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- Expedition & Navigator (http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27)
- - Odometer Blackout Problem Fixed!!! ( http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196821 )

dakota_viking 01-25-2004 07:42 PM

Odometer Blackout Problem Fixed!!!

OK campers, I think I figured it out! (Sorry if this gets long...)

I took out my instrument cluster to install my Nu-Image Flame gauges. Since my odometer has been plagued
with the famous blackout syndrome, I decided to dive in and see if it could be fixed without giving Ford $375
for a new cluster.

What I found was a cold solder joint. With a couple of minutes using a solder pencil, problem solved! No need
to fork over any money to Ford.

Here's how it goes: .:-tap

Using a service manual or CD, remove your instrument cluster

If you find a cold solder joint, simply touch it with a hot soldering pencil (NOT A GUN...It's TOO Hot!) and add
just a touch of solder.

If all goes well, reverse the process to put it back together.

****IMPORTANT****
If you are not comfortable soldering or getting into electronic boards, you may want to consider finding
someone in your area that is. (Maybe a stereo shop) I have been in electronics for several years and was willing
to go for it rather than shell out the cash.

Good luck and remember to TAKE YOUR TIME!!!

If you have any questions, just shoot me an e -mail, I may be able to help out.

Oo.

who1975 01-25-2004 08:41 PM

dakota-viking-

This is an awesome post!!! After reading it, I am going to try to muster enough balls to try to fix mine as well.
Thanks again. I will e-mail you if I have any quesitions. Thanks.

Bill

tsdrallyer 01-25-2004 09:19 PM

very good post and one of the best I've seen anywhere. 'Thanks.

MisterCMK 01-25-2004 09:36 PM

Sweet! Talk to ken and see if you can get that made into a tech article
BigMattXXL 01-25-2004 10:40 PM

Viking- do you mind if I include this in my EOG 2.0?

If so, please email me with your full name, etc. so I can credit you properly.

This is great stuff.

XXL

KR1 01-26-2004 03:36 PM

How hard is it to remove the instrument cluster ???

dakota_viking 01-26-2004 03:48 PM

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.

:-X25

KR1 01-26-2004 03:54 PM

Thanks, will try it soon. The Odometer always has problems in the summer months, but is OK now.....

dakota_viking 01-27-2004 09:21 AM

Well, It's been 3 days and about 50 degrees of temperature difference as well as about 150 miles of driving.

Everything is working perfectly and the odometer has not even blinked once!:-X05

I think it's a winner! Good luck to anyone else that tries this. If you have questions, just shoot me an e-mail. : -
X22

MacDaddy 05-17-2004 02:03 AM

Dakota Viking is THE MAN!!

Well I took the plunge this weekend and decided to pull the cluster out and take a look. My 1999 F150 has had
odometer problem since about 50000 miles. Now has 69000 and I was tired of playing hide and go seek with it.
Did just as Dakota said. Didn't have the magnifying glass which would have really come in handy but had the
wife look at the pins and the picture that Dakota posted and sure enough it was the same one. Took a pencil
type soldering iron with a very small tip and just touched pin and put a VERY small amount around the pin and
it works like new. Looks odd now to look down and see odometer all lit up. Not a bad job if you take your time
and don't get in a hurry. Thanks to Dakota Viking I saved myself about $300 plus from what I have heard. It
appears that there are quite a few trucks out there with this problem.

dakota_viking 05-17-2004 09:46 AM

Glad to be of assistance!

PS. I accept tips at.... :-X24

Congrats on the fix!

Tim

jbwash 07-02-2004 07:26 AM

glad I found this thread. just started having the blackout with my 99 F-150 about a week ago. I know what I'll
be doing this weekend. put this thread in my favorites list in case I need to look it up again.

HomerWinzlow 07-03-2004 02:14 PM

Great job! :) I knew someone would finally dig in and try a fix for this. Ive seen many clusters with this
problem. Thanks!

rebel_gtc 07-04-2004 09:53 PM

Nice one dakota_viking!!!!

maverick5 07-05-2004 08:41 PM

odometer blackout - any sounds?

Am I glad I discovered this thread! My 2000 F150 has the same odometer blackout problem. When I turn the
key and stop before actually starting, wait for the odometer light to finally come on - theres a low boom-thud
sound coming from directly behind the dash. Anyone else discovered this? It only happens when the odometer
lights up. Any ideas?
Cheers!

gymcoal 07-17-2004 01:30 PM

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! This problem has been bugging my wife for a year now. She has a company
gas card and has to document her miles, so this has been a huge problem for her.

Here are a extra few tricks/recommendations that I learned in this process:

1) The headlight switch is tricky (I didn't know that the knob is its own tool to remove the switch). I copied and
pasted the procedure below:

Disconnect the battery ground cable

.
Turn the headlamp switch knob to the headlamp position and pull the knob.

Insert a thin tool to release the headlamp switch knob and remove. (There is a small cut out in the bottom of
the knob. You can use a thin screwdriver or pick to press the tab)
Turn the headlamp switch knob 180 degrees and install. (Just put the knob back on upside down)

Turn counterclockwise until the back of the headlamp switch knob is in the OFF position.

Turn the headlamp switch knob fully clockwise.

Remove the headlamp switch. (just pull it straight out)

Pull the headlamp switch from the instrument panel.

Disconnect the electrical connectors.

2) The P/R/Drive indicator is held into the gauge cluster by a couple of clips.

3) You need to pinch the electrical plugs on the back of the gauge cluster with your fingers to remove them.
Kinda hard with big hands.

4) You need a torqx 15 to remove the screws on the back of gauge cluster.

5) Use a fine point soldering iron. Man those pins are SMALL!

Thanks again!!!

dskarl 08-01-2004 09:53 PM

There is a secret to getting the headlight switch out, it all depends on if its the first 6 mnths of 99 or the last 6
months of the 99. Ford switched the switches halway through. I think the first 6 months they pry out, and the
last 6 mnths turn the switch bacwards and it releases it! you turn it backwards and it releases the panel, I have
the same problem with the odometer, great thread! Gonna fix it shortly! I also have a rear end leak between
the yoke and the driveshaft? Any help there? Is there a bolt that holds the flange to the rear end? Thanks
Dskarl

dcox 08-01-2004 10:02 PM

I don't have the odometer black out problem, but I do need to replace a few of the bulbs in the IP. How hard is
that to get out, or can I change the bulbs by reaching my hand around the back of the dash?

dakota_viking 08-02-2004 01:27 PM

Quote:

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.

:-X25
You will need to take the cluster out to change the bulbs, but it really not too bad of a job.

:-tap

99F150 08-23-2004 09:15 AM

My 99 is doing this too. Started about a year ago with one freak instance. Now does it multiple times per day.

If it is not fixed right away will the panel burn out from the poor connection?
Thanks Dan

dakota_viking 08-23-2004 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99F150

My 99 is doing this too. Started about a year ago with one freak instance. Now does it multiple times
per day.

If it is not fixed right away will the panel burn out from the poor connection?
Thanks Dan

I doubt it will cause any problems with your panel....just your patience! : -X09

I decided to fix mine because I had got a new set of gauge faces and wanted to make sure my cluster wasn't
going to need to be replaced.

Good luck!
:-tap
Tim

1999redford 08-28-2004 08:11 PM

This is was hell of a money saving post. The odometer coming on and off was annoying as heck. I didn't see a
cold solder joint but gave it a small amount of solder anyway. Three weeks later and it is still working like new.
a couple of things that made it eaiser for me. I had to remove the front cover to the odometer so I could get to
the two clips that hold the trans indicator in place. Also there is a small gray rubber boot that goes on the end
of the odometer reset button. You will see it when you seperate the board drom the housing. Make sure it is
still on when you put it back together. I found out the hard way after I was finished and had to reassemble it
again to install the gray boot.

ckramcke 09-17-2004 10:30 AM

1999 navi

I am glad I found this thread I was going to fork over the scratch soon. Does anyone know if the Navigator is
the same? I have auto lights so no knob to remove to get at the guages but there is a panel that needs to be
removed that holds the switches for the lights.

99F150 09-23-2004 02:46 PM

Quote:
 Originally Posted by MacDaddy
Well I took the plunge this weekend and decided to pull the cluster out and take a look. My 1999 F150
has had odometer problem since about 50000 miles. Now has 69000 and I was tired of playing hide and
go seek with it. Did just as Dakota said. Didn't have the magnifying glass which would have really come
in handy but had the wife look at the pins and the picture that Dakota posted and sure enough it was
the same one. Took a pencil type soldering iron with a very small tip and just touched pin and put a
VERY small amount around the pin and it works like new. Looks odd now to look down and see
odometer all lit up. Not a bad job if you take your time and don't get in a hurry. Thanks to Dakota
Viking I saved myself about $300 plus from what I have heard. It appears that there are quite a few
trucks out there with this problem.

I second that. works great now

Thanks for saving me the cash Dan

papadace 09-23-2004 06:56 PM

Wow am I glad I found this post! My wifes 2001 SuperCrew is doing the same thing at 67,000. I bought the
extended warranty but the dealership is trying to worm out of the repair by telling me that it is a very
intermittent problem and that they can't fix it if it is not acting up. Man I hate liers! If it is alright with all of you
I would like to coppy this whole string and take it to my dealer and make them eat their words! I love my Fords
just not my local dealer!

dakota_viking 09-23-2004 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papadace

Wow am I glad I found this post! My wifes 2001 SuperCrew is doing the same thing at 67,000. I bought
the extended warranty but the dealership is trying to worm out of the repair by telling me that it is a
very intermittent problem and that they can't fix it if it is not acting up. Man I hate liers! If it is alright
with all of you I would like to coppy this whole string and take it to my dealer and make them eat their
words! I love my Fords just not my local dealer!

Copy away Papa! I'm glad that I have been able to help so many.

When I first noticed the problem, my Ford service tech just stared at me and said "Replace the cluster!"

Not all of us can throw out cash like that!

Good Luck!

Tim
:-tap

sk8ingsmurf 09-25-2004 01:59 PM

Awesome post, doing it this weekend, hoping it will save me that $300. Anyone know how easy it would be to
switch out the dash lights for l.e.d.s? I was thinking about switching mine to match my amps and deck? just
sorta curious, could end up deciding it a little too ricey for me.

Bedasi 09-28-2004 07:31 AM

Great Fix!

This worked like a charm..pictures really helped as well.

Thanks for the great post!

dakota_viking 09-28-2004 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedasi

This worked like a charm..pictures really helped as well.
Thanks for the great post!

Just glad I could contribute to this great site! :-X22 : -X25 :-X22

Tim
:-tap

gibsonj 10-04-2004 09:31 AM

EXCELLENT POST!!! My 2K Expy just experienced "periodic" odometer blackout this weekend. I knew I could
count on this group to help me out. THANKS!!

nstyle 10-06-2004 08:42 PM

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.

ssKable 10-16-2004 02:33 AM

Awsome post : -X22 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!!!!!!!!

blwilli 10-16-2004 07:45 AM

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.
 99F150 10-16-2004 08:35 AM

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.

ssKable 10-16-2004 04:09 PM

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?

dakota_viking 10-18-2004 07:28 AM

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

TCExp 10-24-2004 02:11 PM

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

GT350Mike 12-04-2004 12:52 PM

GREAT LINK!

Thanks!!!

jon_bauman 01-18-2005 11:47 AM

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.

saltzy 01-18-2005 12:12 PM

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.

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