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1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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reshuman
New User
Aug 3, 2012, 2:07 PM
Post #1 of 7
(16211 views)
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1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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I just picked up a very low mileage 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. It runs well and the speedometer works perfectly, but the odometer is not working at all. The previous owner told me that it stopped working about 2 years back around the time that they had some mechanical work done by a non-dealer shop.
I have been a shade treee mechanic for over 30 years and have replaced my share of electronic Hall Effect vehicle speed sensor (VSS) and engine speed sensors in other (non-Ford) vehicles, but in those cases the speedometer also dstopped working so was more easy to diagnose. I have very little experience with Ford products, but my take here is that the VSS and the electrical connection to it from the speedometer are clearly working properly or else the speedometer would not be functioning at all. My question for the SMEs out there is does anyone know of any electrical connections that if open would cause the (mechanical) odometer and trip odometer not to register additional miles (it is stuck at just over 27K miles - the actual mileage about 2 years back)?
My gut says the root cause might be a defective instrument panel (speedometer head) that has failed or possibly there is a gear in there that might be prone to failure and with any luck is a replaceable part? Does anyone have any thoughts on how I can diagnose this to the failed component or interconnection? Is this a common issue with this vehicle? (I searched and did not see any other previous posts with this exact issue so assumed not, but figured it was worth asking if others had seen this and what fixed it...)
The car only saw occassional seasonal use and sat out in the sun for many years in a very hot and humid environment (South FL). Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Bob
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 3, 2012, 2:46 PM
Post #2 of 7
(16179 views)
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Re: 1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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The odometer is part of the speedo head and they share the same speed signal so you likely need a new speedo head.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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reshuman
New User
Aug 6, 2012, 7:10 PM
Post #3 of 7
(16137 views)
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Re: 1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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Thank you very much Hammer Time for reading and replying to my post.
I went ahead and removed the dash instrument cluster and then once I got it on a benchtop took the speedometer head out of the cluster assembly. Once I got it apart, I verified your conclusion was indeed correct. Upon close observation I could clearly see that the small black plastic worm gear on the small stepper motor that drives the mechanical digital mileage and trip odometers had disintegrated/crumbled into several small pieces so was no longer turning the white nylon mesh gear (which appears to still be in good shape)!
Now I am left to try to find a replacement worm gear that would then allow me to retain the exisiting speedometer with the approximate actual mileage (and not be forced to replace it with a much higher mileage salvage yard part).
Question to all of the forum readers out there: Does anyone have any idea on where I might be able to fnd a replacement for the worm gear? Perhap[s a company that services or rebuilds these speedometer heads? I have some digital photos of the parts that I took, but can't figure out how to post them to this site to include in this reply. I'd be happy to email them to anyone interested. Ideally I'd like to find just the gear, but if that is not available, then I'd be happy to buy a replacement stepper motor with the gear attached. If that is not to be found, then I'd like to know what years, makes, and models may have shared these parts so that I can visit the salvage yard to find the newest possible replacement in the hopes that it may hold up. (I worry about buying a 1996 speedo head since the gear in that one probably isn't in much better shape that the one that broke ion my vehicle.)
All replies,especially those with ideas and thoughts on how I might be able to repair the odometer are greatly appreicated.
Bob
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 6, 2012, 7:16 PM
Post #4 of 7
(16134 views)
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Re: 1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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That's not something you will find for sale. Even the speedo rebuilders don't sell the parts.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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reshuman
New User
Aug 7, 2012, 8:47 AM
Post #5 of 7
(16120 views)
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Re: 1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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I wanted to follow up Hammer Time's reply to let everyone know that I was able to locate a seller for the failed odometer worm gear. After corresponding via email with Darren at odometergears.com and sharing my digitial photos for part identification, I went ahead and ordered the following $25 part (expensive, but still cheaper than the alternatives):
link deleted ........ not allowed
The web site explains why the part failed in the first place (The reason the original gear or gears have failed is that they are made of urethane and lubricated with petroleum grease. This combination breaks down the urethane into a waxy substance which flakes and breaks away) and how the new part is made of a superior material and is warranted for the life of the vehicle.
I hope to receive the part via USPS Priority Mail in ~4 days and will follow up in this thread to let you all know if it works as advertised (or if I need to pursue a less desirable alternative).
Bob
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Aug 7, 2012, 9:18 AM)
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reshuman
New User
Aug 9, 2012, 5:09 PM
Post #6 of 7
(16091 views)
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Re: 1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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To close out this thread, I received the new worm gear today and it fit perfectly. The speedometer is re-assembled and the dash is back together again and everything is working like new.
It is made of a different matertial that is supposed to last longer and came with a lifetime guarantee. For anyone else looking to fix their odometer, perform a good=gle search using the key words "Make/Model odometer gears" and you should find this supplier. I understand that the link I provided was removed to prevent this forum being used for non-revenue generating marketing.
Bob
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 10, 2012, 3:17 AM
Post #7 of 7
(16080 views)
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Re: 1996 Merc Grand Marquis Odometer Not Working
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Glad it worked out for you. There are some upgrade aftermarket things out there for crazy stuff like that. We can't allow live links if only to respect those who pay to advertise here. Free site to use because of that.
I'll lock it and can be re-opened upon request to save you from spammers and notices,
T
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