Nissan Repair: unified meter amplifier, computer freaks, nissan repair

Question
When I recently started my 2003 Murano, the brake light was on and didn't go off when I pressed the brake on/off pedal. I managed to back it out of the carport into my front yard, but it would not move forward or backward after that. My mechanic towed it in, checked it over, realized it was an electrical problem, and towed it to the local Nissan Repair Dept. who called me and said the problem was with the "unified meter amplifier". -- Exactly what does the "unified meter amplifier" do and what makes it malfunction?

Answer
Martha,

The unified meter is what all the gauges connect to internally and the amplifier is what drives them at their specified level.  Without proper operation of the gauges the car's computer freaks out and the car either does not run or it does not run properly.  Without the amplifier the computer cannot read the RPMs of the engine or the speed of the vehicle.  Also, if the oil pressure is not reading properly the computer will shut off the fuel pump for fear that there is something wrong with the car.  Sort of a self protection device.  The unified meter is out of warranty and you could have just gotten a defective one.