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Changing the Speedo

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Old Aug 8, 2007
  #1  
Pixels2000Ranger's Avatar
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From: MN
Changing the Speedo

Any easy ways of changing my speedo so I know how fast I'm really going again?


I think I'm 3mph faster then it says.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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Needforspeed3685's Avatar
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From: Lowell, AR
You can remove the plastic cover from the gauges, pry the needle off with a plastic fork or golf ball divot repair tool, then re-calibrate it using the following method:
  • Measure the distance from the 10mph to 20mph mark
  • Remove the needle rest pin (black plastic pin that the needle rests on when the truck is turned off)
  • Align the needle at the IMAGINARY 0mph mark by placing it below the 10mph using the measurement you took.
  • Press the needle onto the pin, making sure no binding occurs with the needle and gauge face.
  • Gently lift the needle upwards and re-insert the rest pin.
  • Check the calibration before re-installing the gauge cover.

EDIT: Is the speedo off because of larger tires, or from messing with the gauges?
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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Pixels2000Ranger's Avatar
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Bigger Tires :d
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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From: Lowell, AR
In that case you can have the dealership recalibrate it, or you can do it the way mentioned above. Either way will achieve the same effect, but having it recalibrated professionally may cost some money...I'm not sure.

Have you ever torn into your dash? It's not all that easy, so if you're not up to spending an hour or more on this, just take it to the dealer.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
I KNEW this link would come in handy!!!!!!! Here ya go. For all your speedo calibrating needs!

Speedo Calibration link
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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Needforspeed3685's Avatar
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From: Lowell, AR
Actually the speedo on his isn't mechanically driven. It's a piezoelectric motor controlled by a signal from the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the rear differential housing.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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Pixels2000Ranger's Avatar
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Do I really have to rip the whole dash off?
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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or you can buy this...

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/I...19910310968579

then you can easily change it again if you change tire size or gear ratio.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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Pixels2000Ranger's Avatar
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gees, $200
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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Does a tuner fix the speedo?
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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not for 98-00 models
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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i was wondering if someone smart in electronics knew how to make one of those boxes to modify the signal. it seems as though it would be easy to recreate.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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Needforspeed3685's Avatar
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From: Lowell, AR
Originally Posted by Pixels2000Ranger
Do I really have to rip the whole dash off?
No, just the:
  • kick panel cover
  • kick panel metal plate
  • radio bezel
  • dash panel around gauges
  • plastic lens above gauges

In all, if I remember correctly it's 21 bolts and screws, ranging from 10mm bolts to small torqx screws. If you have an automatic, it's kinda difficult to work the dash panel out from between the gear shifter, steering wheel, and dashboard. However, if you turn the key "on", set the parking brake, then shift to 1st gear, it's much easier.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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94greenmachine's Avatar
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Originally Posted by Needforspeed3685
Actually the speedo on his isn't mechanically driven. It's a piezoelectric motor controlled by a signal from the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the rear differential housing.
I am sorry I stand corrected. I thought that was for all rangers. What is the difference between the two; I know the 94 has mechanical.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
  #15  
Old Black Cat's Avatar
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From: Mission Hills, California
Originally Posted by 94greenmachine
I am sorry I stand corrected. I thought that was for all rangers. What is the difference between the two; I know the 94 has mechanical.
purfect timing tho. im going from 225/70/14 to 265/75/15 soon so i need to do my speedometer.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
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LowMaz's Avatar
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From: Sterling/ Amherst, MA
Originally Posted by Needforspeed3685
No, just the:
  • kick panel cover
  • kick panel metal plate
  • radio bezel
  • dash panel around gauges
  • plastic lens above gauges

In all, if I remember correctly it's 21 bolts and screws, ranging from 10mm bolts to small torqx screws. If you have an automatic, it's kinda difficult to work the dash panel out from between the gear shifter, steering wheel, and dashboard. However, if you turn the key "on", set the parking brake, then shift to 1st gear, it's much easier.

in my truck, this process takes under 3 minutes... maybe its cuz ive done it several times. if you are confused, go along wit the pics in one of the explorer sport gauge cluster swap how-tos
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007
  #17  
flyboy's Avatar
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From: Tacoma, WA
just remember that while your speedo is off, so is your odometer and trip odometer. you CAN fix the speedo needle by pulling the dash off, etc etc, BUT it still wont fix the odometer. only way to fix all of them is to have the dealer do it.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007
  #18  
Needforspeed3685's Avatar
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From: Lowell, AR
Originally Posted by 94greenmachine
I am sorry I stand corrected. I thought that was for all rangers. What is the difference between the two; I know the 94 has mechanical.
94 - gear-driven cable that connects to more gears on the back of the speedo.

newer - electronic sensor sends signal to PCM, which sends signal to electric servo behind gauges that moves speedo needle.
 
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Old Sep 9, 2007
  #19  
GrafixGuy's Avatar
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how much does this run at the dealership? and what do I ask for?
 
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Old Sep 10, 2007
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I've heard $40 at the dealer. seems very reasonable if true.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2007
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I would get a programmer or have the dealership do it. It doesnt seem to be worth ripping your dash apart to "try" to fix the problem.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2007
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programmer (xcal II) won't correct odometer on a 2000 model.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2007
  #23  
SouthernMudSlinger's Avatar
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From: Demorest,Ga
Originally Posted by Lord Of War
I would get a programmer or have the dealership do it. It doesnt seem to be worth ripping your dash apart to "try" to fix the problem.
My speedo was off 5mph and I took the dash apart again to fix it. Its really pretty simple to take the dash apart...theres even a how to that tells you exactly how to take it apart, even what size sockets to use.
 
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