I have a 1999 Nissan Sentra GXE with 109,000 miles on it. It has a dial odometer and tripometer. Yesterday, they both froze. Most people would think this is a blessing (stop mileage counting) (LOL), but I would like to fix it.

I guess what my question to you is what are the possible problems?
The user manual doesn’t say much. I don’t have a Chiltons of Haynes book. I checked to see if it was a fuse (in the fuse box, there is one marked “meter”.

I changed this, with no avail. btw-the manual gives no help here).
Due to tampering, I’m sure it’s complicated, I just want to fix it. I can’t tell how many miles I’m going, and I use the vehicle for business purposes.

Thanks for any help.
David

Hello David,

I am not real sure if this vehicle is using a VSS, Vehicle Speed Sensor to get the data for the speedometer, or if it has an old fashioned speedo cable……I would call the Nissan dealership PARTS department and ask them. I would suspect either a bad VSS, or broken speedo cable.

There could be something wrong inside the speedometer “head” the part you look at in the dash, and if so you might be better off price wise to call a junk yard in your area and buy a used speedo head that is close to your current mileage and pay your local mechanic to install it for you.

Most major cities will have a speedometer shop that specializes in stuff like this, so you might want to check your phone book or look online in your area. The VSS is not too difficult to install (for your mechanic) if you want to take a guess at it before you buy a used speedometer head.

Blessings,
Austin Davis

Follow up

I forgot to mention that the Speedometer (and everything else on the dash) is still working correctly. I don’t know if that changes your opinion.
Thanks! David

Hey David

Tthat does not change things…..actually reinforces my guesses.

keep me posted as to what you find out will ya?

Blessings,
Austin Davis

Follow up

I also notices a “ticking” noise from behind the dashboard this morning. Can that narrow it down to the “head”?
Thanks. David

David,

Yes, that would make me very suspect of an internal problem with the speedometer head. If you buy a used one, you want to buy the whole “instrument panel cluster” that is everything in the dash….gauges, speedo, etc. etc.

It just snaps into place, and you can snap in the new “used one”, just make darn sure you compare them carefully and they match 100%. I would guess a used one to be about $100 or so and maybe $75-100 to install it?

If you call around to a speedometer shop, you need the speedometer head repaired. Its probably cheaper to buy a used cluster from a junk yard….just my guess.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Reader Follow Up

Hey Austin, I wanted to give you an update. I decided to buy a new speedo head from Nissan, instead of trying to get one from a junkyard. It was about $130. Not too bad.

We replaced it, very easy. My best friend (and cousin) is a mechanic (specializes in Mini and BMW) did it at his shop. He just charged me lunch (and some beer from my brewery).
Thanks for all your advice.
-DG

Dear Sir..

I would like to ask you if you are able to help me to buy a truck with the following specifications: Dodge truck model 1971. The truck should have manual shaft, power stearing and AC. The engine that i am looking for is either 318 or 440 Horsepower.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards

Obaida

Hi there Obaida

I would suggest you do a few searches on http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html

Find the closest city to you, then search the “cars+trucks” category or do a manual search using the search box to the left.

I buy MANY things on Craigslist, my tractor, a 4 wheeler, appliances, kids toys etc. etc. etc. I just like it….it seems to work.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

I love the idea, and would really like to turn my engine over to run on water or hydrogen BUT when the technology catches up some more. I don’t think we are quite there yet, but seems we are close.

I don’t know who this guy is, but it seems that lots of really good ideas we use and take for granted today were developed by accident in a laboratory or just from a dream of an average person who wanted to solve a problem.

I thought this video clip was fascinating because this guy set out to find a cure for cancer (which his idea for that is awesome too) and ended up finding a possible solution to our energy shortage.

Watch the video and let me know what you think.

Summary
2008 BMW 5 Series is a luxury sports sedan, luxury sedan, or luxury wagon with passenger capacity of five. It has four doors.

What is New for 2008 BMW 5 Series?
Changes include new pair of engines, LED taillights, new headlight lenses, and many technological features.

Introduction
Although more expensive and with greater complications than other similar vehicles, 2008 BMW 5 Series offers the most satisfying drive and ride.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 BMW 5 Series is available in six trims ranging from 528i Sedan to 550i Sedan. Options include sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition, active cruise control, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and navigation system with updated iDrive and real-time traffic.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 BMW 5 Series offers standard 360hp 4.8-liter V8 engine or 230hp 3.0-liter I6 engine with six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. Six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors offer various technological features with LCD screen control system, six programmable memory buttons, and iDrive system. Quality of materials is superb. There is ample legroom in front and rear seats.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-and-rear side-curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, and optional rear-seat side airbags.

Driving Impressions
2008 BMW 5 Series offers well-balanced engines and fast speed with aggressive handling around corners.

Pros
Smooth engines, excellent handling and riding dynamics,

Cons
Expensive

Summary
2008 Audi S8 is a luxury sports sedan that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2008 Audi S8?
Changes for 2008 Audi S8 include Lamborghini V10 engine.

Introduction
Superbly styled exteriors and all-wheel drive make 2008 Audi S8 the perfect choice for a premium luxury sport sedan.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Audi S8 is available in single trim of Sedan. Options include adaptive cruise control, keyless starting, satellite radio, power door-close assist, front and rear park assist with back-up camera, power rear sunshade, and rear heated seats.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Audi S8 offers standard 450hp 5.2-liter V10 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 13-mpg in city and 19-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2008 Audi S8 include birch, aluminum, and leather accents on cabins with comfortable sixteen-way adjustable sport seats. Climate and audio controls are simple and easy to operate.

Safety Features
Standard safety features of 2008 Audi S8 include tire-pressure monitor, stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, dual front knee airbags, rear-seat side airbags, and optional front and rear park-assist system.

Driving Impressions
Smooth gear changes, powerful engines, and adaptive air suspension with expert handling dynamics offer smooth and stable ride.

Pros
Powerful engines, spacious interiors, luxurious cabins

Cons
Brake pedal has soft feel

Summary
2008 Audi TT is a luxury convertible or luxury sports coupe that can seat four passengers. It has two doors.

What is New in 2008 Audi TT?
2008 Audi TT is a complete redesign with differential style, new engine, and chassis with extensive use of aluminum to reduce weight.

Introduction
2008 Audi TT offers best combination of sophistication, performance, and style among the small Audi.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Audi TT is available in six trims, ranging from 2.0 T with S tronic to 3.2 Roadster quattro with S tronic. Options include upgraded leather upholstery, navigation system, xenon headlights, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Audi TT offers standard 250hp 3.2-liter V6 engine or 200hp 2.0-liter I4 turbo engine with six-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 18 to 23-mpg in city and 24 to 31-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors include spaciousness with three circular center dash vents, smaller steering wheel, and supportive front seats. Convertible top can recreate a better interior in bad weather.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include stability control, antilock disc brakes, front knee airbags, front chest-and-head protecting side airbags, and tire-pressure monitor.

Driving Impressions
Powerful engines with responsive brakes offer good ride, although steering is devoid of feel.

Pros
Exclusive design, superb transmission, fantastic interiors

Cons
Handling and steering require improvements

Summary
2008 Audi S4 is a luxury sports sedan, convertible sports car, or luxury wagon that can seat five passengers. It has two or four doors.

What is New in 2008 Audi S4?
Few changes include standard satellite radio, heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional iPod interface.

Introduction
2008 Audi S4 offers high performance among different small luxury sedans, although there are few competitors coming in recently.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Audi S4 is available in six trims ranging from Sport Sedan to Cabriolet with Tiptronic. Options include navigation system, heated rear seats, parking assist, iPod interface, carbon-fiber spoilers, multispoke wheels, and upgraded 215-watt Bose stereo.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Audi S4 offers standard 340hp 4.2-liter V8 engine with either six-speed manual transmission and overdrive or six-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 13 to 14-mpg in city and 20 to 21-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors support superb quality materials with excellent fit and finish. Controls are efficient. Rear seat suits children best. Cargo space is sufficient.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, full-length side curtains, front seat side airbags, and optional rear-seat side airbags.

Driving Impressions
Excellent handling, superb grips, and all-wheel drive offer stable and comfortable ride across all types of terrain.

Pros
Excellent handling, powerful engines

Cons
Rear seat cramped

Summary
2008 Audi R8 is a sports coupe that can seat two passengers. It has two doors.

What is New in 2008 Audi R8?
New features include powerful engines, exclusive style, all-wheel drive, and aluminum body.

Introduction
2008 Audi R8 offers unique combination of mechanical excellence, technology, style, originality, and easy drivability.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Audi R8 is available in two trims of Coupe quattro and Coupe quattro with Auto R tronic. Options include navigation system, six-disc CD changer, exterior styling panels, upgraded leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Audi R8 offers standard 420hp 4.2-liter V8 engine with six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. It accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 4.4 seconds.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors include numerous controls around driver similar to single- seat driving car. Spacious cabins, long doors, and long wheelbase prove easy for tall drivers to enter and drive. There is sufficient cargo space and lots of storage spaces.

Safety Features
Standard safety features of 2008 Audi R8 include traction control, antilock disc brakes, stability control, knee-protecting airbags, and seat-mounted side airbags.

Driving Impressions
Shock absorbers and electromechanical steering in 2008 Audi R8 offer easy driving. Steering is average. 2008 Audi R8 proves difficult to drive across busy city roads.

Pros
Good handling dynamics, riding comfort, luxurious interiors

Cons
Absence of customizable features

Summary
2008 Audi Q7 is a luxury sports utility that can seat seven passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2008 Audi Q7?
Changes are few and include new trim levels in place of old ones.

Introduction
2008 Audi Q7 proves to be a luxury crossover SUV with exclusive features, fantastic interiors, exclusive design, and style.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Audi Q7 is available in 3 trims, ranging from the 3.6 Quattro to 4.2 Quattro Premium. Options include panoramic sunroof, towing package, four-zone climate control, voice-activated navigation, keyless ignition, and lane departure warning system.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Audi Q7 offers standard 350hp 4.2-liter V8 engine or 280hp 3.6-liter V6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and overdrive.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors are luxurious with various knobs and controls on steering wheel and center console. Third row seats are cramped. Cargo space is sufficient.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include stability control system with hill descent control and rollover detection, antilock brakes, front occupant whiplash protection, traction control, side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers, and front-seat side airbags. Optional features include lane assist, side assist, and seat-mounted side airbags for second row.

Driving Impressions
Good handling dynamics with average acceleration and transmission offer average ride, albeit with few jerks on slow acceleration.

Pros
Technological safety and luxury features, exclusive handling, and craftsmanship

Cons
Cramped third seat, heavyweight disturbs acceleration, poor fuel economy

Summary
2008 Audi A6 is a luxury sports sedan, luxury sedan, or luxury wagon that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2008 Audi A6?
Changes include new trim level, newer options and packages, lane departure warning system, and standard satellite radio, seatback storage pockets, and headlight washers.

Introduction
Superb interiors and excellent performance make 2008 Audi A6 an able premium midsize car.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Audi A6 is available in four trims ranging from 3.2 to 4.2 with Tiptronic. Options include adaptive air suspension, lane departure warning system, and sport-tuned suspension, rear park assist with rearview camera, navigation system, adaptive cruise control, iPod integration, and voice-recognition technology.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Audi A6 offers standard 350hp 4.2-liter V8 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and overdrive or 255hp 3.2-liter V6 engine with variable speed automatic transmission and overdrive.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors are perfect with exquisite fit, finish, and high quality materials. Designs are attractive and luxurious. Controls are user-friendly. Legroom and cargo space are sufficient.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include stability control, antilock disc brakes, full-length head curtain airbags, and front-seat side airbags with optional rear-seat side airbags.

Driving Impressions
Good handling dynamics, precise steering, and superb reflexes offer comfortable ride across different terrain.

Pros
Excellent interiors, powerful engines, cheaper

Cons
Low torque, poor handling dynamics, absence of manual transmission