Odometer Blackout Problem Fixed!!!
4wd Low
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: W. Columbia
Great Information in this thread!
After years my dad's 1999 F 150 odometer in now visable thanks to this thread. The instructions were spot on and ther repair has,thusfar, worked perfectly. Many thanks!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 2
From: St. Paul, MN
Yes it will, the cold solder joints are produced by crappy mass soldering operations and poor inspection before they went out the door. If you have any cluster with this problem, more than likely this is the cause.
New User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: ANDERSON,SOUTH CAROLINA
Had the same problem, after removing mine to install led lights, I too wanted to know why, and i found the same problem but never knew this was such a problem with these cars/trucks. It works. Looks like the solder is separated from the pin and board as he stated a cold solder.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
Big thanks to Dakota_viking for this detailed thread, also want to thank ottawaguy for his illustration of a broken open cluster. Although our 97 Expy has the push button mechanical mileage display, thats ok of course, I read thru all 18 pages to find out how to change out these peanut bulbs that been going out one by one. A big thanks for "Everyones" help here. Great thread and reps given out..
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New User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Dakota_Vikings Fix
We must honor this amazing benefactor (Dakota_Viking). My odometer is now fixed and it seems odd to look down and see green numbers! Here is my story after following the Awesome Dakota_Vikings instructions.
The first thing I learned is when you take the board apart, be careful not to loose the rod and rubber bumper that toggles the trip and mileage (the button you press). The button is long enough and easy to find, but I spent some time trying to find the little grey and black rubber piece that fits on the the end of the rod, - without it the the button is useless. I also took 2 chances by (1.) Not having a magnify glass (my eyes are pretty good... I think) and (2.) Using a soldering iron.
I grew up with a soldering gun in my hand so I felt confident I could pull it off. I would STRONGLY recommend following Dakota_Vikings instructions and NOT USE a soldering gun and get a magnifying glass. I believe, even with all my experience, I was lucky. These are VERY small soldering joints.
Again, Hats off to the Dakota_Viking!
The first thing I learned is when you take the board apart, be careful not to loose the rod and rubber bumper that toggles the trip and mileage (the button you press). The button is long enough and easy to find, but I spent some time trying to find the little grey and black rubber piece that fits on the the end of the rod, - without it the the button is useless. I also took 2 chances by (1.) Not having a magnify glass (my eyes are pretty good... I think) and (2.) Using a soldering iron.
I grew up with a soldering gun in my hand so I felt confident I could pull it off. I would STRONGLY recommend following Dakota_Vikings instructions and NOT USE a soldering gun and get a magnifying glass. I believe, even with all my experience, I was lucky. These are VERY small soldering joints.
Again, Hats off to the Dakota_Viking!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
Did you remove the clear faceplate? To me it looks like that's the only way for that button to come out. If you did remove the clear faceplate, you weren't supposed to.
New User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Faceplate
Have a Great Day!
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis USA
Will this work on 2006 Expy?
Wow came across this thread after I noticed my ODO becoming so dim during the daytime I thought I had the interior lights dimmed... Virtually unreadable in daytime unless you really blocked out the external light (still visible at night, but that's it)...
I've gone thru many of these 18+ pages but haven't seen any confirmed reports of this fix being appropriate to a later-model Expedition... Will this be viable on my 2006? I assume the fault is the same, just not sure if the cluster guidance would be similar or if I need to inspect every solder joint for cold solder...
Thanks again folks. Between FTE and 1 or 2 other sites, I have saved myself thousands in repairs over the years...
I've gone thru many of these 18+ pages but haven't seen any confirmed reports of this fix being appropriate to a later-model Expedition... Will this be viable on my 2006? I assume the fault is the same, just not sure if the cluster guidance would be similar or if I need to inspect every solder joint for cold solder...
Thanks again folks. Between FTE and 1 or 2 other sites, I have saved myself thousands in repairs over the years...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
Do a search on eBay for them.
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis USA
Does this work with newer (2006) models?
Just bumping this for one more attempt... Does anyone know the answer to my below quote/question (re: viability of this fix with newer Expys - i.e., 2006? My 2006 has very very dim ODO, would same cold solder fix apply?...)
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Wow came across this thread after I noticed my ODO becoming so dim during the daytime I thought I had the interior lights dimmed... Virtually unreadable in daytime unless you really blocked out the external light (still visible at night, but that's it)...
I've gone thru many of these 18+ pages but haven't seen any confirmed reports of this fix being appropriate to a later-model Expedition... Will this be viable on my 2006? I assume the fault is the same, just not sure if the cluster guidance would be similar or if I need to inspect every solder joint for cold solder...
Thanks again folks. Between FTE and 1 or 2 other sites, I have saved myself thousands in repairs over the years...
I've gone thru many of these 18+ pages but haven't seen any confirmed reports of this fix being appropriate to a later-model Expedition... Will this be viable on my 2006? I assume the fault is the same, just not sure if the cluster guidance would be similar or if I need to inspect every solder joint for cold solder...
Thanks again folks. Between FTE and 1 or 2 other sites, I have saved myself thousands in repairs over the years...