all of a sudden my speedometer, tachometer, the digital gauge pod, OBD2 and heater/blower all stopped working?

2008 NISSAN 350Z
129,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 2WD • MANUAL
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GAV911
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Hello, I hope you can help me please with these electrics? I went out last night and on the way all of a sudden, my speedo, rev counter, the digital gauge pod, obd2 and heater/blower all stopped working. I've done a cluster self-diagnostic and the needles all worked, I've checked all the footwell fuses, fuses near battery and the fuses on the IPDM and they're fine. I managed to get my OBD port to work occasionally and pulled two codes a P0181-powertrain fuel temperature sensor A circuit range/performance.
P0463-fuel level sensor circuit high input. I've also read that HVAC amplifier module can cause a lot more issues than just the heater problem, like gauges not reading and showing an empty fuel tank. Any help or pointers on where else to look would be fantastic as all I get from Nissan is take it to your local dealership!! Which isn't cheap and times are tough at the moment thankyou for listening to my problem. thanks again.
Sep 28, 2023 at 4:55 AM
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STRAILER
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Let's check for power at the fuses in the IPDM because I have seen the IPDM go out and stop supplying power to various accessories.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Please run this test with the systems on. Here is how to replace the IPDM in case there is no power when testing. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.



Sep 28, 2023 at 10:52 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, I have tested all the fuses on the front of the IPDM with a test light and they all tested fine, do I need to go back to it and remove it? Are there fuses on the back as well then? Thanks for your input.
Sep 28, 2023 at 11:05 AM
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STRAILER
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When you did the test did you check them for power?
Sep 28, 2023 at 12:38 PM
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GAV911
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Yes, I put the test light on both sides of the fuse and found 2 that didn't work but checked the fuse label and realized they were for headlights and high beam. So, I put the lights on and then the torch light lit up so yes, I think they are all good, but with the 350z and a lot of reading it does mention a lot about the HVAC A/C amplifier control module. Thanks.
Sep 28, 2023 at 12:49 PM
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Yep, that was going to be my next thing to go over if the IPDM was okay, both the HVAC and instrument cluster use the Unified Meter and A/C Amplifier, so it does sound like it is bad. I believe a can scan will help confirm the issue. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:


https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ



Here is the location for the unit which is under the center of the dash. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Sep 29, 2023 at 10:19 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, yes I just ordered a 'launch CRP129E 2023 version' diagnostic tool I'm hoping that will work. Thanks
Sep 29, 2023 at 11:41 AM
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Yep, that should do it, let me know what codes come up.
Oct 2, 2023 at 9:21 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, the only code that came up was a p0463 and I also tried a CAN bus scan with the tool, but it just keeps coming up with failed. I did come across a video on YouTube for a Nissan Maxima, and they use the same HVAC amplifier.

https://youtu.be/YodpcnsfEQw?si=GNWvM21Dzo0HE6Ru

This has all the symptoms that I'm having. Thanks
Oct 2, 2023 at 9:52 AM
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Yep, that is what I suggested in the post above. good find on the video to help confirm the problem. The unified meter and AC amplifier. Let me know when you replace it.

The code P0463 on a 2008 Nissan 350Z (and many other vehicles) refers to a "Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Input"

This will be the unified meter and AC amplifier as well.
Oct 3, 2023 at 10:18 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, yes it was a pain, but I was able to source one from the US. As they are like gold dust here in the UK lol, I reached out to all my friends on various 350z groups and forums and 350z breakers I know but with no luck (plenty of DE models not HR). It should be delivered tomorrow so I will update as soon as I've tried it. Thank you.
Oct 3, 2023 at 10:25 AM
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Sounds good, please let me know what happens.
Oct 4, 2023 at 7:54 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, I received my new HVAC amplifier plugged it in and there is no change. I'm really gutted as I thought that was the problem, used my torque pro app (when I can get my obd to work) the only code I'm getting is a p0463 fuel level sensor. So, I lost again now? Thanks
Oct 11, 2023 at 10:34 AM
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GAV911
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Unless I have a loose connection somewhere behind the dash, which I really hope not.
Oct 11, 2023 at 10:36 AM
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STRAILER
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Okay, these systems use a common ground which is the M66 behind the center of the dash which needs to be checked. here is what I am talking about.
Oct 12, 2023 at 10:05 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, is that visible and near the unified meter or is it higher up? Thanks
Oct 12, 2023 at 10:12 AM
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GAV911
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Also, did you just want me to check it's connected or if it's loose? Thanks Ken.
Oct 12, 2023 at 10:17 AM
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GAV911
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Is this what you mean? Thanks
Oct 12, 2023 at 1:19 PM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, just spoke to Nissan near me and just for a diagnostic test I'm looking at 150 which I think is too overpriced, do you know of a scanner I could buy that will do everything I need on my 350z for around the 300 range? Thanks.
Oct 13, 2023 at 3:55 AM
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Yes, I want you to check if the ground is loose or broken off, also check for rust as well. The ground connection must be clean and tight. Scanner capability is all over the map. You will need to do research on the unit to see if you are better off getting the scanner or taking it in for diagnosis.
Oct 13, 2023 at 8:47 AM
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GAV911
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Do you know what's better for a 350z as I know I need it to read CAN-BUS but through searching I haven't come across a definitive answer for a type of scanner that would read all the 350z data. I will check the ground at the weekend as got to take all my center console and stereo out. Thanks Ken.
Oct 13, 2023 at 8:51 AM
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You are welcome, please let me know.
Oct 13, 2023 at 9:00 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, I took all my centre console out but you can't get to the grounding point m66, I did check all connections and wiggled wires to see if any were loose but all seemed fine. I also put a multimeter on pin 21 and 22 for the unified meter power but there was no reading? I think I did it right lol. Really hope you can help me out Ken. thank you.
Oct 15, 2023 at 8:57 AM
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Pin #21 should be battery power with the key on. It gets its power from the fuse #19 from the interior fuse panel. Please use this guide to confirm there is power and that the fuse is not blown:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes

Oct 15, 2023 at 11:05 AM
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GAV911
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I've checked all fuses with a test light in the drivers footwell, by the battery and the IPDM there all good but I put a multimeter on the two arrowed pins while the engine was running, and the ground was touching the gear shift bolt and got no reading of voltage to either pin? Thank you Ken.
Oct 15, 2023 at 11:50 AM
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GAV911
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This is the bit I'm getting on reading through, hope it makes sense, lol. thanks Ken.
Oct 16, 2023 at 8:29 AM
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GAV911
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Also, I looked at your images where is the fuse 19 located, as I will double check it with a multimeter? Thanks.
Oct 16, 2023 at 8:31 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, you should have power where you are showing me. Check the fuse for power and let me know.
Oct 16, 2023 at 9:51 AM
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GAV911
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The fuse 19 you want me to check where is it located? Also, I noticed the last message I sent saying on reading it was supposed to say no reading. Thanks Ken.
Oct 16, 2023 at 9:55 AM
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STRAILER
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Do you have power at the red/wht wire with the key on? Fuse # 19 is two away from fuse #21.
Oct 16, 2023 at 12:12 PM
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GAV911
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Is this the fuses in the footwell, as I'm getting confused with the numbers as 21 is a pin in the a/c amplifier block connector. Do you mean check pin 19 or am I looking for fuse 19? If I'm looking for a fuse, would it be in the footwell, IPDM or near the battery? Thanks Ken.
Oct 16, 2023 at 12:41 PM
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STRAILER
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It would be fuse #19 in the fuse panel inside the car.
Oct 17, 2023 at 9:28 AM
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GAV911
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Would it be in the footwell? Thanks
Oct 17, 2023 at 10:12 AM
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GAV911
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Hi Ken, I downloaded the service manual and had a look through that last night, and I have fixed it all, thank you. I was getting power through fuse 19 but as you can see from this image of the manual it says to also check fuse 10,11,12 which I thought I did but guess what I missed one lol Fuse 10 was only coming on one side of the fuse, so checked it and blown!! Changed it and presto everything is working again. Thanks again for your time and help really has saved me £350 the dealership wanted for a diagnostic.
Oct 18, 2023 at 9:15 AM
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Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
Oct 19, 2023 at 10:51 AM