FixVault

Speedometer/Odometer Test

  1. Refer to SPEEDOMETER CALIBRATION TOLERANCE SPECIFICATIONS  table. Check odometer calibration. If both odometer and speedometer are incorrect in the same direction, it is usually a sign that the conversion constant, tire size or speed sensor ring are different than programmed. A speedometer inaccurate with an accurate odometer is usually a problem with the speedometer module itself. If speedometer and odometer are within specified limits, speedometer is normal. If not within limits, go to next step.
  2. If ERROR 3 message alternates with normal odometer display, go to step 7) and reset conversion constant referred to. If ERROR 3 message does not appear, go to next step.
  3. If tires are the same size and properly inflated, determine conversion constant and go to step 5). If tires are different sizes or improperly inflated, correct condition and go to step 1).
  4. Use the following procedure to check whether conversion constant in speedometer is correct.
    • Press and hold RESET button on front of speedometer while turning key to RUN.
    • Release RESET button. Pointer will prove out and some codes will appear on odometer display. If an "E" is on the left side of display, module is programmed for English display mode and should have English (MPH) graphics. A lower case "o" signifies overseas (km/h) graphics. Verify that graphics and display mode agree.
      NOTE: The number appearing after the type is the microprocessor revision level and is not used in this test.
    • Press and release RESET button again. The conversion constant and the word CAL will be shown on the odometer display.
    • Verify programmed conversion constant is the same as displayed in the CONVERSION CONSTANTS chart or the constant calculated in step 6). See Fig 1 . Turn ignition switch to OFF to exit test. If programmed conversion constant is the same as displayed on chart or calculated in step 6), replace instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER R & I  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If conversion constant is not the same, go to step 7).
      Fig 1: Conversion Constants Chart (Aerostar)
      G95A35402Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Check tire size and type on vehicle rear axle or SAE average revolutions/mile. (Refer to tire/axle capacity and note conversion constant. See Fig 1 .) If conversion constant can be determined, verify conversion constant and go to step 4). If constant cannot be determined, go to next step.
  6. To determine conversion constant, perform the following procedure:
    • Hoist vehicle.
    • Measure Tire Outside Diameter (TOD).
    • Note number of rear axle speed sensor teeth, speed sensor ring diameter or axle capacity/tape group.
    • Verify speed sensor ring diameter with identification tag attached to rear axle cover retaining bolts. If tag is missing, manually count teeth. (7.5" rear axles have 102 teeth and 8.8" axles have 108 teeth.)

    If TOD is greater than 25.2", use formula revs/miles = 1528 - (28 xTOD) to calculate SAE average revs/mile. Go to step 4). If TOD is less than 25.2", revs/mile = 20,850/TOD. Go to step 4).

  7. Reprogram speed conversion constant with the following procedure:
NOTE: Pressing and releasing RESET button to lock in new conversion constant reduces the number of times the PSOM can be reprogrammed by one count. The module can only be reprogrammed 6 times. If it is determined the original conversion constant is satisfactory, to cancel adjustments BEFORE new constant is locked in, turn ignition switch to OFF.
SPEEDOMETER CALIBRATION TOLERANCE SPECIFICATIONS (1)

Actual Speed MPH (km/h) Allowable Range MPH (km/h)
30 (48) 28-34 (45-55)
60 (97) 58-67 (93-108)
(1) Odometer measured over actual 10 miles (16.1 km); allowable tolerance is 9.6-10.3 miles (15.4-16.6 km).