Nissan Repair: Instrument Cluster Problem, nissan xterra, wiggle test

Question
I've owned a Nissan XTERRA for last two years and love the car, but it has a problem with the instrument cluster.  It either stops working completely except for the back lights, meaning all gauges go back to zero or stick in place and the odometer goes blank.  I've removed it several times and replaced the circuit board one time.  When it warms up on a long trip or after a long drive the instrument panel stops working for a short while or until you turn car off and it has a chance to cool down, then it works again.  After it failed again, I replaced the rest of the instrument cluster components (speedometer, tach, temp and fuel gauges) because that's what Nissan Dealer advised.  After this repair, it did work for a month or so.  However, it failed again while on a long drive and we experienced the same problem again.  This time I removed the cluster and checked the power and ground wires to ensure they were in proper working order and, of course, they were.  I installed instrument cluster again, but this time applied some dielectric grease to contacts where wiring harness connects to the instrument panel which seems to have worked, at least thus far, but it has only been three weeks.  Would you have any advice for next time it happens?

Answer
Hi there, replacing parts is not the solution. Unfortunately, that's a common problem with Xterras. It is a wiring problem. Does it have a factory installed trailer hitch? It could be the wiring to that that's causing the problem. At this point I recommend the old "wiggle" test. With the motor running and driving lights on, start wiggling wire harnesses by the fuse blocks, under the dash and under the hood and behind the dash. If there is a short or loose connection it will cause lights and instruments to react when you are doing that. It's always hard to locate an electrical wiring problem but it can be done!