Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Speedometer won't go below 40mph (Read 547 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Speedometer won't go below 40mph
We have a 2001 26.5 ft mid bath model with 92,000 miles.  For some reason our speedometer won't drop below 40 mph.  It registers above that okay but when we slow down it stops at 40.  Any suggestions on what to try would be appreciated. 
2001 Mid Bath
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #1 –
Quote from: 2gyspies  - 
We have a 2001 26.5 ft mid bath model with 92,000 miles.  For some reason our speedometer won't drop below 40 mph.  It registers above that okay but when we slow down it stops at 40.  Any suggestions on what to try would be appreciated. 

I believe that the speedometer is fully electronic, to repair usually means replacing it. Replacement speedometers legally need to have the mileage updated, through the dealer or an authorized rebuilder.
It may be possible for a speedometer repair shop to fix the sticky needle without replacing the whole speedometer head.

There is a slight chance the problem is in the speedometer's transmitter, located on the transmission.
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2001/ford/e450_econoline_super_duty/body_electrical/speedometer_transmitter.html

Federal law requires that the speedometer reflects the actual mileage of a vehicle, your vehicle's actual mileage is stored in the speedometer's head, not in the engine's computer (ECM). A vehicle's VIN is stored in the computer.
To change the actual mileage is a Federal crime.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #2 –
Back in 2018 my 2001 Toyota Avalon would not start at the end of my work shift (operated correctly in the morning on the way to work).

The dash readouts were all over the place. Gas gauge was past full, tachometer was spiked as well as the speedometer.

Somehow I got the engine running and drove home. The gauges were still pegged and did not budge on the drive.

The following day, I took my car to my mechanic. Upon picking up the car, he told me that my battery cables were loose and once tightened everything read perfectly.

This may not fit your particular situation according to your description but your tale reminded me of mine. 

Moral of my tale may be as simple as checking your battery terminals. Ya never know how simple a problem can be.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #3 –
Well specifically, the speed-ometer is separate from the odometer.  Tampering with the odometer is illegal, but of course sometimes parts fail.  There might be shops that can fix the speedometer. It could be as simple as the zero adjustment being defective. 
   So when you get above 40 mph, the speedometer starts registering and at 50 it is correct, and 60 also?  I won't ask at higher speeds.
    This place repairs the odometer only.  They might be able to refer you to a speedometer repair place. Or you could get a replacement instrument panel, and have this place match your odometer to your old one.
     Here is a used part place on Ebay that has an instrument panel (used)  92,000 miles on it. Pretty close I'd say.  2001-2002 FORD VAN E450 02 E550 SPEEDOMETER GAUGE CLUSTER INSTRUMENT 92K...      RonB
 
  edit:   There does seem to be a speedo reset method out there.   "How do I reset my instrument cluster speedometer?
Push and release the Sel/reset button button 3 times repeatedly.   It didn't say what year this would apply to.  I don't have that button.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #4 –
I vote for Kent loose wire theory - I think 80% of LD problems are related to a loose wire. 

Our recent experience driving a very rough freeway (under construction) had loose wire caused problems happening several times over a few months.  Some of the wires got shook just loose enough that only one showed that day, the others a month or two down the road.

But I know nothing about the speedometer workings so who knows.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #5 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
There does seem to be a speedo reset method out there.   "How do I reset my instrument cluster speedometer?
Push and release the Sel/reset button 3 times repeatedly. 

I would assume that this resets the trip odometer but not the odometer that records the vehicle's total mileage.
The Feds have very tight rules pertaining to messing with the main odometer, without the rules, every used car dealer would roll the mileage back.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #6 –
As far as I know, there is no easy way to change the odometer from the outside. Access to the circuit board and proper id of the chip involved might allow you to reset or rewrite the memory location involved with whatever number you want.  The Ca DMV does make a sequential mileage record at each smog check,  every two years. Assuming it stays in Ca. Other states might do that also. I don’t know if other states have biannual or annual checks of the mileage.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #7 –
My new to me 2003 26.5 has the same speedo issue. 
2003 26.5 MidBath
 
Re: Speedometer won't go below 40mph
Reply #8 –
That is not only odd but very rare!  So I'm wondering if this a manufacturing defect that is just showing up. Your 2003, and '2gypsies'  2001 are closely related.    RonB

edit:  so I found this in the Yahoo Archives: from 2-20-2013     GALELYNN2  "  I had a 2002 LD with 92,000 miles when the speedometer died.   Our Ford truck dealer said he would fix it and order a new instrument cluster.   After a few weeks of excuses I went to my local RV dealer who, it turns out, has a friend working for Ford in Detroit.   Seems that Ford is aware of this speedometer problem but is not willing to admit to it, or to fix it.  They simply say "parts are on order".  After three phone calls to Ford I ended up speaking to a Ford technical supervisor who admitted they were working on the problem and would be developing a "new" speedometer that would correct the problem.  After some discussion I finally told him this has been a long term problem for me and was a serious safety concern and I was going to turn it over to my attorney to resolve.  One day later my RV shop called me to say Ford had "found" a new instrument cluster for me and was shipping it.   $800+ later the problem was fixed.  The other possible problem area, like the speed sensor, were not the problem.   The entire instrument cluster has to be replaced.   Good luck.   Gale   "    So a 2002 directly between the 2001 and 2003     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB