004 Frontier Thanks: 0 Thanked 150 Times in 132 Posts	Quick test is to start the engine and read battery voltage across the terminals at about 2000 rpm. About 13.5 to 14.5 volts = charging system is working. If working, then bad battery or parasitic drain. Do NOT disconnect a battery cable while the engine is running ! __________________ 2004 Frontier King Cab (2WD, 5-speed, 4-cylinder, 105K), 1998 Frontier regular cab (2WD, 5-speed, 4-cylinder 253K), 1988 Mazda B2200 (2WD, 5-speed, 4-cylinder, 220K), 1971 VW Convertible (140K), 2005 Yukon (215K), 1970 VW (260+K)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

05-30-2022, 01:38 AM	#3
Resetg Join Date: May 2021 Location: Detroit Posts: 18 Vehicle: 98 Frontier Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I have not but I will. Truck has been mainly garage kept and only has 90k miles for a 98.