Hello all, I am new to the forum. Also new to my 97 E350 van. I recently bought it from the UPS folks and it shows 118,000 miles. However, the odometer wasn't working. A CAR FAX check shows the miles to be pretty close, so I don't think the odometer gear has been broken very long. The van has the V10 Triton engine also. Anyway, I ordered a replacement odometer gear and followed a youtube video on how to replace it and I got it in without any problem. Before the repair, all the gauges worked with the exception of the odometer. After I replaced the odometer gear, now only the speedometer and odometer work. None of the other gauges work. All the idiot lights work, turn signals, etc. Just the gauges are out. I thought maybe I shorted something out when I put the three plugs into the back of the instrument cluster when I put it back together. I checked all the fuses. Everything looks fine.

After doing a bit of research on the internet I thought maybe I somehow shorted out the whole cluster. I ordered a rebuilt one. I got it in the mail yesterday. Installed it today. I have the same problem I had before, so something is messed up somewhere.

Anyone have a possible solution? Anyone had this issue before?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

97 E350

 

Sorry so late to reply----kinda hoping you've already got this sorted out but if not................

If you have an EVTM or schematic book for the cluster check your wiring at the chassis wiring plugs for voltage that feeds the individual gauges---chances are one of those connectors has lost contact to that portion of the cluster internally.

I did post an anatomy of the earlier clusters such as yours--I also had a '97, E250 w/5.4 motor though. No biggie as the clusters were all the same for gas engines. Since you've already had yours apart for the gear replacement you won't need much of what was there, it would be a bit redundant at this point.

There's not a lot internally you could short out that wouldn't first blow a fuse so this should be a "fairly simple" repair. Of course as is so often said YMMV.

PM me if you need further help--glad to do what I can.