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97 F150 Speedometer problem

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Old Dec 12, 2003 | 10:26 PM
  #1  
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97 F150 Speedometer problem

Wondering if anybody else has had this problem and/or if anyone has any ideas about how to fix it.

Just bought a 97 F150 4X4, XLT, 4.6L and I have started having problems with the speedometer.

At first the speedometer would stick/stop at around 40mph every now and then, but it would eventually start working just fine. Now every time I drive the truck the speedometer goes up to around 40mph and stays right around 40mph. It will move a small amount while I'm driving and I have noticed that if I push the truck higher in speed (above 70) the speedometer needle actually starts to move down from 40, showing an even slower speed.

The odometer and trip meter are working fine. Truck is completely stock.

Any help would be appreciated.
 

Last edited by scott856; Dec 12, 2003 at 10:39 PM.
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Old Dec 12, 2003 | 10:59 PM
  #2  
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Hi and welcome to FTE
It sounds like you may have a faulty speedo. These are electric not cabled.
Jimmy
 
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Old Dec 14, 2003 | 09:35 AM
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Old Dec 14, 2003 | 09:42 AM
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I agree with Jimmy. It sounds like you'll probably have to replace the speedo.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2003 | 11:35 AM
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OK, I need a new speedo. I have a used one on the way and it should be here next week.

Now, can I just unplug the cluster that's in the truck now and then just plug in the new one or is there more to it? The Chilton manual mentions something about uploading the module configuration to a tester and then downloading it to the new cluster. Is this necessary for the 1997 cluster which doesn't have the digital odometer?

The new cluster is fairly close to the mileage I have on the one in the truck now, it shows about 2500 higher than what I have now. I could probably live with this, but is there a simple way to reset the cluster I'm getting to the correct mileage? I understand you may not be able to provide an answer to this question due to legal issues.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
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Old Dec 20, 2003 | 11:50 AM
  #6  
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From: Back in Central Texas
Getting the speedo out of the 97 and 98 models (99 and up too i think) it is easy as pie. No, you dont have to do upload anything with the speedo as long as its not digital. There is no simple way to reset the odometer other than seeing if a dealer can do it. It is tough to take apart and the putting the actual speedo back together again is like working with a tiny, elaborate jigsaw puzzle. The dealer may have a better way however. Or, you can just take the odometer dials out of the old speedo and put it in the new one.

Hope this helps

DG808
 
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Old Dec 20, 2003 | 09:52 PM
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From: On the road in Ohio
you can go to a speed shop or other shop that will reset the speedo for you although some state require that they be documented and certified, keep the old unit & any reciets, just in case , plus if you get in accident or theft of your truck,and a insurance investorgator becomes involved you can answer any and all ?s
 
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