Nissan Repair: 2005 Nissan Altima electrical problem, 2005 nissan altima, nissan altima

Question
QUESTION: Why is the trip computer scrolling through all its modes when I activate either turn signal? Also, the turn signal dash indicators are not functioning but the front and rear turn signals are working.

ANSWER: Jeff,

Pull the cluster and clean the contacts on the connector and the cluster with a number 2 pencil eraser.  Blow off the dust and reinstall.  If this does not correct the problem you probably have a bad turn signal indicator.  It feeds power to both the exterior lights as well as the indicators on the dash.  The trip computer is a giveaway that the problem is with the cluster and it is backfeeding power with the turn signals.  Nissan uses a floating ground and that causes strange problems like you have.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: When you say "turn signal indicator", do you mean the part of the cluster that causes the individual indicators to flash?

Answer
Jeff,

Nissan uses a floating ground on many of it's systems.  I was talking about the turn signal lever on the column if the cluster connector is clean and making contact.  Power will strive to find a ground if one is removed.  So, if the connector has lost the ground connection it will find another path like the trip computer.  It does sound strange but I have found this many times on Datsun and Nissan cars.  Now, if you have an aftermarket alarm or stereo installed and it was improperly wired that could cause the feedback into the trip computer too.