We have a 2007 Altima and my husband (who is normally very handy and does all of the maintenance on our cars) was trying to install a radio that has a GPS function. He opened up the instrument panel to connect the speed sensor for GPS accuracy, but now the instrument panel does not work. No speedometer, RPM's, or gas! And he says that it feels like it gets a little stuck in 1st gear, but that it will get going after a minute (kind of like an old car). He said he does not think he blew a fuse. Any ideas? Or have you replaced your instrument panel and how much did that cost? Thanks!
We don't compromise with health or safety. I can certainly appreciate someone who DIY but in the event of a mess up....
Cut your losses now and go to the dealer to get it fixed. Who knows what is wrong and you wouldn't want to find out while you are out driving with your children.
It sounds like something was tripped within the system.
We had to replace the instrument panel on a car a number of years ago... I think it cost $350 or more..... (the speedometer and gas gauge weren't working...)
(for the life of me I can't even remember what kind of car it is...my daughter still has it! Sheesh... where does my brain go, sometimes?)
Good luck!
Sounds like he either accidentally left off a ground connection or ended up shorting something and blew a fuse. Why does he think he didn't blow a fuse? Has he tried disconnecting the work he did, replacing any fuses associated with the instrument cluster and/or speed sensor, and then seeing if the instrument cluster is back? Is he knowledgeable enough to use a volt meter to trace the power interruption?
If the speed sensor is one that communicates with the car's transmission computer, it would be reasonable that you would have transmission/shifting symptoms. Has a dash warning light come on yet? Usually takes a few drive cycles. If it has, he should have a shop use a Nissan equivalent tool to access codes (I don't recommend what we call a generic scan tool in this case because it might not pick up on a transmission code).
I would not assume that the instrument cluster itself is the problem. I recommend looking on the Car Talk website or the iATN website to find a good independent repair shop in your area. Pay them to do up to an hour of electrical diagnostics if your DH can't figure it out soon. Have your husband explain exactly what he did when hooking up the radio.
By the way, most GPS have an internal method of calculating speed. Did the installation instructions tell him to hook into the car's speed sensor?
My husband pulled an instrument panel for our suburban. I say pulled because he went to a junk yard to get it. (fyi - the junk yard is fascinating!!)
I think we spent a total of $35.
Has your husband gone on to any car forums? Google the problem and various forums and sometimes even Youtube videos on how to fix come up.
We have the bimmer (BMW) form bookmarked - LOL! sounds like your hubby is handy and would really be able to apply the info from the forums or be able to ask some of his own questions to figure it out:)
Sound like he bit off more than he can chew. Looking for forums is a good idea. Also call the radio manufacturer, pretty sure he isn't the first or the last to do this. If they can't figure it out, call the dealer.
My Honda has quite a few anti theft features related to the electronics and other parts, trip them you have a dysfunctional car.
