Thanks all for the excellent description for removing the headlight controls, and especially how to resolder the pin for the odometer light.
This has been a major annoyance for me and is a relief to know that it is now fixed. I took my time and the entire process took about 1:30 minutes from start to cleaned up finish.
I did make the mistake when removing the dash console pieces of unscrewing some of the hex 15 screws. I now realize that the only gold hex 15 screws that need to be removed are on the back side of the instrument cluster to access the board.

Thanks again everyone.

 

Awsome post I have had this problem for about 6 months now on my 99 and I am going to attack it tomorrow, this problem seems VERY similar to another problem I'v had with my truck for about a year now. I still have the stock stereo and the display went out on it, at first it was doing the same thing the odometer is now if it went out I could hit it and it would come back on. Has anyone else had this same problem and been able to fix it yet? I think I will take the stereo appart tomorrow and check for some cold solder joints and see if that is the problem, if so I will let you guys know.

Also since you have to remove the headlamp switch to get the panel off it brings up a question I have been wondering for a long time. Is there a way to somhow modify that switch so you can drive with your foglights on withought your headlights? thanks, and again VERY VERY AWSOME post!!!!!!!!

 

be sure to use rosin flux core Eutectic solder (63/37 tin lead) and clean off the flux with an acid brush and isopropyl alcohol to prevent corrosion.

 

I have had the disply problem in other ford radios, was told it was a light bulb? Cannot confirm because I did not take apart my self.

 

So, is there a certian type of soldering pencil or just the pencil style of soldering iron that I need to use? any specific wattage?

 

Sorry for the delay on an answer, the weekend you know.

A standard soldering pencil/iron will work. Just do not leave it on the contacts any longer than necessary.

Good luck with it!

Tim

 

Great post, I am one of the many with the disappearing odometer.

 

GREAT LINK!

Thanks!!!

 

Awesome bit of information! My '99 has had this as an intermittent problem for at least a year now. Finally I can fix it!

I wonder if this could also be the problem with my radio? I have the stock head unit and about 5 months ago it went blank and has never come back.

 

There was a thread about the radio as well. Do a search, but it gave steps to fixing it as this thread does for the odo.

 

This is the best thing going. I thought I had to just live with it, but fixing it took 20 minutes.
Thanks!

 

It's the same dang problem with the radio display, bad solder joints. Takes maybe 30 mintues to fix the radio but you need to know which contacts to address. Check the Tech Articles section. Did Ford invest in that cold process soldering iron I keep seeing advertised on TV?

 

I have a '98, replaced the bulbs (5) but the panel does not appear to be as bright as it could be. The bulbs I replaced were in balck housings, are there others that Illuminate the panel? Also, the radio has dim lights except for the LED/CLOCK, are there bulbs that can be replaced and if so, how do you remove the face plate?

JM

 

viking,
I dove into the instrument cluster panel and I believe that there is a difference in the earlier model expeditions. I could not find a cold solder point anywhere. My panel went out all of a sudden and has not come back on. Also, the tone that reminds you that you left the lights on is not working either. I checked the fuses and the switch and both seem to be working fine. Could the instrument panel be responsible for the tone also?

 

Man I wish I was electrically inclined to attempt this myself. Anyone know of any shops or private parties in Orlando that would do this for $100? Has anyone got a dealer quote on replacement? Is the part $375? Or does that include installation? If anyone in O<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><st1:City w:st=[/img]<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = " /><st1:City w:st="on">rlando</st1:City> has successfully repaired this and wants a nice crisp $100 bill in their pocket please contact me.