These instructions apply to the Nissan Altima Mk5 (L33) 2013-2018.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Nissan Altima (L33, 2013–2018) has a built-in instrument-cluster self-diagnosis mode you can open yourself with no scan tool. It sweeps every gauge, lights every warning lamp and indicator the cluster controls, cycles the information-display colours and fills the odometer and trip LCD segments — the fastest way to prove the cluster itself is healthy when a gauge or warning light behaves oddly.
What the Self-Test Shows
Once running, the routine drives the cluster through a fixed set of checks:
- A full pointer sweep of the speedometer, tachometer and gauges — so you can spot a stuck or lazy needle.
- Illumination of all warning lights and indicators the cluster controls, regardless of switch position — an unlit lamp points to a cluster fault rather than the system it warns about.
- Every LCD segment: the odometer, trip A/B and CVT-position indicator all fill, and the information display steps through red, green, blue and white colour bars.
How to Enter the Hidden Diagnostic Menu
You use the trip-reset button on the cluster face — the same button that switches between ODO and TRIP A/B. Timing matters, so read the steps through first.
- Sit in the car with the engine off and the ignition OFF.
- Press and hold the trip-reset button, and while holding it turn the ignition to ON (do not start the engine).
- Keep holding for about 2 seconds, then release the button.
- Within 7 seconds of switching the ignition ON, press the trip-reset button three times.
- The self-test starts: the whole meter lights, all warning lamps and indicators come on, the display cycles its colour bars, and the odometer/trip and CVT-indicator segments all show.
- To run the needle test, press and hold the trip-reset button — the speedometer, tachometer and gauge needles sweep across their range and back.
- Turn the ignition OFF to leave the mode.
Reading the Result
Every segment, lamp and needle should respond. A dead LCD segment, a warning lamp that will not light, or a needle that will not sweep points to a fault inside the cluster rather than the sensor feeding it — for example, a fuel or temperature gauge that sweeps correctly here but reads wrong while driving usually means the sender is at fault, not the gauge. If the mode will not start at all, the cluster’s power or ground supply is suspect; if those are proven good, the cluster itself is the likely cause.
How to Exit
Switch the ignition OFF. The cluster returns to normal at the next start and nothing has been changed — the mode only tests the display and lamps, it sets nothing and clears nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this clear warning lights or the service reminder? No. It is a display, lamp and needle test only — it does not erase stored fault codes and does not reset any maintenance reminder.
Will it show fault codes? The built-in mode runs a lamp, segment and pointer test. Reading the cluster’s stored trouble codes needs a diagnostic tool on the data link connector.
The mode will not start — what is wrong? The timing is tight: hold the button as you switch to ON, release after about two seconds, then three presses inside seven seconds. If it still will not start, the cluster power/ground or the cluster itself may be faulty.
Is it safe to run with the engine off? Yes — the mode only runs with the ignition ON and engine off, and exits the moment you switch off.
If the engine warning lamp is lit and you need to look up an engine trouble code, visit our sister site autodtcs.com.
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