1996-1999 Mileage Correction/Odometer Replacement

From Taurus Car Club Maintenance and Modification Wiki

This tutorial might also apply to 2000-2006 models also, but it hasn't been proven yet.

Disclaimer: Tampering with your odometer on your speedometer is illegal. I do now know if putting a new speedometer in your car is legal either. This is just put here to tell you how to change your old odometer/mileage to your new speedometer if you were to purchase a new one. The TCCA is NOT responsible for any legal issues you may run in to.

Thanks to TCCA Member walternp for the pictures and write-up.

First take the cluster out of the car and then disassemble it. For information regarding cluster removal from a 1996-1999 Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable, please refer to the following topic:

http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7304

When removing the cluster assembly be careful and don't forget to unscrew the the 2 screws holding the gear shift gauge. My mistake was forcing it out breaking the arms holding it in. It is still possible to install it back in with no worries.

The tools I used are spark plug gapper and a wire tapper or whatever you call that. Any other tool may work if it can help to pry off the needle.

You may wonder how the needle comes off, well use the tools, as a start, take the gapper or any other tool you may have, start off by using the tools to get a gap under the needle, pry gently and slowly then let off the tools and try using your fingers and use your tools as needed. Once you have a big enough gap to pull up with your fingers then do so. *WARNING* Do not pull at any angle as it may crack the thin plastic on the needle. You may get frustrated with this like I did so take a break and come back to it. Just take your time prying off the needle.

Now you can remove the 3 screws in red as showing.

Dialer Finally Off

Dialer off the needle stand. The first Red Arrow shows where you can dial or adjust the numbers, do not force the adjuster backwards otherwise the small gear clicker inside will snap. The double red arrows show where you can adjust into the hundred thousands. By forcing gently in the direction of the arrows, that is the only quickest possible way to adjust the higher numbers otherwise you will be clicking away on the dial adjuster and that will take forever.

Side of Dialer. Do not remove the solid little metal round piece where it attaches to the little motherboard where connected with the worm gears. That will break very easily DO NOT FORGET TO CLEAN some of the parts you have touched such as the needle, needle stand, MPH face and the plastic framing.

Installation is the reverse of removal.

When installing the needle back on, push it back on slowly and not all the way down touching the face of the MPH gauge otherwise it will have trouble rotating. Leave it so it has a little gap. As you may notice the needles need to have a magnetic force to it. Question is "how do I calabrate the needle?" When installing whole cluster gauge in, you may have been told to disconnect the battery. Well you don't have to, but it's best to keep it connected with everything in place. Leave the gauge and the shift quadrant in but do not put the plastic cover back on. Turn the key in the ignition to the "Run" position, and do not start it. The needle should end up in the right position resting on the little black peg. If not calabrated right, gently pry off the needle (with the guage in place) with your fingers slowly and re-adjust as needed. Now you are good to go and re-install all the screws and panels.