Compass dead

[Majisto]

Hey guys, been a while since I've been on here. The Explorer is still marching along. None of this :roll: yet. I think I have set a new record too. 180K on the stock drivetrain and still shifts into every gear firmly.

But all things must break, and I gotta deal with the usual weak door handle in the rear, and a lock that doesn't always lock automatically, but my compass/thermometer display just stopped working. Sometimes it'll flicker on, but it's dead now. The reading lights still work so there is still power going up there, but how can I replace the compass unit?

 

[Majisto]

*Bump*

 

[CNDExplorer]

*Bump*

 

[hal_94]

Mine does the same thing... never quite figured it out. I'm assuming there's probably a loose connection somewhere, but tracking down where the thing actually goes is a whole other story--some of the wires go to the dimmer switch, and then some to the front of the engine where the temp gauge is--I just never managed to figure out where the stuff is running.

(94 Limited)

 

[gecko672]

I know this post is 3 years old but mine just started to do this. I did notice that when I have the revs above idle the compass is fine when it idles at lights the compass flickers and throws up weird symbols. Everything else is fine. could this be a sign of something bigger, alternator about to go. Why would they not work while idling?
Its not a vibration thing. it is definitly related to revs/electric.
Anyone have an educated guess.
Did you ever replace the compass?

Cheers

 

[vroomzoomboom]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187953

 

[gecko672]

thanks for the link.

 

[hal_94]

I think I finally nailed down the problem on my compass--the top of the windshield has a leak in its seal, which has been getting worse over the years, apparently. Nowadays, in heavy rain, water drips in there through the compass display and down the wire to the rear view mirror, eventually forming a pool in the groove in the front of the center console. I'm thinking it probably has been dripping and shorting in there for years....

 

[Kangamel]

Was the leak in the seal in the middle of the windshield right above the compass? I seem to have the same thing going on. I was thinking of trying to squeeze some clear silicone caulking along the top of the seal where it meets the windshield and see if that does the trick. Did you have any luck stopping the leak?