Automotive question here -

[haele]

We have a 1999 Windstar and lots of pot holes in our neighborhood. And we seem to have a problem with the connection in our instrument panel.
Earlier today, the speedometer and odometer just cut out, and the ABS light is now on constantly. The other panel indicators (tachometer, fuel gage, temperature, brake light, turn signals, other lights) seem to be working fine and there seems to be no problem with the operation of the minivan other than I can't see how fast or how far I am going. DH and another of his relatives who is auto-mechanically inclined both think that it's a loose connection or linkage. My hopes of just a fuse replacement have been dashed.

My Haynes book isn't much help; there's a couple terminal units under the dashboard that aren't identified in there, and I'm hoping that since I can get to them without killing my back, I can possibly find a loose connection there that might be causing the problem...

Any quick suggestions other than taking the dang instrument panel apart? It's drizzly and I don't want to play with the battery terminals and go through the process of taking apart the windshield wiper covers, etc) just now.

Haele

[styersc]

1. Worse news then taking a lead off of a battery....

... I had this very same problem with a similar vehicle and it was the cable that went into the transmission. It was really pretty simple to fix, but I had to climb under the vehicle, re-insert the cable and tighten down the threading that secured it into the housing. I'm not very versed in auto, but it was located where the drive shaft linked into the rear axle. Look for a drooping wire or cable.

[haele]

2. Urgh, that could be a possiblity -

Yesterday I had to put the spare back up under the back of the van. And with the amount of potholes and serious dips/bumps in our neighborhood (lots of construction between a school expansion and several house to Mcmansion upgrades in an old neighborhood across several ridges and canyons.) Thanks for the hint, I'll look when it gets light.

Haele

[k_jerome]

3. you need to get the EVTM for your model....

it is invaluable to troubleshooting electrical problems. i found mine on ebay for less than 10 bucks and it has paid for itself many times over since then.

[conscious evolution]

4. EVTM ??

What is that? I'm also having electrical troubles in my car and anything has to be better than the Haynes book.

[k_jerome]

5. the evtm is a factory manual and is much better than any repair manual...

it is the Electical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual. aside from a factory service manual, it is the most valuable resource for any do it yourself mechanic.

[conscious evolution]

6. where does one get their hands on this?

[k_jerome]

10. ebay or amazon are usually good places to look .nt

[haele]

8. Thanks for this hint -

I googled EVTM (model/year vehicle) and came up with the very reasonable online manual seller on Ebay. Definatly a "must get" for us.

Now if only I can get a factory manual to help DH's Arthritis problems.


Haele

[k_jerome]

9. also check amazon for price comparison. nt.

[Kali]

7. your gas guage still works?

eh, you're fine

:rofl: