2003 ford focus

FrankLa

The speedometer stays at 35 mph all the time. It goes to 0 when you turn the car off. I checked all the fuses and it still does it. Anyone know the problem or the way to fix it? Ford dealer wants $600 to fix it.

Billy_Bob

With newer cars there are electronic speed signals. These signals also go to a cruise control if you have that? Is the cruise control working?

And the same signal may be used for shifting an automatic transmission. If automatic, it is shifting ok?

Other than that, did the Ford dealer say what was wrong? That a part needed to be replaced? If yes, then maybe you could replace that part yourself.

I would say there is a good chance it is an electronic problem with the speedometer. And you probably have to buy the whole instrument cluster. You could maybe find one at a wrecking yard for not too much. Just be sure it is for the same model car with the same features. Some have different "indicators" and so forth for different options.

If you want to troubleshoot it first, you would need to know electronic testing and have a factory service manual set of books. That would include an electrical diagrams manual. The set of books cost $150 and can be ordered from a dealer. Or alldata.com

There could be some other problem. Like a short in a wire somewhere. If that is the case, you would need to troubleshoot the wiring to find the problem.

cjm94

For that price it's probably a cluster issue. they need to be programmed with the factory scan tool when replaced.

ukrkoz

remove cluster, remove safety glass of it, and press gauge handle onto the axle. you never know.

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Yoyizit

The speed sampling signal stopped working and the current reading was latched into memory while you happened to be driving at 35 mph?

CoconutPete

I dont' think the needle would go to zero when he turns the car off if it was stuck though.