Overhead Compass Help

[00GT99XLT]

1999 Explorer XLT

Bought it used knowing the overhead compass was out. Any ideas on a fix or should i just pull one from a junkyard? Also, it has an aftermarket Alpine cd player, i pulled all that out and looks like a pro install.

Any ideas would be great!

Also, my drivers side door lock does not pop up , nor down. LOL is that pain to fix?

Sorry for the newb 20 questions. Thanks guys,,,, and or gals

Mike

 

[96eb96]

Both of those issues involve checking wiring for shorts or opens. For the compass: see if you have power at the compass module. For the door: See if you have power at the door lock switch.

You may need a wiring diagram.

 

[00GT99XLT]

Thanks! Yea i need to buy the book for this thing. LOL and a test light!

 

[96eb96]

Thanks! Yea i need to buy the book for this thing. LOL and a test light!

Look into factory service CDs or DVDs on EBay. They are very comprehensive. I can't imagine owning a car without that!

 

[mobay1517]

Fixing overhead compass

Much as I'd like to take credit for something I did not do.

The fix I got for my overhead compass/temp guage was found here. It involves removing the overhead compass and then disassembling it until you get to the circuit board. There you will find several small ( very small) square circuits components ( dunno what they're called ) that have the nasty habit cracking at the solder joints ( from car vibrations and shocks ) and in need of resoldering. I had to do this twice because I did not properly solder them the first time I did the removal and disassembly.


Its a bit of a pain to disassemble and reassemble ( a 7.5 out of ten.., at least to me ) take your time to see how it comes apart so you can know how to put it BACK together. Take your time!!

ONLY USE A SMALL RADIO SHACK 15 Watt soldering iron and make sure the tip if filed so that it comes to a fine point. This will help to ensure a precise solder in the small area that needs resoldering.

As I said , the fix is here, but I don'te remember where, and there might even be pictures. I fixed mine and I'm no expert at anything.

The dealers will charge you the earth to fix this device.

Good luck

 

[00GT99XLT]

Dude ive been looking for info on that since i got it and this has to best thing ive read to date! THANKS i will try it tonight! dissassembly that is. LOL

Mike

 

[mobay1517]

Overhead compass

Mike,

My pleasure , but the info is on this website, I;m just an idiot for not remembering where I saw it. If you also do a Google search using
" Overhead Compass, Ford Explorer" you might find a detailed set of instructions.

I'll try to help as best I can if you get stuck.

Randy

 

[00GT99XLT]

That was the problem! there was a loose lil thingy. Unfortunatley i cant solder to save my life and i ruined the board. Time to hit the junkyard!!!!

Thanks alot for the point in the right directions!

Mike