Hello Everyone,

I have a 1999 F-150 5.4 and I've been having a problem with the digital odometer. When I start the truck the odometer won't come right on. Sometimes it will come on after a short while and other times it won't come on at all, but everything else seems to work just fine. Could this mean the odometer is going bad or do I have a bad connection? I certainly don't want to take this to a dealer. Is there a lot involved with tearing that all apart to see if the connection is bad? As always, thanks in advance for your help.

 

In this electrical forum is a thread by Mr Upton concerning this problem. Its a bad solder connection and he gives a very descriptive repair procedure. The thread is called "intermitant odometer, a repair" Check it out.

 

Thank you. That is a very good thread. Thanks again.

 

Does your odometer still seem to record when it isn't lit?

 

In my experience (and listening to other's experiences) yes it does still record. The typical problem is with the display only, not the recording.

 

Interesting. If you unplug it, do you know if it still records and if it affects vehicle operation and throws a code. I had someone tell me that they unplugged theirs.

Tb

 

The odometer/mileage is recorded in the computer so yes it still monitors the mileage. To stop your odometer from recording is not extremely difficult as it is not a mechanical but an electrical feature but it is also highly illegal.
If you know someone who unplugged theirs they are most likely lying if it has an OBD II computer and if they are not you might not want to be around this scum of the earth.

Easy fix though. The hardest part is opening up the dash and finding the correct broken solder point. A good magnifying lens is very helpful.

Good endevour to anyone taking on the repair.