Odometer displays gets dim and dark on 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
The problem is not constant,it occurs occasionally then all gets normal.
IS IT A FUSE OR BULB ISSUE?
NO,not at all.I've repaired multiple sets of these, a fuse WOULD NOT cause the intermittent issues you are experiencing, and the bulb is extremely unlikely to do so.
OK,THEN WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS PROBLEM?
Its a problem with
Instrument cluster board.
The "proper" repair is to have the entire instrument cluster (the unit that holds all of the gauges and odometer behind the steering wheel) replaced. The reason this particular issue happens is usually due to a faulty solder joint on the instrument cluster.
IS REPLACING THE CLUSTER BOARD ONLY OPTION OR CAN I REPAIR THE PROBLEM?
If you go to ford dealership then for quick and easy solution.They will suggest you just get instrument cluster board replaced.
But as per my experience at our auto garage.I will say,these is jut the basic start of problem.
The problem can be repaired.
If you know how to use soldering iron and solder electric points on circuit board.Then you can repair this problem easily.
See the instrument cluster board image shown below:---
The solder points which mostly go loose are shown.
Only the odometer is affected by these solder joints
The eight solder connections in the top left of this picture are the ones that are most likely at fault, if you are comfortable with a solder gun and removing the instrument cluster, these are the solder joints that need to be repaired mostly.But if you notice any other additional solder points that seems loose then don't ignore that points. Re-solder that points too.
WHY ONLY ODOMETER IS AFFECTED AND ALL OTHER WORKS GOOD ON CLUTER BOARD?
The part of the board that has the bad solder connections gets hot and causes excessive resistance in the circuit for the L.E.D display to function constantly.The root cause of this problem is "poor solder connections" during assembly.And its not uncommon.The solder points gets loose by age and needs re-soldering.
As per the present condition,the problem is not so worse that you need to replace the cluster board.You can get it repaired by re-soldering.
If you go to a Ford dealer, they will want you to replace the entire instrument cluster.They will not do these repair work for you.
These details will help.
Thanks.
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