|
|
01-19-2021, 08:41 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Extreme SW coastline
Posts: 36
|
Dim odometer in 2004 E350
My 2004 E-350 uses an electronic odometer with a lighted readout of some unknown (by me) technology. It is small and in most conditions it is difficult or even impossible to read. This is not a major problem much of the time but when off road and following directions that describe turnoffs in tenths of miles it is maddening. I suspect this is a recognized problem for owners of those years that use the same technology. My question is has anyone found a fix for this that doesn't take replacing and rewiring a complete panel display? Perhaps a larger display from a different year or something aftermarket that could be installed? Knowing that some of you folks improve every little inadequate piece of engineering on these lovable beasts, I hope there is something you've found that will help. Thanks, Monte
|
|
|
01-20-2021, 09:52 AM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 377
|
I'd say treat yourself to a nice moving map GPS system, which are ubiquitous these days, and forget the odometer.
|
|
|
01-20-2021, 10:55 AM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Posts: 2,554
|
Have you tried twisting the headlight switch? If I recall, that dims or brightens the display.
__________________
2005 E350 Chateau - V10 - Agile Offroad 4x4
2012 CTS-V Wagon - For the baby...
|
|
|
01-20-2021, 09:00 PM
|
#4
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Extreme SW coastline
Posts: 36
|
Thanks for the replies. I just went out to my van to verify my memories. Although the light switch does in fact brighten and dim the display it makes no difference in the brightness of the odometer display. In fact the display is easily seen by these aging eyes in a darkened cab during night driving but is poorly presented in daylight conditions. Sometimes I jump on new technologies (first on my block to fall in love with LED's) but I am OD (original dinosaur) for other obvious improvements. GPS has been one of those but I feel a change coming soon. My wife and climbing partners will be supportive. Thanks again
|
|
|
01-21-2021, 06:24 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Posts: 3,774
|
I have an '05 with the same digital odometer and it too is a bit dim to suit me especially during the day light hours. I also dislike it is dimmed along with the instrument lighting but that's not unusual as the older "analog" odometer's lighting was equally dimmed as its instrument lighting.
There's not a lot to be done to modify what Ford built into those clusters. You could change bulbs in the older versions but as a digital display it is what it is, sad to say.
HTH
|
|
|
01-21-2021, 11:27 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Middle of Nevada
Posts: 303
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greyswann
Thanks for the replies. I just went out to my van to verify my memories. Although the light switch does in fact brighten and dim the display it makes no difference in the brightness of the odometer display. In fact the display is easily seen by these aging eyes in a darkened cab during night driving but is poorly presented in daylight conditions. Sometimes I jump on new technologies (first on my block to fall in love with LED's) but I am OD (original dinosaur) for other obvious improvements. GPS has been one of those but I feel a change coming soon. My wife and climbing partners will be supportive. Thanks again
|
Pick yourself up an old Garmin Montana, put it in a AMPS mount and plug it in to 12 volt power and give yourself all kinds of data to keep an eye on. Below is what I like to see on my screen but there are at least 50 different data fields you can put there. After a while you'll wonder how you ever did without all the great information a GPS unit can give you when out exploring. The GPS odometer is generally much more accurate than your vehicle odometer.
__________________
Worshipper of Wild Country
2007 Quigley V-10 on 33s with 4.56 gears (Toyhauler)
|
|
|
01-21-2021, 10:04 PM
|
#7
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Extreme SW coastline
Posts: 36
|
incidentally Mr Eagle, can you tell me the model of your Garmin Montana?
|
|
|
01-22-2021, 12:38 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Middle of Nevada
Posts: 303
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greyswann
incidentally Mr Eagle, can you tell me the model of your Garmin Montana?
|
Mine is the original model - Garmin Montana 600 - over 8 years old now.
__________________
Worshipper of Wild Country
2007 Quigley V-10 on 33s with 4.56 gears (Toyhauler)
|
|
|
01-22-2021, 02:15 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,244
|
You might try cleaning the contacts that feed the display. If it's soldered to a circuit board, cleaning the wiring harness plug that feeds the C/B might help.
__________________
Arctic Traveller
KC6TNI
2001 GTRV
Advanced 4wd
Agile Ride improvement package
|
|
|
01-23-2021, 11:20 AM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 624
|
If it's a VFD (vacuum fluorescent display) it may just be tired. They get that way after many hours of use.
My van lacks a trip odometer. When I have to have precise mileage I use a GPS app on my phone that provides a resettable distance readout to 1/100 mile. While GPS isn't always identical to over-terrain distance, it's been good enough to track rally instructions. (On the plus side it's not affected by wheel slip.)
__________________
N8SRE
1990 E-250 Sportsmobile w/ penthouse top, converted when new by SMB Texas.
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:15 PM.