I know its not a van but I need some help with an F150 cluster speedo issue

[Jb1rd]

Well I bought a 2003 F150 Super Crew Lariat as an interim vehicle until I can get what I really want (4x4 E350 EB:sombrero the truck runs great but it has a bit of rough idle then smooths right out with acceleration, any ideas, vacuum leak, coils? The speedometer is not working at all but when you put it into test mode the needle will sweep. So all together the odometer, speedometer, cruise control, and overdrive are not working it seems to be related. I did a google search and the best I can come up with is that its a bad cluster, has anyone had to deal with this? The truck was in such good shape and I got it at such a good price that I bought it knowing I may need to put a little money into would obviously like to keep it as little as possible so I can buy goodie:sombrero:
TIA

 

[bknudtsen]

Bad VSS? (variable speed sensor) Maybe a bad TPS? (throttle position sensor) Have you tried pulling trouble codes?

 

[Jb1rd]

Bad VSS? (variable speed sensor) Maybe a bad TPS? (throttle position sensor) Have you tried pulling trouble codes?

I have not pulled codes as the stuff I read on various other forums seemed to point to "AutoZone" code reader would not tell me what I need to know, but I will go tomorrow and just see what comes up.

 

[QCAuto]

anything else wrong like accessories staying on when key out? early ones had windshield leaks causing bad gem modules and fuse boxes, vss is a cheap start, not sure it would account for rough running

 

[dave1014]

Are all the gauges working? If so its not the cluster its the vss in the rear axles

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[Jb1rd]

All gauges are working except speedo/odo. When you put it into test mode ( hold trip reset while ignition is off turn on ign to run) the speedo moves from zero to max and back again. All other gauges, oil, water, fuel batt. seem to be functioning normally and the odo is lit up and shows the mileage it stopped at 161,642
Went to Auto zone and ran it on their little reader and the only code that came up was #6 misfire, so could that bet the rough idle? Thanks for all the help

 

[dave1014]

Vss sensor is bad. Cluster is fine

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[86scotty]

2 more things, one cheap and one free. Get a cheap ($20) OBDII code reader from Amazon and you'll have it for your E350 as well, or if you have the $$$ go ahead and get a Scanguage II which will read and clear codes as well as giving you all kinds of other cool data, even trans temp. You'll want that for an E350 for sure. I think they are $100 but don't quote me on that.
The other thing (free) is to post your engine problems to the Ford Truck Enthusiast forums as well. There will be a forum for your specific (or any) engine. Lots of knowledgeable dudes over there who haver helped me many times. Sounds like your problem here may be solved but FTE is really good for any Ford truck/engine help.

 

[Jb1rd]

I took it to my mech and got a call that #6 had already been helicoiled and they were trying to recoil it, is this typical? Can an already coiled cyl be redone with any level of success, what my main question is what is the worst case scenario? My good deal might not have been after all?