Ford Taurus 1986 electronic cluster

[emaN]

I have problem with Electronic Cluster. Speedometer module displays words “Service” and “Error” instead of odometer reading.

The owners guide says, “It indicates a circuit problem and should be checked by your Dealership Service Department”. That would be the easiest way to fix it, but I live in Finland and Taurus is not the most common car around here so finding mechanic to fix it is quite difficult. (And if I would find one, it would probably be too expensive for me) So I have to fix it by my self.

Sometimes both modules (speedometer/odometer/tachometer and system scanner/fuel computer) start to flicker and speedometer goes nuts. I don’t think that grounding is causing the problem, because third circuit, which is handling high beam indicator light etc., is working correctly. (They have shared grounding). This “phenomena” can occur in start up or after driving many kilometers. Usually speedometer starts to work again without restarting the car.

I wonder if the momentary prove-out (all instrument panel lights lit for a moment), which is done at start up, is causing the problem by trying to do the prove-out continuously.
(This theory works only if some chip does the prove-out)

I hope you can help me.

-emaN

[Tuarus SHO]

I don't know too much about the 86's. Have you tried here: http://www.tauruscarclub.com/phpBB/index.php

Very good resource.

[emaN]

Thanks.
Have to try that forum.

I took a short (but not small) video clip about that flickering cluster.
You can find it from there --> http://koti.mbnet.fi/~isalento/paketit/Taurus.zip

[jc glass]

sounds like a poor connection at rear cluster- remove cluster and make sure the multi pin connectors are pressed firmly into place,try this ,it could save you replacingthe whole unit. jaycee