My 2000 Nissan Frontier "loses" the dash lights, cruise, and all the gauges except fuel.?

Question

All the fuses are fine. Happens rarely, it's just very disturbing when it does. It can happen while driving down the highway with the cruise on--cruise shuts down along with the dash and I have no idea of my speed and am back to pressing on the gas pedal. Probably has happened 6 times in the past year, so nothing major, just worrisome. Ideas?

Answer 1

Artsy, any electrical diagnosis is big $$. Along with a/c repair, electrical work is the most expensive to do in any car.

It may be a number of things, but you might be requested to continue driving until the problems occurs more often.

My longshot guess as a technician, from the information given, would be a faulty alternator or a loose connection somewhere in the charging system. If the vehicle were to have a faulty alternator, usually most of the gauge cluster lights would come on(sometimes only the charge light). A loose connection may also cause this problem intermittently.

As your description is very vague, I would recommend taking it to a trusty(modern) repair shop. When I mean modern, I mean MODERN because old mom and pop's lack the skill or experience with the electrical systems of today. It will be quite expensive.

Basic things you can do yourself:
-Check ALL your fuses. Pull every one out and check them one by one not mixing them up. Also make sure that your fuses are at the recommended amperage reading. (usually on the fuse box covers)(I.E: 7.5A, 10A, 20A, 30A)
-Look for anything that may cause this problem like improperly installed stereo system, loose wire connections in the engine bay, as well as loose connections to your alternator. Do not touch anything related to the charging system while the battery is connected. May get shocked.

Answer 2

Nissan Frontier Lights

Answer 3

Sounds like a short. A dealer can trace it down and it shouldn't cost too much.

Answer 4

Talk to your dealer!