Odometer Blackout Problem Fixed!!!
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mays Landing NJ
Thank you, thank you for this info. This problem has been driving me nuts for a long time. My expedition does it and two of my friends f150's do it. Mine is the worst though it stays off for days at a time. I'll let you know how I make out! Thanks again very awesome instructions Dakota
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: VA
Originally Posted by dakota_viking
KR1,
The cluster is very easy to remove. You have to remove the headlight switch, the cover just above the steering column, and the panel that houses the headlight switch and also goes around the cluster. Once that is out, just remove 4 bolts, 2 connectors and the gear display (just squeeze tabs and remove). With that, the cluster is out of the dash and in your hands.
It took me a total of about 14 minutes and that included disconnecting the battery (do this before you do anything else)
Good luck.
The cluster is very easy to remove. You have to remove the headlight switch, the cover just above the steering column, and the panel that houses the headlight switch and also goes around the cluster. Once that is out, just remove 4 bolts, 2 connectors and the gear display (just squeeze tabs and remove). With that, the cluster is out of the dash and in your hands.
It took me a total of about 14 minutes and that included disconnecting the battery (do this before you do anything else)
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 753
Likes: 2
From: Oklahoma
Originally Posted by 2000Expy
Why disconnect the battery? Is there something hot in the instrument panel cluster? Good article, I just haven't gotten around to it.
Good luck, it's an easy fix if you take your time.
Tim
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2
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you guys ROCK! i haven't gotten into the dashboard before on this vehicle but all the tricks (especially the easy way to remove the headlight switch) really worked! and sure enough, that same pin on mine was lacking proper solder.....again, i'm a novice, and the entire procedure took me only about an hour.....not bad considering i was going extra slowly and carefully....thanks again!
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Lance1601
I may have lost a part to reset the trip does anybody know is a aoen part and a spring or what
Also, thanks Dakota_Viking for the how-to instructions on fixing the odometer problem.
-Nick
Last edited by electronicsns; Nov 17, 2006 at 03:49 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
This thread is EXACTLY what FTE is all about!!!!
DV and others: Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I performed this fix in about 30 minutes total time and it was exactly as DV had described. Didn't cost a thing and the darn thing had been acting up for over a year. This is the fourth fix I've come across from the forum and I think I've saved about $1K at least.
Thanks again!
Scott
'99 Expy 5.4 110K miles
p.s. And yes, I did just sign up for "Supporter" status. $20 is a small price to pay for the knowledge I've gained and sticking it to the dealerships....priceless!!
Thanks again!
Scott
'99 Expy 5.4 110K miles
p.s. And yes, I did just sign up for "Supporter" status. $20 is a small price to pay for the knowledge I've gained and sticking it to the dealerships....priceless!!
Last edited by TX76F250; Nov 27, 2006 at 11:10 PM.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for the post. I love saving $450.
One thing I might add to ease removal and replacement is to remove bezel from around radio and HVAC controls and remove screw that holds down top of dash. There is another similar screw above headlight switch that can be removed. This allows top of dash to be gently pried up and it makes it very easy to remove and replace instrument cluster.
Thanks again.
One thing I might add to ease removal and replacement is to remove bezel from around radio and HVAC controls and remove screw that holds down top of dash. There is another similar screw above headlight switch that can be removed. This allows top of dash to be gently pried up and it makes it very easy to remove and replace instrument cluster.
Thanks again.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: VA
I just finished repairing mine. It's more than 30 minutes, but it isn't bad. I had a hell of a time with the soldering. I think my tip was a bit large, go to Radio Shack or wherever and buy the thinnest soldering tip you can find. A head mounted magnifying glass would help too. I had to put some solder on the same pin as pjh, and also the one next to it. I broke Dakota_Viking's rule and didn't disconnect the battery. I probably should have. Anyway, I'd say be very careful with the plastic parts, because you can chip the paint off. All in all it was successful, thanks pjh.
Last edited by 2000Expy; Dec 17, 2006 at 12:32 PM. Reason: correction
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Finally fixed the odo display today
Thanks all for your advice on this. The real problem I had with was getting the lamp switch out. What a bear! I broke the front cover off and epoxy glued it back on. All is well. My cluster had the same bad solder joint as DV's.
Again, this website came through!
Mike-G
Again, this website came through!
Mike-G
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
I'm so glad I found this thread again! I'm printing out the instructions for my husband to try.
On another note, RE: disconnecting the battery. Our store-bought manual indicates that you need to disconnect the negative cable, in order to prevent accidental discharge of the airbag. You don't want to save $450 on the odometer fix, and then have to blow that or more on reseting the airbag!
On another note, RE: disconnecting the battery. Our store-bought manual indicates that you need to disconnect the negative cable, in order to prevent accidental discharge of the airbag. You don't want to save $450 on the odometer fix, and then have to blow that or more on reseting the airbag!
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
the trick to getting the headlamp switch out ,is to turn the headlamp switch on to headlights -pull the **** out and pull off ,then put the **** back on 180* out and turn to the off position and pull and the switch comes out
Frank
Frank