Nissan Repair: Xterra gauges dont work, harness connector, radio shack

Question
My 2000 Xterra's odometer, speedometer, tachometer, temp and fuel gauges all
went out for a few minutes then came back for a moment and now they are dead
again. Where do I begin? Otherwise, all electrical is ok and car runs fine. Thanks.

Answer
Dave,

The Xterra is notorious for this problem.  The instrument cluster connector usually gets contaminated and loose.  The simple repair is to remove the cluster and then the harness connectors.  Get tuner cleaner from Radio Shack or the like.  It comes as an aerosol and get a number 2 pencil (the eraser end) and lightly scrub the cluster connector and the harness connector and a slight spritz of tuner cleaner on the connector.  Use a rag and do not get too much on the cluster as you do not want it entering the cluster.  Get a throw away rag and wipe up immediately after you spray.  Now, reassemble by connecting the harness to the cluster and the install the cluster and you should be fine for a few more years.