97xlt - analog odometer not working
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97xlt - analog odometer not working
Hello - first post, so let me know if I need to provide more information. (Been lurking for a while now)
I got a 1997 XLT about 1 1/2 years ago. It was used, and the electrical system was pretty well toasted from flood damage, but the price was right and I wanted the challenge as much as I wanted the truck.
After replacing the GEM, fuses, relays, and various other parts, everything works except for the odometer and cruise control, but I know I need a new streeting column switch for the cruise.
The original gauge cluster was completely rusted out and would not work at all. I found a junk yard that sent me a new one and upon plugging it in, everything worked except for the odometer (and trip odometer). At the time, I was so happy just to see how much gas I had in the tank that I brushed it off and figured I would determine the problem later.
Well, it's been a year now and I still have no clue. I am 75% sure that the gauge cluster is in complete working order, but I suppose that it could have been damaged. I doubt this as the place I got the part from is very reputible and thoroughly tests their parts, as well as shipping in secure packaging.
The strange thing is that I hear a clicking sound that goes faster as I drive faster, and vice versa. I suspect that the odometer is trying to spin, but something is holding it in place. I have not seen any information that leads me to believe that there is a "shipping pin" or something similar that I may have missed, but at this point, I'm completely stumped. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks in Advance!
GUBON
I got a 1997 XLT about 1 1/2 years ago. It was used, and the electrical system was pretty well toasted from flood damage, but the price was right and I wanted the challenge as much as I wanted the truck.
After replacing the GEM, fuses, relays, and various other parts, everything works except for the odometer and cruise control, but I know I need a new streeting column switch for the cruise.
The original gauge cluster was completely rusted out and would not work at all. I found a junk yard that sent me a new one and upon plugging it in, everything worked except for the odometer (and trip odometer). At the time, I was so happy just to see how much gas I had in the tank that I brushed it off and figured I would determine the problem later.
Well, it's been a year now and I still have no clue. I am 75% sure that the gauge cluster is in complete working order, but I suppose that it could have been damaged. I doubt this as the place I got the part from is very reputible and thoroughly tests their parts, as well as shipping in secure packaging.
The strange thing is that I hear a clicking sound that goes faster as I drive faster, and vice versa. I suspect that the odometer is trying to spin, but something is holding it in place. I have not seen any information that leads me to believe that there is a "shipping pin" or something similar that I may have missed, but at this point, I'm completely stumped. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks in Advance!
GUBON
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 485
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From: Central Florida
Hi Gubon, Welcome. 
Hard to say what's going on. The odometer is mechanical instead of digital in 99+ models. I haven't pulled the cluster out, but I don't believe there is a cable/gear assembly back there. I thought all the connections were electrical plugs. If there was a cable I'd guess that you had misaligned the teeth when you replaced the cluster. If the whole thing is electrical it sounds like you got a dud from the factory and a cam or cog is slipping which is causing the noise, but failing to spin the wheels.
I don't think you have too much recourse since its been a year, but you may get lucky on a 12 month/12,000 MILE warranty.
Hard to say what's going on. The odometer is mechanical instead of digital in 99+ models. I haven't pulled the cluster out, but I don't believe there is a cable/gear assembly back there. I thought all the connections were electrical plugs. If there was a cable I'd guess that you had misaligned the teeth when you replaced the cluster. If the whole thing is electrical it sounds like you got a dud from the factory and a cam or cog is slipping which is causing the noise, but failing to spin the wheels.
I don't think you have too much recourse since its been a year, but you may get lucky on a 12 month/12,000 MILE warranty.