Intermittent Odometer - A Repair

I have a 1997 Ford F-150 and the odometer stopped turning around 98,000 miles. I believe that these mechanical odometers are driven electronically in the same manner as the LED type. Does anyone know if this the case? Thanks in advance. I'm new here.
Odometer Fix
Just completed the odometer fix procedure and it looks like I'm back in business. The damn thing has been blinking on and off ever since I bought the truck 3.5 years ago. I thought there should be a way to fix it, but had no idea that this would be it. I am greatful to this forum and to the original member who posted the information and pictoral on how to do this. Thanks, HS
It's been several years since I visited this site. I first joined sometime after I first bought my truck in 1999.
I would periodically browse the forums especially when I was on night shift. Then I moved to days and visited less often.
I came back recently to search for info on the P1151 O2 sensor code and found this thread on how to fix the broken odometer. I had just gone through state inspection and along with a couple of other minor problems they were going to fail it for the OD. I decided I had nothing to lose by trying the fix myself. Worse case I'd have to look for a used cluster on ebay.
I'm happy to say it looks like I fixed it. Removed the cluster and touched all the solder joints on the pins for the OD display with a hot iron. Put it all back together and 2 days later it is still working so I'm confident it is fixed.
Thanks to Greg for posting this repair.
I would periodically browse the forums especially when I was on night shift. Then I moved to days and visited less often.
I came back recently to search for info on the P1151 O2 sensor code and found this thread on how to fix the broken odometer. I had just gone through state inspection and along with a couple of other minor problems they were going to fail it for the OD. I decided I had nothing to lose by trying the fix myself. Worse case I'd have to look for a used cluster on ebay.
I'm happy to say it looks like I fixed it. Removed the cluster and touched all the solder joints on the pins for the OD display with a hot iron. Put it all back together and 2 days later it is still working so I'm confident it is fixed.
Thanks to Greg for posting this repair.
I have been annoyed by the disappearing odometer for about a year now. I suppose its time to bite the bullet.
I finally got the instrument panel out, what a PITA. I see a little gray part fell off that looks like it belongs on the trip handle.
My eyes are not so good but it looks like the other terminals are a little short of solder.
I installed the cluster back in my truck. I had a headache when I woke up this morning before I started.
I have a slightly larger headache after the Cluster was installed back in the truck and I found this still on my dining room table.
If I have to take it back apart again I am going to look for LED bulbs to put in the cluster. Arrrrrghh!
Er, excuse me Mr. Jones but could you bring your truck back in for service. I discovered a TSB bulletin that provides an upgrade to your instrument cluster that should have been installed when we worked on the instrument cluster on your truck. This will be at no charge to you Mr. Jones. LOL
I finally got the instrument panel out, what a PITA. I see a little gray part fell off that looks like it belongs on the trip handle.
My eyes are not so good but it looks like the other terminals are a little short of solder.
I installed the cluster back in my truck. I had a headache when I woke up this morning before I started.
I have a slightly larger headache after the Cluster was installed back in the truck and I found this still on my dining room table.
If I have to take it back apart again I am going to look for LED bulbs to put in the cluster. Arrrrrghh!
Er, excuse me Mr. Jones but could you bring your truck back in for service. I discovered a TSB bulletin that provides an upgrade to your instrument cluster that should have been installed when we worked on the instrument cluster on your truck. This will be at no charge to you Mr. Jones. LOL
I finally put the back of the instrument cluster back on. I took some pictures this time.
I have not read all through this thread but I will post a few pictures with some tips.
I would suggest having a tool with a flexible shaft like this one.

This trim is removed first. It can be pulled off by hand by getting your fingers underneath it on both sides and pulling it towards you.
I have not read all through this thread but I will post a few pictures with some tips.
I would suggest having a tool with a flexible shaft like this one.

This trim is removed first. It can be pulled off by hand by getting your fingers underneath it on both sides and pulling it towards you.
I turned the headlight switch to the fog light position and pulled it out. I then gave the switch a good hard tug to pull it off. This worked for me but I do not know if it is the proper way to do it so only do this if you cannot find the proper way to remove it.
The Headlight switch assembly has a latch that keeps it attached. I inserted a thin standard screwdriver and pushed the latch to the right as shown in the following photo. ( in the direction of the arrow ) The assembly will pull right out when the latch is properly dis-engaged. You can feel the spring pull against the screwdriver when you are sliding the screwdriver against the latch.
Do not pry behind the assembly like I did the first time or you will damage your trim.
The Headlight switch assembly has a latch that keeps it attached. I inserted a thin standard screwdriver and pushed the latch to the right as shown in the following photo. ( in the direction of the arrow ) The assembly will pull right out when the latch is properly dis-engaged. You can feel the spring pull against the screwdriver when you are sliding the screwdriver against the latch.
Do not pry behind the assembly like I did the first time or you will damage your trim.


