Nissan Maxima 2001 electrical problems - dash and steering wheel.?

Question

Has anyone encountered the following electrical problems? I have intermittent functionality on my speedometer light (all other lights on the dash work fine), stereo LEDs (climate control LEDs work fine), and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls (the cruise controls there work fine).

Any suggestions would be appreciated. A mechanic told me that repairs in this area are labor-intensive - very expensive. The car has 97K and I hope to keep it for a while, but I cannot afford big ticket repairs. I would like to fix it myself if possible. Thanks.

Answer 1

Your mechanic friend told you like it is ---Unless there is a pattern failure (a known weak area), the tech must literally go in and secure every connection, bulb and socket. He must inspect the printed circuit film that makes up the majority of the instrument cluster circuitry.
It is very tedious and time intensive. (We pronounce "time intensive" EXPENSIVE).
This is what is termed a "Time and Material (T & M) repair, as there is no applicable flat rate, because the fault or cause is unknown, as is the required material for the repair.
IF you have any mechanical ability of your own, I might recommend to you that you secure a repair or shop manual for the little car and study the wiring diagram for the instruments and lamps, Look for ANYTHING commonly shared by the failing circuits and focus on this area (loose ground wire, loose gang plug connection, broken circuit film, etc) and make the necessary repairs yourself.

Good Luck