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  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Odometer dims/brightens

  • Thread starter Thread starter merc123
  • Start date Start date Oct 27, 2006

merc123

Active Member
Jan 27, 2003
420
2
39
North GA
Oct 27, 2006
#1
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #1
When I was driving to work today I got stuck in traffic and noticed that my odometer reading will brighten and dim. I had my headlights on so the panel lights were illuminated. Anyway, would dim and brighten like if you turn the lights on and off. It was only the odometer that appeared to dim. I couldn't tell if the dash dimmed or not. Any ideas?
 

Jinx

I like cats, cats like me. Cats and I fully agree.
20+ Year Stangneter
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Oct 27, 2006
#2
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #2
I'm thinking if your AC was kicking on and off, or if you have after an aftermarket stereo and amp (pulling lots of power) would probably cause that. I've had it happen in my truck all the time. Other possibilities... the bulb may be getting ready to burn out (if non digital) or the alternator is not keeping up with your current power demands.

Did the light fluctuate in sync. with your RPMs??
 

merc123

Active Member
Jan 27, 2003
420
2
39
North GA
Oct 27, 2006
#3
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #3
Nope, A/C was off. It really didn't fluctuate with any pattern. I would start to go again from a stop and it would do it, hit the brake it would do it or just plain driving it would do it. Once traffic let up I was cruising in 5th at about 2200 RPM and it was still doing it.
 

Jinx

I like cats, cats like me. Cats and I fully agree.
20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 2, 2003
12,166
4,237
223
Cat Country
Oct 27, 2006
#4
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #4
We're talking about a digital readout right??

So power output of the engine/alternator has no effect on the displays brightness?? If that's the case then I would guess an illumination bulb might be on it's way out.
 

merc123

Active Member
Jan 27, 2003
420
2
39
North GA
Oct 27, 2006
#5
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #5
Oh man I hope not.
 

Jinx

I like cats, cats like me. Cats and I fully agree.
20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 2, 2003
12,166
4,237
223
Cat Country
Oct 27, 2006
#6
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #6
It could be just a loose wire? All I know is when mine would do it, I had the stereo up and the amp pulled so much power that the factory alternator could not compensate and the dash lights and head lights would dim with every hit of the subwoofers
 

merc123

Active Member
Jan 27, 2003
420
2
39
North GA
Oct 27, 2006
#7
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #7
My cougar was like that but I have factory amps in the stang.
 
0

01stang4.6

New Member
Oct 27, 2006
8
0
0
Portland
Oct 27, 2006
#8
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #8
That'll happen after a while if the alternator is straind for power.
 

BlackenedSVT

Active Member
Jan 18, 2004
1,841
7
38
New Jersey
Oct 27, 2006
#9
  • Oct 27, 2006
  • #9
01stang4.6 said:
That'll happen after a while if the alternator is straind for power.
Click to expand...

I smell alternator problems
 

merc123

Active Member
Jan 27, 2003
420
2
39
North GA
Oct 28, 2006
#10
  • Oct 28, 2006
  • #10
It didn't do it today go figure.
 
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