I have a 2003 350z with 120k miles. My gauge cluster and lights will intermittently not work. They never shut off while I’m driving but just won’t come on when I first get in. All the warning lights work fine as well as the radio and A/C. It is just the cluster gauges and there lights that don’t work. Please help.

 

Remove the waterfall" panel on the front of the dash, and find the ribbon going to the instruments that are not working. You may need to replace the connector on the ribbon (or even the ribbon itself).

Does your car have an aftermarket radio?

 

I appreciate you replying man, I’ll try that out. No I don’t have an aftermarket radio, everything inside is bone stock.

 

Might need to buy a used cluster to replace your own...don't worry, if that's the fix it's not a huge deal....Z clusters are interchangeable as long as you stay 6 speed to 6 speed or automatic to automatic...obviously don't pick up an cluster for an automatic if you have stick....then you just pay someone to program the mileage to your car's mileage and you're good to go. Probably about $100 for a cluster, and $100 to program or less if you have a hookup.

Not sure if that's the issue, but clusters do go out but typically it's the needles that start to stick ...the actuator motor that drives the needles wears out and so the needles don't go through the RPM's smoothly...they'll stick and stutter here and there...whacking the cluster keeps em going for awhile...but eventually you'll need to replace the cluster in that circumstance...not sure what yours is doing but hope this helps.

Saved

 

By the way I had to buy a replacement cluster myself, mine was being intermittently problematic around the 120k mark as well.