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Topic: Faulty Speedometer (Read 13 times) previous topic - next topic
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Faulty Speedometer
Yahoo Message Number: 127162
I have a 2002 LD with 85,000 miles and the speedometer has failed.  The odometer works OK, but the speedometer needle moves up to speed when movement starts, then after a few minutes falls back to zero.   The speed sensor is not at fault and it appears the preferred method is to replace the entire unit.  For the past 3 months I have been working with a Ford dealer and an independent RV repair shop to repair/replace the unit, but to no avail because none are available.  Ford Customer Service says they recognize there is a problem with some Ford truck speedometers and have stopped repairing broken ones, but offers no solution other than "we're working on a replacement".  Meanwhile Ford truck drivers all over American are without a speedometer and must rely on a GPS or a Scan Gauge.  I wondering if other LD owners have faced this same problem and how it was resolved.    Gale 2002 IB
G N Wilson
2008 Mid-Bath
Re: Faulty Speedometer
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127179
Gale, You don't say what area of the country you are from so let me just say that there are places that specialize in speedometer problems where I live in So Cal. Although the 02 MB we used to have did not suffer from this anomaly I did have a truck the dealer could not fix. The specialists had it repaired in an hour! Try searching the net for speedometer repair in your area. Hopefully there will be a specialist near you.
Steve
Re: Faulty Speedometer
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127182
"I wondering if other LD owners have faced this same problem and how it was resolved."

Gale
 If new or repaired units are not available, how about getting a used speedometer from a auto wrecking yard?

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Faulty Speedometer
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 136671
Quote
I have a 2002 LD with 85,000 miles and the speedometer has failed.
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Quote
I wondering if other LD owners have faced this same problem and how it was resolved.    Gale 2002 IB
The speedometer in my 2003 failed late last year.  The MPH needle didn't move, and the voltage was stuck at the top of the scale.  Everything else seemed fine.  Scanguage had normal reading for both the voltage and the speed, indicating that the gauge cluster was at fault.  I searched the archives and found a few others with the same problem, but no real solutions short of paying the dealer to replace with new.
 After some research, I learned that Ford gauge cluster failures are common enough that a number of companies advertise the ability to repair them.  I had mine repaired by R.T. Grimm Electronics Co. primarily because they had a section about RV clusters on their website.
 http://www.fordclusters.com/f53_e450_ford_built_chassis_recreational_vehicles

First step was to remove the cluster.  It's a straight forward DIY job once you realize the trick to remove the headlight pull knob.  There is a release button near the back of the unit.  After that it was a matter pulling some trim pieces, unscrewing some screws, and unplugging some plugs.  It took around 30 minutes, and would probably take 15 next time.
 Then I called RT Grim.  They have an exchange program for people who want to be back on the road ASAP, but that wasn't important to me.  Instead, I read them the part number and they confirmed that they could repair.  I boxed up the cluster and sent it by FedEx.  They called me the same day they received it to let me know it was fixed.  They replaced a chip that commonly fails, and charged just under $200 for the repair and return shipping.  The repaired cluster was back to me in less than a week.
 I pulled the cluster before putting the RV away for the winter and plan to reinstalled in the next month or two.   On the off chance that there is still a problem, I feel confident that R.T. Grim will stand behind the repair.  You get a real person, who knows what they're talking about, when you call.
 I'll update after I reintall, but I wanted to share this in case someone else has the same issue.  I guess it's a common Ford problem and the dealer solution is much more expensive.

Rich '03 MB in NC
2003 MB
 
Re: Faulty Speedometer
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138294
Quote
I'll update after I reintall, but I wanted to share this in case someone else has the same issue.  I guess it's a common Ford problem and the dealer solution is much more expensive.
Just a quick update - I put the repaired speedometer back in last month and it has worked perfectly.  The ABS light was on for a short time after install, but soon went after after a little driving.  I assume the warning light was triggered by having things disconnected and driving a short distance with no speedometer.
 If you can isolate the speedometer as the problem (as opposed to the variable speed sensor or something else), sending the instrument cluster to R.T. Grimm for repairs seems to be a good option.
 http://www.fordclusters.com/f53_e450_ford_built_chassis_recreational_vehicles 
Rich '03 MB in NC
2003 MB