Nissan Repair: speedometer/odometer not working, speedo sensor, pencil eraser

Question
Hey Von,
I have a 1994 Pathfinder 4X4. Approx. 1 year ago both the speedometer and odometer died at the same time and was accompanied with a check engine light. They work ocasionally mostly when I'm on the hiway. The speedo will climb gradually, even when in park, until it bottoms out. When the ignition is off the speedo returns to zero. Resently I bought a speedo sensor from the dealer. (I never disconected the battery). This pricey repair was very simple however the speedo and odometer still do not work. Now What?

Thanks  

Answer
Paul,

Not having the battery disconnected would not have caused a problem.  I would disconnect the battery for five minutes and get tthe code to clear before I proceed.  Now, you will need to take the cluster out and clean the contacts where it plugs into the harness.  Clean both sides and that means use a number 2 pencil eraser and scrub the contacts lightly.  Also, if you can go to Radio Shack and get some tuner cleaner that will expedite the process.  Do not use too much as only a squirt on both the plug and terminal side will do.  Use a clean rag to dry it off before you reassemble it.  That should do the trick as this is a common problem on the Pathfinder.  If it does not work I would source a cluster from a wrecking yard.