Odometer problems

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May 29, 2003 | 10:26 AM

Wiseman

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Odometer problems

I have hopefully an easy question for you guy's. I have a '99 F150 super cab short bed, 4.2l, automatic. Every once in a while, my digital odometer light blinks off, you can't see it during the day, but at night when it blinks off, you can barely see it. It still keeps track of the miles, but i can't figure out whats going on. Do you think it could be the headlight switch, or dimmer switch?

It's no big deal to me, but when i need to get a repair done (tires the other day) it wouldn't work for the guy to write my mileage down.

Help please.

May 29, 2003 | 11:58 AM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Odometer problems

Sounds like something may be loose on the circuitboard that ti mounts too.

May 29, 2003 | 04:18 PM

Wiseman

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Odometer problems

Thanks for the info, i guess i should just get under the dash (not actually taking it apart) and check all the connections, or do you have a suggestion as to where to start?

Thanks again - everythings worth a try.

May 29, 2003 | 10:21 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Odometer problems

I haven't had to tear into mine yet, so no I have no pointers there. I would suggest a Haynes manual. They seem to be pretty detailed on things like that. I am going to pick up one myself, just incase something does occur.
Jimmy

Jun 6, 2003 | 09:02 PM

bigredmachine

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From: South Carolina

Odometer problems

My 99 F-150 is doing the same thing. It is a 4x4 w/ 4.6 and 5 speed. If it goes out I smack the dash over the instrument panel and it comes back on. That leads me to believe it is a bad connection. My biggest concern is taking the thing out without messing up the molding. Guess I'll buy a Haynes book this week and give it a try.

Jun 9, 2003 | 08:11 AM

Wiseman

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Odometer problems

I haven't looked into the situation yet, i'm not looking forward to tearing into the dash either.

Sorry to here your truck is doing the same, but kind of glad to see my truck isn't the only one doing it.

If you find a solution, let me know, i'll do the same.

Jun 9, 2003 | 09:11 AM

spikedog

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From: Wyoming

Odometer problems

Sounds like a cold solder fracture on a circuitboard. Smacking the dash re-connects it, but eventually it will fail for good. If the miles are still adding up correctly, maybe the fracture is on the odometer display module itself.

If you are sharp-eyed (and lucky) you may find the break as a hairline crack in a solder 'blob'. Sometimes there is some blackened surface on the crack where it is arcing. You can fix it by just remelting the solder.

I had this happen on two Fords. The air conditioner control board on my '81 F-150 4x4 had this problem, and the circuitboard was fixable. I had a factory stereo in a '84 Topaz that would lose the left channel at least once a day for a year - I would fix it by smacking the ashtray. I never found that cold solder fracture, so I had an Alpine installed before I beat the dashboard to pieces.