Mileage readout always Dim

[Quasar]

Hey Everyone,

I just signed papers on a 2009 Eddie Bauer Expedition yesterday. One of the stipulations is that they fix the Dash Cluster. The trip computer screen is readable but very dim all the time. No Change with headlights on or off, The rest of the interior dims/Brightens like normal. Has anyone noticed this before? Is it Normal or broken? I don't want them trying to tell me its normal when It really isn't. All advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[bedrck46]

bad solder joint on the circuit board Check on you tube for a video on the odometer light problem

 

[bedrck46]

2000 Ford Expedition Pickup Odometer Fix 5.4L on youtube

 

[Quasar]

Oh boy, that was my hunch. I currently drive a 2003 crown Victoria, and the newer 2006+ cars have this exact same problem. I wonder if the dealer will come through and fix it for me.

 

[Quasar]

Ok, got a chance to watch the video and I'm realizing its a much older truck and the odometer is totally dead. Mines a 2009 and
The readout works but doesn't get bright like the radio and climate controls do when u switch on and off the headlights. Is this still the same issue?

 

[bedrck46]

Sorry I also realized you had a newer expy I haven't heard anything about any issues with the odometer on the newer models Just thought that I would reference the video to give you a idea. I know the odometers on the earlier models that I have repaired would either be dim or totally go dead and it was due to a bad solder joint Worth keeping in mind.

Kindly post the cure when the dealer makes the repair It will be good information for others

 

[RI-Matt]

The odometer isnt fully controlled by the same dimmer as the rest of the interior lights. On the top of the dash you will see a little black bulb thing. This is the ambient light sensor for the automatic lights turning them on when the outside light gets dark. This sensor is also used for the odometer readout even when the light switch is not in "auto" mode. Check to make sure nothing is blocking that sensor.


Matt

 

[Quasar]

Hmm, interesting. I found it center of the dash. It's totally open but still awfully dim. Any suggestions on a fix?

 

[merlemac]

2009 Ford Expedition with the same problem - odometer is dim.
Everyone points to the fix on youtube for a 2000.
It's not the same fix.
Has anyone been able to diagnose and fix for the new models??

 

[Quasar]

I believe after alot of research it is more similar to the 2006+ crown victoria cluster issues. It is bad cold solder joints on some of the resistors. I just dont know which specific ones on our trucks are the ones needing the fix.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stamp11127]

It may be more than just a few bad solder joints. Here is a link on how the vacuum fluorescent displays work:

https://www.noritake-elec.com/display/vfd_operation.html#6VFDPSU

Section 7.3 explains how the dimming function works.

 

[sully14324]

I have an 11 and I find that the lighting in the information panel (odometer) is not adequate - period. When driving in the daytime with sunglasses on if I want to see any information (mileage, trip OD, etc) I have to take my sunglasses of and put my regular glasses on and then it is still very difficult. Yes, my sunglasses are prescription.

I will be in the market for a 16 and I hope this issue is better. Have really enjoyed the 3 I have owned ('99, '06, '11).

 

[k9education]

I have an 11 and I find that the lighting in the information panel (odometer) is not adequate - period. When driving in the daytime with sunglasses on if I want to see any information (mileage, trip OD, etc) I have to take my sunglasses of and put my regular glasses on and then it is still very difficult. Yes, my sunglasses are prescription.

I will be in the market for a 16 and I hope this issue is better. Have really enjoyed the 3 I have owned ('99, '06, '11).

I think it's incredibly easy to see at night, but would agree that it's difficult to see during the day due to the fact that the hood on the cluster doesn't come out far enough to shield the sun. In fact, if you look at the pics of Expeditions up for sale at various dealerships, you will notice the odometer often appears blank. I'm guessing that in terms of evening dash lighting, you would appreciate something like we have on my wife's Mazda. There's a normal mode and then a retina-searing mode. She ******* when I turn it to normal, but I find it hard to drive at night with my face and arms bathed in the orange and blue glow of the dash.

 

[soonernut96]

I know this is an old post, but I have the same issue with the dim odometer light. Did anyone find the culprit? There are ton of solder fixes for older F150s and Expeditions, but i haven't seen much if anything on the 2005 - 2009 ish Expeditions.

Thanks!