Speedometer problem!
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Speedometer problem!
My speedometer just randomly started resting at 35mph today. Its like 35mph is the new 0. When im on the highway im running at what would be 130 lol. Is it my VSS sensor or the cluster?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Most likely the cluster. If the VSS was bad it would drive and shift crazy. Try unhooking the batteries for about 10 minutes with the light switch on. When you hook them back up and turn the key on the cluster should go through a needle sweep/reset. If that doesn't fix the issue (at least temporarily) you'll have to replace the cluster. It is a known issue.
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Patricia, Alberta
Or wait for warmer weather... Mine does it from November to March. Ford wants $500 for a new cluster. It`s too bad the aftermarket didnt catch onto this one so we could replace these things for cheap.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
If you want to fix the problem read on. I have one of the 06 problem speedometers in my truck. There is a TSB on these speedometers. The backing warps and hangs up the needle. The computer senses something is wrong and makes adjustments. Mine has been up to 50mph faster then the real speed I was doing.
<O
</O
Pull the cover off of the dash starting on the drivers side door. You don't need any tools, it just clips in there. Lower your steering wheel to the lowest setting. Pull the clip off of the headlight switch and work your way over to the radio. Pull all of the heater control clips, and the power outlet.
<O</O
Remove the 4 bolts, and unclip the two clips from the top of the instrument panel. Remove the clear plastic cover over the gauges. Place the gauges on a nice flat surface like a desk. Look at the face of the instrument panel. I could see where the black center cap was scraping on the face. You have to look carefully.
<O</O
I do not think the needle comes off of the panel unless you somehow remove the black cap, which I believe is glued on. So here is what I did. Take a thin piece of cardboard and a piece of 220 grit sand paper. The cardboard protects the face. Work the cardboard and sandpaper under the black cap. Press down on the needle softly and sand the back side of the black center cap. I sanded about 1/8<SUP>th</SUP> of an inch off of mine.
<O</O
Put it back together and it will work great. It really is easy and quick to fix.
<O</O
FYI. My truck is a 2006 F250 XLT with the solid black instrument panel face.
<O
</OPull the cover off of the dash starting on the drivers side door. You don't need any tools, it just clips in there. Lower your steering wheel to the lowest setting. Pull the clip off of the headlight switch and work your way over to the radio. Pull all of the heater control clips, and the power outlet.
<O
</ORemove the 4 bolts, and unclip the two clips from the top of the instrument panel. Remove the clear plastic cover over the gauges. Place the gauges on a nice flat surface like a desk. Look at the face of the instrument panel. I could see where the black center cap was scraping on the face. You have to look carefully.
<O
</OI do not think the needle comes off of the panel unless you somehow remove the black cap, which I believe is glued on. So here is what I did. Take a thin piece of cardboard and a piece of 220 grit sand paper. The cardboard protects the face. Work the cardboard and sandpaper under the black cap. Press down on the needle softly and sand the back side of the black center cap. I sanded about 1/8<SUP>th</SUP> of an inch off of mine.
<O
</OPut it back together and it will work great. It really is easy and quick to fix.
<O
</OFYI. My truck is a 2006 F250 XLT with the solid black instrument panel face.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Jasper, tx
Use the built in sweep function to clear crud, reset defaults, and generally tune up the cluster.
If it works, you saved yourself enough to pay for a lot of beer.
I searched for the gauge trick but couldn't find it. Some of my gauges are acting weird also. Thanks ahead!!
If it works, you saved yourself enough to pay for a lot of beer.
I searched for the gauge trick but couldn't find it. Some of my gauges are acting weird also. Thanks ahead!!
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,872
Likes: 3,592
FYI ....
Stuck/bouncing Speedo and/or Tach, 2006 Trucks Built Before 1-26-06:
Before diagnosing the instrument cluster for this issue, first check for codes stored in the ABS module or engine computer. If there are no relevant codes, check the vehicle speed input to the cluster while stopped. If the input and the displayed speed do not match, drive the vehicle and monitor the speedometer at 0, 20, 40 and 60 MPH as indicated on the scan tool. If the speedometer is off by more than 5 MPH, replace the cluster. If the speedometer display matches the sensor input, diagnose the ABS rear axle speed sensor and wiring, and the ABS module wiring. For tachometer concerns, check the RPM signal in the engine computer against the tach reading at 1000 and 2000 RPM. If the display is more than 250 RPM off, replace the cluster. Broadcast Message 5165, TSB 06-7-4.
Stuck/bouncing Speedo and/or Tach, 2006 Trucks Built Before 1-26-06:
Before diagnosing the instrument cluster for this issue, first check for codes stored in the ABS module or engine computer. If there are no relevant codes, check the vehicle speed input to the cluster while stopped. If the input and the displayed speed do not match, drive the vehicle and monitor the speedometer at 0, 20, 40 and 60 MPH as indicated on the scan tool. If the speedometer is off by more than 5 MPH, replace the cluster. If the speedometer display matches the sensor input, diagnose the ABS rear axle speed sensor and wiring, and the ABS module wiring. For tachometer concerns, check the RPM signal in the engine computer against the tach reading at 1000 and 2000 RPM. If the display is more than 250 RPM off, replace the cluster. Broadcast Message 5165, TSB 06-7-4.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
Test mode:
For a Focus, but it is basically the same for all Fords
How To Do It!
1) Insert Key (do not turn it)
2) Press and hold the Trip-Meter Reset Button
3) While holding the reset button, start your car and continue holding the button.
4) Within 10 seconds, the display should change to "test" (written in a silly LCD font) and the needles will go nuts. No biggie. Release the Button.
5) Pressing the button will now cycle through some 15 different modes.
It's worth me mentioning that this diagnostic mode is no substitute for taking your car in for service. Many codes found in this mode mean absolutely nothing without other, expensive test equipment at the dealership.
Breakdown of some of the functions:
1 Press - Shows a Gauge Sweep
2 Presses - shows all 8's on the LCD (LCD TEST)
3 Presses - illuminates all the bulbs on the dash
4 Presses - displays hexadecimal value for ROM level
5 Presses - Displays the hexadecimal value for EE level
6 Presses - Shows DTC Troubleshooting Codes (Nothing to worry about though)
7 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - MPH
8 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - KPH
10 Presses - DIGITAL TACHOMETER
Instrument Cluster Test Mode - Focus Hacks
Here is the F150:
http://www.f150forum.com/f38/instrum...st-mode-38916/
For a Focus, but it is basically the same for all Fords
How To Do It!
1) Insert Key (do not turn it)
2) Press and hold the Trip-Meter Reset Button
3) While holding the reset button, start your car and continue holding the button.
4) Within 10 seconds, the display should change to "test" (written in a silly LCD font) and the needles will go nuts. No biggie. Release the Button.
5) Pressing the button will now cycle through some 15 different modes.
It's worth me mentioning that this diagnostic mode is no substitute for taking your car in for service. Many codes found in this mode mean absolutely nothing without other, expensive test equipment at the dealership.
Breakdown of some of the functions:
1 Press - Shows a Gauge Sweep
2 Presses - shows all 8's on the LCD (LCD TEST)
3 Presses - illuminates all the bulbs on the dash
4 Presses - displays hexadecimal value for ROM level
5 Presses - Displays the hexadecimal value for EE level
6 Presses - Shows DTC Troubleshooting Codes (Nothing to worry about though)
7 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - MPH
8 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - KPH
10 Presses - DIGITAL TACHOMETER
Instrument Cluster Test Mode - Focus Hacks
Here is the F150:
http://www.f150forum.com/f38/instrum...st-mode-38916/
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 229
From: Pa
Test mode:
For a Focus, but it is basically the same for all Fords
Instrument Cluster Test Mode - Focus Hacks
For a Focus, but it is basically the same for all Fords
Instrument Cluster Test Mode - Focus Hacks
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wally32
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
44
Apr 9, 2016 03:12 PM
1968bumpside
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Mar 16, 2012 12:36 PM
