I search the list and found an old reference to Error 3 on the odometer and was wondering if any body ever found out what this error is. I have a 92 3.0L with 145K. I work at a TV station and it was used by the news department for 8 years and then sat for 2 years in the parking lot until a few months ago when I bought it for $400. It started right up after I put a new battery in and runs rather nicely. I baby it because I use it to drive back and forth to work and take miles off my leased Camry. But, the odometer cycles between the milage and Error 3. The speedometer and odometer work just fine. I called the Ford dealer and they have no idea which sort of shocks me since this van is 10 years old and you would think this had to come up at some time.

Thanks

 

I have the same problem with my 92 aerostar. I have posted this problem on this page before and no one seems to have an answer. The shop manual says to see the next page for Error 3 and it is blank. Surely in this length of time somebody has an answer. What about it FTEers???

 

Hi. Ford Manual says:

" Word "Error" displayed in odometer block."
"Probable cause - Odometer memory malfunctioning"
"Verification - visually verify"
" Action to take - REPLACE speedometer module"

Hope this helps. KenP

 

Hi! It's great to get an answer to the Error question but now I have another question that demonstrates my basic ignorance about terminnology. Is the speedometer module the same as the speedometer head? A second question involves the odometer reading - if I replace the speedometer module (??) with an used or new one, what mileage reading will the odometer show? . Hope to hear from you soon.

adump90

 

Hi. Just surfing through quickly, but wanted to let you know I saw your note. Will have t0 dredge the manuals out and do some research. I think the module is in the instrument cluster, but not sure.
I'll check.
KenP

 

OK, finally got a chance to look into this a bit.

Error 3 flashing alternately with the odo readout is indication that the "conversion constant" is not programmed correctly... i.e. your speedometer module has lost its base programming.
Yes, the module is in the speedo head. That's also where the overall mileage is stored. If you have a speedo installed by the Ford dealer, he will order one preprogrammed with the mileage that is on the van. or, he can order one unprogrammed and put a sticker on the door jam that has the replacement mileage on it. Ford says dealer's choice.

Manual gives extensive explanation on how to reset the conversion constant. There is a connector located "behind the cowl side trim panel". This connector is used to select the correct conversion constant from the several programmed in the module.

Here's the bad news... the module's conversion constant can only be accessed 6 times during the life of the module... then it has to be replaced.

I'd suggest you take it to your Ford dealer... my guess is that the speedo won't have to be replaced and the labor would be minimal.

Hope this helps. KenP