Oddometer quit but speedo still works?!?

[jseabolt]

The other day I topped off with gas and reset the tripometer. But for some reason it wouldn't start logging up the miles. So I reset it and it started working again.

So today I topped off the tank again and reset the tripometer which was around 168 miles. Now it won't log up any miles. Neither does the oddometer. It's stuck on 94730 miles.

I don't know if it just stopped working at some point or when I reset the tripometer, it stopped.

However the weird thing is the speedometer still works. This is the first time I have ever seen a case where the tripometer and oddometer stopped working but the speedometer still functions. Usually all three quit at the same time. Usually a broken speedometer cable.

I suppose in the case of my Explorer, the guage cluster is semi-electronic. Meaning the speedometer is electronic but the trip and oddometer are mechanical. I suppose there is an electric driven gear inside the gauge cluster that has crapped out. Or maybe the motor has crapped out.

My question is can I get a guage cluster from another Explorer and stick it in or does it have to match the ECU and ignition switch?

The reason I ask is a guy I work with said this was the case with his Windstar van. However I think his was built after 2000.

Wishful thinking says the oddometer will start working again on it's own. The only reason I *really* care is I like to keep a track of my mileage for maintenance reasons. I suppose I could mount an hour meter from a tractor under the hood and keep up that way.

Or just change the oil every 6 months regardless of mileage.

Providing the just the guage cluster can be swapped. I'm not going through all the trouble of swapping ECUs and ignition switches. Screw that.

 

[scucci]

http://www.odometergears.com/ford.html

 

[jseabolt]

http://www.odometergears.com/ford.html

So it's safe bet to say this is the only piece that's worn out and needs to be replaced?

 

[Electrohacker]

the safe bet would be to take your cluster apart and look for the damaged gear

it is more than likely the worm gear you have there

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yes- you can swap a new cluster. The worm gear as mentioned is a common issue. As you said, you do not have a speedo cable, it is an electronic signal to the cluster. Nothing else to do, just unplug your old one and plug the replacement in. If you like, fire me a PM, I have several in the garage...

 

[jseabolt]

the safe bet would be to take your cluster apart and look for the damaged gear

it is more than likely the worm gear you have there

I'd like to just do this in one shot if you know what I mean. Pull it out, fix it and stick it back in.

There is a Mustang procedure on that page. I'm assuming since the Explorer and Mustang use the same gear, the procedure is the same. The clusters look similiar.

 

[jseabolt]

Yes- you can swap a new cluster. The worm gear as mentioned is a common issue. As you said, you do not have a speedo cable, it is an electronic signal to the cluster. Nothing else to do, just unplug your old one and plug the replacement in. If you like, fire me a PM, I have several in the garage...

I may just try to replace the gear drive in the one I have. I'm still looking for a blanking plate to go between the tissue holder and center console now I've removed my 6 disk CD changer. If such a part exists.

None of the Gen I and II Explorers I've found in junkyards even have a center console!

 

[Joe Dirt]

Not sure what you mean by blanking plate- do you mean the tissue holder tray itself that has the change holder on top? All that is there would be the tissue holder, and a small plug if the truck didn't have a changer to plug the wire hole. I can find you one of those, they're all over up here...

 

[jseabolt]

Well wishful thinking may have paid off. The oddometer started working again! So if the gear was stripped out it looks to me like it would just give up the ghost.

Just guessing could the problem be the motor that turns the gear?

I'll pull the guage cluster when I get some time and see what's going on.

 

[Curtis]

Common issue, I replaced the worm gear/motor out of a junk yard unit
I posted details/pictures here http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247368&highlight=dash

 

[jseabolt]

Common issue, I replaced the worm gear/motor out of a junk yard unit
I posted details/pictures here http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247368&highlight=dash

Excellent write up! I'll give it a shot.

 

[jseabolt]

Well the speedometer is still working after 1500 miles. I'm still afraid to reset my tripometer after it started working.

I'm thinking the problem is not the motor or plastic worm gear but rather the spring which prevented it from properly engaging so it was in reset mode constantly.

But that doesn't explain why the oddometer wouldn't work as well.

 

[Curtis]

Well the speedometer is still working after 1500 miles. I'm still afraid to reset my tripometer after it started working.

I'm thinking the problem is not the motor or plastic worm gear but rather the spring which prevented it from properly engaging so it was in reset mode constantly.

But that doesn't explain why the oddometer wouldn't work as well.

I know what you mean... but mine worked off and on until it stopped completely.
Sometimes it would just click and I could see the 10th digit jolt on each click but it would not count.