Odometer Does Not Roll!

[Deno McThrash]

I'm stuck at 48000 miles (probably more like 148000)

[Deno McThrash]

How in the F does one fix this? I know nothing other than it's run by a cable.

[miamibob]

I know on the early 90's there are "gear sets" that go bad and need to be replaced. Goes for the odometer, trip odometer, etc...do a "search" on here to see posts that discuss this and where to get parts.

[mcninetyone]

If it's a 90 model the odo probably doesn't work because the small plastic gears that turn the odo have fallen apart. This also happens on the trip side as well. It's a common problem with these instrumrent clusters. You have to replace the gears to get it working again. A 90 model does not use a cable, it's electric.

[Deno McThrash]

I shall look into it, although if it's too much I will probably leave it as is

[Deno McThrash]

Would it be less of a headache just to find a good used cluster at the junkyard and install it?

[mcninetyone]

It's not hard to do and not that expensive either.
While you're at it you can you can install a 6-digit odo set to the right mileage if you want.

No such thing as a good cluster in the junk yard, been there done that!!
It's cheaper and easier to fix yours than try to find a good one.
Because good ones don't exist, and if you did find one it will break too. they all do!

[Deno McThrash]

Do these gears go out at any old mileage, or does these going bad mean my car might actually have more like 248k miles on it? Still runs like brand new (except at -15 degrees outside)

[Deno McThrash]

Also how do you go about changing from the 5-digit to the 6?

[mcninetyone]

Those gears can go out at anytime.
I've seen them go out at 50K and 150K, usually they go out around 90-125K.
Yours have probably lasted longer than average.

Your 5-digit odo can be replaced with a later model 6-digit odo and look factory.
Just have to find one and set the miles.
After that it's just a drop in, when you do the gears you use the 6-digit going back in.

[VicCrownVic]

Those gears can go out at anytime.
I've seen them go out at 50K and 150K, usually they go out around 90-125K.
Yours have probably lasted longer than average.

Your 5-digit odo can be replaced with a later model 6-digit odo and look factory.
Just have to find one and set the miles.
After that it's just a drop in, when you do the gears you use the 6-digit going back in.

Yep.

I got my 6-digit odo from mcninetyone a few months ago. I had him set to 95,000 miles which I do believe to be original miles. (all evidence the PO had, and factory parts on the car suggested such). I'm up to 100k and change now on the odo. http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...l=1#post706436 It's a direct swap, no modification required.
I probably could have gotten one from a JY, but I'm too lazy/never make time to go and I don't mind paying someone in the community on here.

As was mentioned there are plenty of threads on the topic of these gears, here is one of many: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...topped-turning, you may be able to find a better deal on the gears, what I had posted in that thread seemed to be the best that I could find at the time.

[pantera77]

Also, if you do the gears, do all 4 of them, or they will just fail later. Been there, done that....

Here's some pics of what's involved.
http://s73.photobucket.com/user/77pa...?sort=3&page=1

[Deno McThrash]

well, i got the car and it literally stopped rolling on the drive home. I suppose my best option would be to set the mileage where it is, rather than trying to guess