Strange problem

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May 30, 2009 | 11:09 PM

bmxstreet15

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From: Festus, MO

Strange problem

Ok So i drove my 97 F350 for about 3 hours today and on the way home I noticed that my volt-gauge flickered. Didnt think anything of it. Well aout a half mile down the road it quit working and my fuel filter light came on. So I pulled over and shut it off. I then turned it back on and saw smoke come out from behind the gauge cluster. I shut it back down and tore the dash apart to find no burnt wires. Now the only gauge that works is the speedometer and the oil pressure barely moves. The rest are dead. I left the cluster unplugged to get it home and it wouldnt shift out of first. I plugged the speedo back in and it shifted but in a very odd pattern. I limped home and left it sit for about 2 hours. Came back and took it for a drive and it shifted fine. But my O/D switch does not work and my wait to start light is very dim if it even comes on. Like I said I couldnt find any burnt wires. About 4 days ago it blew the 10 amp fuse for the inst. cluster which I found to be quite odd. I just replaced the fuse and went on about my business.

Anyone have the slightest clue as to what might cause this issue? Does the transmission rely on the inst cluster being hooked up to shift properly? Any help would be great.

May 31, 2009 | 05:28 AM

ckal704

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From: Lancaster County PA

Well, I sure don't have any idea of what is going on, but there are bunches of folks here that have had their dash apart that might have some ideas for you. I trust that you'll be geting some feedback before too long.

May 31, 2009 | 09:52 AM

bmxstreet15

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From: Festus, MO

I really hope so. I can't afford to take my truck to a mechanic. I only have 40 bucks to my name and need my truck.

Jun 1, 2009 | 08:02 AM

Neal 97 250

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From: Johnson City, TN.

I believe the tranny needs the speedo to shift properly. As far as the gauges it appears that you do have a short of some type. Especially if it is blowing a fuse. You will need to find the short. I have in the past used the "Smoke Method" (not recommended unless a last resort). The smoke method uses a wire and jump it across the fuse prongs and let the juice flow. Where the smoke comes from is usuall where the problem lies. This will sometimes melt other things too such as the fuse box or other essential items. Like I said it is not recommended. It is however sometimes sucessful. LOL

Jun 1, 2009 | 10:14 AM

bmxstreet15

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From: Festus, MO

Thanks neal..I was afraid you would say something like that. Now its just taking the time to find the short and correct it i gues. Not looking forward to it but its gotta be done.

Jun 1, 2009 | 12:06 PM

bmxstreet15

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From: Festus, MO

Well, I just got back from tinkering with it out in the garage. I tore the whole dash apart and found a couple problems that I fixed while I was in there. One, the pin holding the shifter in had backed its way out, so I drove that back in. Two, the shift linkage bushing had slid down out of place, popped it back in and it is much easier to shift. As for the original electric problem, well, it turned out to be a fuse. Slot number 17 i believe. The fuse that I bught at Advance autoparts was defective. The short was actually in the fuse. I replaced it with another fuse and its working fine now. I must say that Advance is a crappy place to do business. They refused to replace the defective fuse. I know its only a fuse but being a business owner my self, I do not treat my customers like that. I stand behind my products and services 100%. Now I just have to go put my dash back together.