Nissan Repair: P0500 code on J30, carfax report, shift points


Question
QUESTION: This is in referene to the previous question answered by you.
Questio -- " When you say cluster, do you mean the speedometer?"


Answer
Gurdeep,

If you changed the VSS and everything is working fine and you are now getting the P0500 code again you probably have a loose wire at the cluster.  That is, this is where the computer gets the speed from.  Take the cluster out and clean the terminals and reinstall and the problem should go away.

ANSWER: Swapnil,

Yes, the speedometer and odometer in the cluster is where the computer picks up the vehicles speed.  The VSS transmits it to the cluster and the connection at the cluster is a point that could be corroded or the speedometer/odometer circuit board could be defective.  The only other cause would be the connector at the VSS or the wiring in between.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you think replacing the speedometer could solve the problem? Thanks!
ANSWER: Swapnil,

If the VSS has been changed it is the next step once you have checked the connection and wiring.  So, yes, changing the speedometer/odometer would work.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply. Changing the speedometer/odometer cluster is costing me 400$ including the labour.
Can you please answer the following
1) What performance problems could be caused by driving with this problem unfixed?

2) If I change the speedometer, would it reflect in the carfax report?
ANSWER: Swapnil,

If the speedometer head is defective and the computer picks up the code as a P0500 it does not know how fast the car is going.  So, it will screw with the shift points for starters.  The carfax will not know about it and if you do it yourself no one will know.  If the odometer is working properly and just the speedometer is messed up you do not even have to mess with changing the miles to reflect actual.  If you have over 100K miles it does not matter anyway since it is over the limit anyway.  No one cares after 100K miles.  If both are messed up and you cannot do it yourself you could take it to a shop that can set the miles or they will put a sticker on the door stating that the miles have been changed due to a replacement speedometer/odometer.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am sorry I am not very good with automobiles. The shop says that I need to change the speedometer and he will also need to have the odometer reading set by the part seller.
I believe it's a complete cluster he intends to replace.

In lay man's terms, I would appreciate if you could explain the performance problems I could face if I choose to drive with the problem. Currently I feel a minute jerk (like shifting of gears) when I accelerate between 20 and 30 mph. It generally happens when I cross 30mph but happens at lower points sometimes. Also, the cruise control doesn't work. Do you think these problems will be solved when it is fixed? Any other performance problems.

And thanks one helluva lot for your continued promptness in replying.

Answer
Swapnil.

Yes, that is a great alternative.  Rebuilders do set the speedometer to what yours indicates and it is just a matter of pulling the old one and installing the new unit.  Yes, this will correct the jerking problem too.  Have a great weekend.