Credit: Nopike

The information display on my 2014 recently stopped working I suspected a bad connection. I removed the gauge cluster and found the ribbon connector, located at the rear of the cluster, This ribbon connects the small LCD display to the cluster.

Because it is pretty cheap and flimsy this connector can come loose and cause the display to not work at all or not work properly. I just removed the plastic connector and reseated it and the ribbon cable. The display now works fine. I’m willing to bet this is the cause of the majority of the problems with this display. Removing the cluster is a surprisingly easy job. I think most people could do this repair in 30-60 minutes.

I would not be surprised if other Nissan vehicles such as the Altima have the same issue. The instructions, although relatively simple, make it look more complicated then it really is. If you work slowly and carefully there really is not much you can screw up. I think I had to remove a total of 5 or 6 screws to get the display out You may have to remove a couple of connectors.

Instructions (Credit: walters_12)

Well, we finally got some near-freezing temps on a sunny day that allowed me to be outside for a while. Nopike was correct on two fronts: the fix worked and the entire job took about 30 minutes. So, an absolutely huge thanks; you saved me at least $1,000! I should mention that, much to my disappointment, this fix did not work immediately; however, my Information Display came back online after about 30 minutes of driving. It could have something to do with how I placed the Information Display’s ribbon cable (see below). Admittedly, I was a bit nervous before starting, but I think most anyone can tackle this job. As a reference, I’m handy, but have no experience with anything auto-related. Pictures are posted in the next post (the first and last pictures were taken just over a month apart). Below is a description of the steps I followed to complete the job.

Documents

1) I downloaded the 2012 version of section IP-Instrument Panel and printed pages IP-10, IP-11, and IP-16.

2) I also downloaded the 2014 version of section MWI – Meter, Warning Lamp & Indicator as the 2012 version did not exist) and printed page MWI-122.

Tools:

1. Standard (flathead) screwdriver
2. Philips screwdriver (8” or longer)
3. Needle-nose pliers
4. Hand towel or t-shirt

Steps:

*Note parentheses indicate the part number on page IP-10, whereas the brackets indicate the document page numbers.

1. Move the steering wheel to middle-lower position. I didn’t, but it would have made getting at the Combination Meter screws easier.
2. Disconnect the battery
3. Remove the Instrument Side Finisher (5) [IP-16]. It pops off with standard screwdriver and gentle pressure.
4. Remove the Fuse Block Cover (8) [IP-16]. It just pulls off.
5. Remove the Instrument Lower Panel (7) [IP-16]. There is one screw you’ll see after removing Fuse Block Cover. There are also three metal clips near top (two left; one right) that pop off with a gentle pull. I let the Instrument Lower Panel hang gently, but you could (optionally) completely remove the Instrument Lower Panel by disconnecting the harness connectors and aspirator hose.
6. Remove Cluster Lid A (22) [IP-16]. There are two screws near the bottom and four metal clips evenly spaced at top that pop off with a gentle pull. I just let it hang over the center console.
7. Place a towel or t-shirt on top of the steering column to prevent scratches and remove the Combination Meter (15) [MWI-122]. There are three screws (bottom left, bottom right, top middle). I completely removed the Combination Meter by disconnecting both wire harnesses. I did the rest of the job inside the house.
8. On the back of the Combination Meter, identify gold ribbon cable for Information Center (bottom, middle). Using a needle-nose pliers, I removed the long, tan plastic piece holding ribbon cable. I then placed the ribbon cable back into position (there will be leeway left and right) and reinstalled the long, tan plastic piece that holds the ribbon cable.
9. Reassemble by following steps 1-7 in backwards order.