[Shotimes] speedometer cluster

[Jon Heese]

Donna,

First of all, you may not get very many responses on this list because 
many of its members have moved to the new V6SHO Yahoo Group 
(http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/v6sho).  If you don't find what you 
need here, I'd highly recommend joining and posting there as well.

Second, I have been inside more SHO/Taurus dashes than I care to 
remember.  Most of my experience is with the '92-'95 models, but I'm 
pretty sure they are mostly similar with respect to the gauge clusters.

If you have all of the screws out of the cluster itself (the whole thing 
wiggles in place but seems tied down from the back), there are three 
things holding it in place: 2 wiring harness connectors and the speedo 
cable clip.

As far as I know, the only way to get these last three bits disconnected 
is to reach in behind the cluster (you'll need to pull it out and 
maneuver it a bit to get a hand back there).  Again, my memory of the 
'91 is a bit fuzzy, but I think the two electrical connectors are held 
in my plastic clips on the left and right sides of the connectors.  You 
should be able to feel your way around back there and disconnect them. 
It will probably take a bit of pulling the whole cluster to get them to 
break loose, as they are usually pretty tight.

The speedo cable is held onto the speedometer with a circular (sorta) 
plastic clip.  I found that it's best to unhook the two electrical 
connectors first and then use a long flat screwdriver to work the speedo 
cable clip off.

Another strategy is to loosen the screws that hold the 
speedometer/odometer assembly to the cluster and disconnect the speedo 
cable first, then go for the electrical connectors if you need to take 
the whole cluster out.  Since you're diagnosing a bad speedo, you may 
want to try this route.

Let us know how it goes!

Regards,
Jon Heese

Donna Whitaker wrote:
> Hello, I own a 1991 sho+, the car itself, not engine, has 197,000 on it and my
> speedometer quit. All other gauges work and I can still hear a ticking sound
> that speeds up as the car does. I believe the cable is not broke just the
> gears in the cluster is. I took apart what I could, It looks like I will have
> to take the whole dash out. The cluster would'nt come out due to the wires
> behind it and I'm afraid of tearing it up as well. Does any one have any
> advise? How much is a new cluster and how does it go in? The Ford dealership
> will want an arm and leg. I've already dumped $4100 in it in less than 2
> years. Love the car, engine is phenominal, everything else Ford. Any help
> would be appreciated. I hate driving to work in such a rare car with the front
> part of the dash missing!! Thanks,
> Miami5time
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