Auto Parts: Dimmer switch, volt ohm meter, nissan maxima

Question
Hi there,

Have another question. Nissan maxima 95, with the instrument panel no longer illuminated. I took it apart, and aside from the temptation to turn back the odometer, I couldn't find anything to do. The bulbs all looked fine, but I'm not versed enough in electronics to check resistors, etc. The lights for the seatbelt, cruise, door, all work. Just the speed and odo.

Checked fuses under the steering wheel, and nothing looked broken.

Other detail: Clock never worked when bought the car. Suddenly started working for about twenty-odd minutes on startup. Then the other day, when driving, the fuel gauge suddenly died, then came back to life a few minutes later.

Took out dimmer switch, but don't know how to test it for anything but continuity. Did that and two of the three tabs plugging into the housing passed. But I don't know if that means anything. Given that a new one is $80+ at the dealer, I'm hoping it's something else.

Thanks for your response.

Answer
Hey,
  
  I would say you're barking up the right tree as far as the dimmer switch.You can check it by using a digital volt/ohm meter.Make sure you have good 12 volts going into the switch.If so, roll the switch and check voltage at the other side.It should increase and decrease as you move the switch.If that seems to be ok i would say you probably have a bad dash cluster..If yhe switch turns out to be bad you could always get one from a junk yard, or if a friend has a nissan then you could try his.Also you might want to invest is a Chilton's manual for this car.sometimes they have good wiring diagrams of such things... Well, good luck and let me know if you have any more questions..                   Gordon.