Nissan Repair: Gas gauge 2004 Maxima, gas gauge, gauge needle

Question
QUESTION: Today I changed the battery in my 2004 Maxmia. After I started the Car I noticed the gas gauge was behind the post. It cannot move above empty. What caused it to jump the post. What is the soloution

ANSWER: Ed,

Either the sending unit in the gas tank has malfunctioned or the gauge has shorted out.  I would first do the gauge since it is much easier than dropping the tank to replace the sender.

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QUESTION: Do I have to remove the instrument cluster to get to the gauge? Can the fuel gauge needle be pulled over the post? The gas mileage computer is still calculating MPG and Miles remaining so I am sure it is the gauge.

Answer
Ed,

The cluster has to come out to access the fuel gauge.  You will have to remove the cluster and then remove the lense to access the gauge.  You could try to move the needle.  But, my thought is the needle is all the way around and moving it back is not going to work.  But, you could try it and see.  A wrecking yard or ebay or an on-line store would be the cheapest route for a replacement.