97 odometer
Odomer Checks
Suggestion: The odometer is driven from a shaft cable leading from the IP down to the transmission. I have experienced one of these cables breaking within the sheath.
There could be several reasons as to why this could have happened, but it should be checked as a minimum. The cable reaches directly to the back of the IP (Instrument Panel) module. That cable attaches from the back of the IP socket to the IP module. You could check that there is continuity at the back of your IP module by checking that the cable is not broken by pulling on and twisting the cable's stub that plugs into the IP module. If it is extremely loose or completely free wheels that could mean that it has broken somewhere between the trans to the IP.
It may also be a problem at the IP module; have anybody removed the IP module lately or since you noticed it was not working?. There is one special check for this type of problem that is that your truck's PCM, and Trans use the information from the speed sensor on the trans to determine the vehicle's shift points while driving. Does your truck seem otherwise normal road wise other than the obvious Odometer malfunction?. If your shift is really sh..ty or non existent it could be the speed sensor unit and cable at the transmission. The cable plugs into the sensor tap, and sometimes road debris could break or damage the cable or sensor. See if that helps. I do doubt that it would be the IP module, but if you do remove it for a check notice the feel of the cable plug bung where the speed cable is plugged in. If it is hard to move or uneven then the IP module has broken components internally and will necessitate replacement.
Hope this helps.
There could be several reasons as to why this could have happened, but it should be checked as a minimum. The cable reaches directly to the back of the IP (Instrument Panel) module. That cable attaches from the back of the IP socket to the IP module. You could check that there is continuity at the back of your IP module by checking that the cable is not broken by pulling on and twisting the cable's stub that plugs into the IP module. If it is extremely loose or completely free wheels that could mean that it has broken somewhere between the trans to the IP.
It may also be a problem at the IP module; have anybody removed the IP module lately or since you noticed it was not working?. There is one special check for this type of problem that is that your truck's PCM, and Trans use the information from the speed sensor on the trans to determine the vehicle's shift points while driving. Does your truck seem otherwise normal road wise other than the obvious Odometer malfunction?. If your shift is really sh..ty or non existent it could be the speed sensor unit and cable at the transmission. The cable plugs into the sensor tap, and sometimes road debris could break or damage the cable or sensor. See if that helps. I do doubt that it would be the IP module, but if you do remove it for a check notice the feel of the cable plug bung where the speed cable is plugged in. If it is hard to move or uneven then the IP module has broken components internally and will necessitate replacement.
Hope this helps.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 809
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From: Spring TX
I know this is an old thread but did anyone ever find a source to the problem? I also have a 1997 f150 that the odometer doesnt work anymore but my speedometer still works. if you did find a fix, please let me know. Thanks