Odometer Backlighting
 

So here's a funny I own a 2008 FX4 Supercrew. My backlighting on my odometer went out so I listen to some of your guys post and it look pretty easy to do. I sent my truck in for a 100,000 mile tune up cause I am heading to the mountains. I asked the service guy to put a new bulb in the odometer. He told me that it was not possible so I ask why. He then proceed to tell me the only way to fix it was a new instrument cluster for $680 or a rebuild one for $380. So I ask how do you rebuild a light bulb and his answer was buy an aftermarket one. Not sure I trust this guy to service my truck. Anyone thoughts?

Most shops just like to change parts. It is much easier and more profitable for them. I had an issue with my mom's car once. The shop did not care to fix it but told me what was wrong, some issue with parts availability. They said it was an O2 sensor. So I replaced the sensor and the problem returned. My mom took it to another shop. Now this shop said it was the O2 sensor and the cat. I asked them if they checked the O2 sensor since I had just replaced it. They said no they just replace both parts when they get that code. The funny thing is is that I knew it was one of the two parts that was bad but since I do not like just replacing parts I thought a shop would actually try to find what is wrong.

That incident really taught me a lot about how shops work. I recently had an issue with my alternator. Orielly's told me that the alternator had a bad voltage regulator. I just replaced the voltage regulator for $19 rather than purchase a remanufactured alternator. I know that if I had taken it to a shop that they would never have even attempted to fix the alternator. They would have just sold me a new one. Now I know shops will argue that replacing parts, rather than repairing parts, is the only way that they can warranty repairs. That is why I do most all the repairs myself and just take it into a shop when absolutely necessary.

The odometer display is vacuum florescent display, VFD for short. Normally what happens with these is the displays themselves go bad, in that case, you can take the VFD display from a donor cluster, it does require specific tools to change that part out, a SMC solder station or hot air station and solder sucker specifically.

Other times, the driver chip will go out, generally these are 40 pin chips and also require specific tools for replacement of said item....

I would find a used cluster, get the mileage programmed and call it good, no real cheap way out unless you have specific equipment for this type of repair work..

Thanks for all the info. Lesson learned. I'll fix it all from now on.

Odometer Lighting
 

Had the same problem w/05 SCREW.... Got the same info from here and the dealer. Decided to tolerate... Then one day when I messed with the dimmers for the dash lights... I looked down and it was illuminated. Now I just leave the dimmer in the full bright position, and it has worked for the past 3 or 4 yrs. (knock on wood... ) Bad design on FORD's part.