Nissan Repair: 1993 Nissan Altima Speedometer & ticking noise (related?), nissan altima, speedometer

Question
The speedometer in our Altima stopped working. All other instruments on the panel work. We tried replacing it with a instrument panel from another 1993 Altima from a junk yard. It still doesn't work. I was told the sensor works.
We have also had a ticking noise like when your turn signal is about to go out, except that it's not. We can usually stop the noise by jiggling the turn signal lever and then it will start again after a few minutes. I seems after the speedometer stopped working we have not had the ticking noise, however, the miles are still counting and the tachometer works. The needle on the speedometer occasionally moves, but is not anywhere near accurate. (i.e. it says we're going 90 or 100 when we're going 30), or it will go completely to the left or the right as far as it will go. There were times before when I thought I saw smoke coming from the steering column (a year ago), but then it stopped.  Recently the key has been very hot when removing it after driving. Could this all be related to the speedometer and what do you suggest to fix it?  thank you in advance for your answer!! If not what do I need to check for all of the above conditions?

Answer
Alice,

If the key is hot upon removal I would think the ignition needs to be replaced since the contacts are getting old and that is causing resistance in the circuit.  I would first remove the column cover and check the switch and contacts along with the harness that it feeds.  On the cluster and the speedometer not working I would check the feed going to the cluster to see that the connection is working.  Obviously part is since the odometer is working.  But, you could have an internal problem to the speedometer.  The combination switch on the column should not have to do with the cluster but the ignition circuitry could be.  Check out the switch and harness and email me back with what you find.