Just purchased a 2001 Lincoln Navigator and took to inspection (Maryland) 3 items that the station required me to fix.

1. One tire is out of specification - expected
2. Driver's side headlight to dim - not expected but problem
3. Odometer works but fades out - not expected but have seen posts where this is a known problem (maybe a cold solder joint) - anyways the service station is telling me that it has to be removed and sent away for reprogramming. I cannot for the life of me can see how this is necessary, maybe if the odometer did not work but it accrues miles properly etc... I think I am going to bite the bullet.

Any words of wisdom or different direction to go or just suck it it up and pay to get the Navigator registration?

 

I can't help you out with the odometer but the dim headlight is probably a bad ground, your tire issue may be as simple as swapping with the spare tire (mine is brand new under mine), they are often unused. I traded in a 98 pickup Dec. of 14' that had a spare with the nubs on it still.
I don't live in Maryland, so I don't know what it takes to register a vehicle there.

 

If it is the OE spare from 2001 it may no longer be useable. A 15 to 16 year old tire is no good for continous use based on age.

The odometer is being quoted for an outside service to repair (just like clocks and radios) because most auto repair shops don't do that kind of work.

>>>>>>>>>Action

 

Here is the best thread on the subject. Very clear directions on how to fix it yourself for nothing, assuming you, or someone you know, can do a little soldering.
BTW, no programming necessary for a repair, only a replacement.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lem-fixed.html

 

Well if age is the determining factor, I better throw away all the tires I have on most of my vehicles.

 

I am going to replace all 4 tires only because they all need to be replaced and I figured they all would need to be replaced before the inspection. I spent $15 on a new headlamp hopefully the light bulb is bright enough. The odometer repair still bothers me though only because they don't have a clue other than it goes dim. I read the other posts here on FTE where it said that the odometer goes dim and it appears to be a cold solder joint from the factory. I agree with Alloro in that the odometer does not require reprogramming. It counts miles accurately just goes dim every so often. Thanks for all of the responses.

Caldwell

 

Age is a factor. Your life or someone else's may depend on it.

How Old - and Dangerous - Are Your Tires?

Tire Tech Information - Tire Aging ? Part #1

>>>>>>>>Action

 

Replace them if you want, I'm keeping mine.