Fix It

Several problems plague the instrument clusters in vehicles of every make, model and year. These problems become more difficult to fix as cars themselves become more complex and computerized. Older cars merely required tinkering with a plug or smacking the top of the dashboard to "fix" the problem. Newer cars often require full replacement of the entire instrument cluster, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

Full Replacement

Full replacement of the instrument cluster requires a mechanic to remove the entire dashboard and steering column to remove the instrument cluster. The part is then replaced and the entire dashboard must be replaced. This simple removal and replacement can take hours to complete since it requires so much work to get to the part. New or used, the cluster is very pricey considering its function. Some models of used instrument cluster can be found on sites such as eBay Motors for about $100, though these often come with no guarantee or return policy. New instrument clusters cost between $400 and $1,500, depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle.

Cosmetic Repairs

Cosmetic repairs, such as repainting or replacing worn out needles or replacing a bulb thats gone bad in a digital odometer, are just as difficult as replacing the entire instrument cluster. In fact, many mechanics suggest simply replacing the entire instrument cluster when this happens because they must go through the same motions anyway. However, if you do not mind having an exposed instrument panel, the fiberglass dust panel may be removed for easier access to the needles. The needles are made of hard plastic, but a paint like Testors or similar model paint will work to repaint this surface. Panels that have warped or broken because of an accident or heat must be fully replaced.

Non-Replacement Repairs

Instrument clusters are made of two small computer modules that connect to the vehicles main computer via a system of wires in later model cars. In older cars, the system is mostly pressure hoses with a few wires running into the transmission, engine and other areas of the vehicle. The computer modules can be replaced on their own. However, this too includes removing the entire dash from the car to get to these modules, which are located on the back of the instrument cluster. The wires and hoses on older models of vehicles can be replaced by snipping them off and connecting new ones.

The first Nissan Maxima was actually a top-trim Datsun 810; it reached U.S. shores in 1977. In 1981 the Maxima became its own model line; in 2010 the Maxima was in its seventh generation (eight if you include the Datsun 810 Maxima). The 96 Maxima, which has been known to have some common problems, is of the lines fourth generation.

Grinding Noise

Some 1996 Maxima owners reported a grinding in the rear brakes of their vehicles. Mechanics discovered that the parking brake kept pressure on the rear tires even after release. This required installation of new brake pads and a new brake cable.

Engine Knocking

There have been two causes identified from unusual engine noise in the 1996 Nissan Maxima. A reported "knocking" was found to be due to a defective on-board computer that had to be replaced. While a loose timing chain caused an unfamiliar "rattle." The timing chain fix required a new chain guide and tensioner.

Stalling Out

Corrosion on the cooling sensor of a 1996 Nissan Maxima has been found to be the cause of a stalling and hard-starting problem. This cooling sensor must be replaced to resolve the issue.

Poor Idle

Where electrical wires bend into the strut tower, mechanics have found broken wires that have caused failure in the starter and air conditioner. This hard bend of the wires into the strut tower has resulted in cut and broken wires in the 1996 Maxima.