Nissan Repair: electrical problem 94 altima, vehicle speed sensor, temperature gauge

Question
as I was going home from work I noticed the transmission was shifting from 3rd to overdrive and back and my speed stayed the same, I also noticed the speedometer and tach were not working, the cruise wouldn't work or the switch to turn off the overdrive, after driving several miles I noticed the temperature gauge also wasn't working. The code from the computer said it was my vehicle speed sensor but $80.00 dollars later I still have the same problems. P.S. the car has 250,000 miles on it. What's my problem?  

Answer
Byron,

It sounds like an electrical problem and has something to do with power or ground.  I would say ground since you have multiple systems that are involved.  I would check the battery to make sure that the power connections are in good order and not corroded and the multi fuse relay panel is not corroded.  Then check all grounds that lead from the instruments to the chassis ground.  Basically, you will find that there is a ground strap that comes down from the column area and goes to the sid eof the kick panel and that is where it ground.  I have seen where people have used this ground for other things or that wire has been broken and. or loose.  Then, I would first unplug the computer from the harness at the computer.  There is a lever that allows the connector to unseat the pins and then I would look to see if there is corrosion on the connectors.  There probably is not but I like to look.  Then reseat the connector being careful not to bend any pins.  Be sure to disconnect the battery before you disconnect any wires from the computer or connector.  When you are done hook the battery cable back up.