Nissan Repair: meter fuse, nissan 4x4, fuse panel

Question
QUESTION: 1997 nissan 4x4 2.4 liter
keep blowing the meter fuse cant figure out any help would be appericated thanks Rod

ANSWER: Rod,

Remove the cluster adn check the connector and use tuner cleaner or an eraser to clean the connection.  Reinstall and see if the problem goes away.  Also, while the cluster is out check teh back of the unit to see if any gauge has been overheating.  Discolored plastic will be evident most of the time.  But, in either case one of the gauges is drawing too much amperage or the connector is causing excessive resistance and blowing the fuse.

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QUESTION: when i remove the cluster and put in a fuse i still blow fuse.  a shorrt somewhere?  thanks again for your time Rod

Answer
Rod,

You have a direct short and with the cluster out you are going to need to backtrack the wire from the fuse panel to the cluster.  I do not remember a relay feeding power to the cluster so you might have a pinched wire.  Or, if there is some aftermarket radio wired in that might be a problem too.  Without seeing the vehicle is is difficult to observe the situation.  Ok, one thing comes to mind that that would be to check the alternator output.  It could be putting out over 14.2 volts and that could fry the meter fuse since it interacts with the gauge cluster.  Yes, even if it is not connected.  Email me back and let me know what you find as this is a new one to me.