Overhead trip computer
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
From: Lexington N.C.
Overhead trip computer
Well I tried.... I Just bought a 2002 F250 Crew cab 7.3. When I got the truck the overhead display did not work. I saw all of the post in here saying it was probably loose resistors due to poor solder joints from the factory. I went and got a soldering iron and some solder ( I now think the solder may have been too big in diameter). I have never done alot of soldering but I thought I would give it a shot. I took the cover off as I learned in other threads here. That went well. I got the computer out and sure enough there was a resistor that was not even attached it was just laying in there not hooked to anything. These things look alot bigger in the pics, but they are tiny. I tried and tried to get it soldered back in and just could not get it to work
(like I said I am not experianced in the soldering department). I am just hoping I did not mess anything else up. I would say if your not an experianced solderer dont even attempt this. My question is is there any sugestions as to where I can take it to get it done right? Sorry for the long post but I just needed to vent my frustration
Thanks,
(like I said I am not experianced in the soldering department). I am just hoping I did not mess anything else up. I would say if your not an experianced solderer dont even attempt this. My question is is there any sugestions as to where I can take it to get it done right? Sorry for the long post but I just needed to vent my frustration Thanks,
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Don't feel bad. I'd say the first thing is always ask plenty of questions if you're not sure about something. If you think your solder is too big, then I'd guess it's probably WAY TOO BIG. Also when doing something you've never done before, ask for advice and practice on stuff that you cant break.
Any electrical repair shop could do the repair for you. I'd suggest you print off the pictures and instructions and take them to radio shack. If you can find a store that's not too busy, buy the right kind of solder there and ask the guy or gal there if they would solder it for you or at least explain how to do it.
in addition to the wrong size solder, you may also have the wrong size tip on your soldering iron. As you play with a soldering iron more, you'll start to get the hang of it. The important stuff is 1) make sure the iron is up to temp before you try to start. 2) use the proper solder and flux 3) test the heat to make sure you can melt the solder 4) heat the part and suck the solder into the joint.
Any electrical repair shop could do the repair for you. I'd suggest you print off the pictures and instructions and take them to radio shack. If you can find a store that's not too busy, buy the right kind of solder there and ask the guy or gal there if they would solder it for you or at least explain how to do it.
in addition to the wrong size solder, you may also have the wrong size tip on your soldering iron. As you play with a soldering iron more, you'll start to get the hang of it. The important stuff is 1) make sure the iron is up to temp before you try to start. 2) use the proper solder and flux 3) test the heat to make sure you can melt the solder 4) heat the part and suck the solder into the joint.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Chattanooga, TN
Don't feel bad. I'd say the first thing is always ask plenty of questions if you're not sure about something. If you think your solder is too big, then I'd guess it's probably WAY TOO BIG. Also when doing something you've never done before, ask for advice and practice on stuff that you cant break.
Any electrical repair shop could do the repair for you. I'd suggest you print off the pictures and instructions and take them to radio shack. If you can find a store that's not too busy, buy the right kind of solder there and ask the guy or gal there if they would solder it for you or at least explain how to do it.
in addition to the wrong size solder, you may also have the wrong size tip on your soldering iron. As you play with a soldering iron more, you'll start to get the hang of it. The important stuff is 1) make sure the iron is up to temp before you try to start. 2) use the proper solder and flux 3) test the heat to make sure you can melt the solder 4) heat the part and suck the solder into the joint.
Any electrical repair shop could do the repair for you. I'd suggest you print off the pictures and instructions and take them to radio shack. If you can find a store that's not too busy, buy the right kind of solder there and ask the guy or gal there if they would solder it for you or at least explain how to do it.
in addition to the wrong size solder, you may also have the wrong size tip on your soldering iron. As you play with a soldering iron more, you'll start to get the hang of it. The important stuff is 1) make sure the iron is up to temp before you try to start. 2) use the proper solder and flux 3) test the heat to make sure you can melt the solder 4) heat the part and suck the solder into the joint.
Sean
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 1
From: Farmington, Minnesota
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
From: Lexington N.C.
Thanks
Thanks for the responses guys. I am going to take it to a local electronic repair shop on my lunch break today. I am just not experianced enough to try this... I am really hoping I did not damage anything when i tried to do it myself... I just wanted to post this on here for those other "not so experianced solderers" and tell them its not as easy as it sounds in all the post in here. This is a great place for learning all about your truck though. I would not have known what to look for at all, and if the electronic repair shop can fix it. I am sure I will save lots of $$$ because the cheapest replacement I have seen is about $180.00. Thanks again and I will let you know if they get it fixed.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
From: Lexington N.C.
Will Do
Thanks springerpop I just printed it out and will take it with me. I have about an hour before lunch and I am going then. Like I said before I really hope I did not screw this thing up when I tried to fix it myself. I know one thing.. if they can fix it. The first thing Im gonna get with the money I save is a supporter badge. I will get one anyways but may have to wait if I have to spend the almost $200 for a new one. Wish me luck...
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
From: Lexington N.C.
I did SpringerPop.... but I did not get to take it at lunch. My boss had different plans for me at lunch
, so now Im gonna try to get by there after work before they close.
, so now Im gonna try to get by there after work before they close.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
From: Lexington N.C.
Fingers crossed
Well I took the part to the local electronics service center....and the guy there did not sound to promising. He said that these boards are not soldered but they use a heat pencil to melt the resistor in place or some crap like that. The tech. that does the actual work was already gone for the day by the time I got there. They took it and my info and said they would let him make the decision of wether or not he would give it a try. I ask them to please just try because they could not damage it any worse..I mean it does not work already...with all the people here that have already fixed theirs (that are not pros) does not give me alot of confidence in the local electronics repair shop here. Well keep yalls fingers crossed that maybe they will fix this thing. I did leave the copy of the post that SpringerPop hooked me up with so maybe I will get lucky.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
I think Pop had the right idea earlier. Find a Ham operator and show him the pictures and instructions. He would probably attempt to rebuild the board out of spare parts and ingredients he found in his kitchen than ever admit it might be too hard to repair.
The other option of course is for you to tell us where you live. Maybe one of us is close by and can help you for free.
The other option of course is for you to tell us where you live. Maybe one of us is close by and can help you for free.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
From: Lexington N.C.
I live in the foothills of North Carolina.. its a little place called Hamptonville its about half way between Winston Salem and North wilkesboro if you go west on Hwy 421. The place I took my trip computer to is in Elkin NC which is not far from here...but I really do appreciate any help that anyone is willing to give me. I just dont know where or how to find any Ham radio operators / builders around here.
Thanks,
Thanks,