speedometer quit after engine was detailed

[z06bigbird]

Friend of mine just bought an 03 Bird with 9000 miles on it. After getting the car (and engine) detailed, he noticed that the speedometer quit working. I am not sure about the odometer and other gauges. Any idea where to start to get things working again??

Thanks.

[Borla Babe]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

Ed, I don't know about the speedometer problem, hopefully that will dry and begin working again.

Was water sprayed on the engine? You and your friend might want to take a look at the COP's forum and read about the problems many of us have had (COP = Coil On Plug).
Be sure to keep direct water spray away from the engine.
Pay special attention to the warranty that Ford has extended to the 03-05 owners.
Good luck!

[Sweet T]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

I believe that's a new one.

Kinda makes you wonder if it really has 9K on it, doesn't it?

[5bird7]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

Barbara, I don't think anyone has figured out how to mess with the odometers on these. Does sound like something is now loose or still wet from the detailing.

[ChromeDome]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

My odometer/trip odometer went out at about 500 miles. The mileage , VIN and other information are stored in a read-only memory in the computer. When the module was replaced both the mileage and trip odometer mileage were displayed at their previous readings. The technician from Ford assured me that any changes to the mileage or other vital information would be difficult, if not impossible.

[luvbirdz]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

Gone are the days of having a cable from tranny to spedo. The last time I had my head that far into an engine bay was to install cruise control on an 89 Tempo and you tapped into the wire coming off the transmission sensor. So with that in mind and cleaning under the hood, what could have been disturbed in that area.

[Bradford]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

Don't these cars have a electronic speedometer? Check to make sure any relay under the hood or around transmission didn't get wet? Or check the book for a fuse location and make sure it didn't blow if it got wet. Just a thought, happened on my Acura TL once in hurricane rains, was a simple remove relay, dry off contacts, spray some WD 40 into the receiving location to dry out moisture and plug the relay back in. Not sure if these have any similar set-up or not.

[z06bigbird]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

Update:
Thanks for all responses.
1. Car's mileage is well documented.
2. Owner has used an extremely fine detail shop, and he instructed them to avoid doing anything under the hood. They screwed up.
3. Owner is engaging a Ford mechanic who moonlights.
4. Owner has shop manuals.
5. I am going to visit with a local Ford service manager.
6. It will be several days prior to me getting back to all on the forum.

Again, thanks.

[SixPac]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

Ed exactly what color is your 2003 Thunderbird? Your profile says the color is green with a green top. Is it a VMG or a PCR, which are both 2004 models?

[z06bigbird]

Re: speedometer quit after engine was detailed

Ed exactly what color is your 2003 Thunderbird? Your profile says the color is green with a green top. Is it a VMG or a PCR, which are both 2004 models?

Car actually belongs to a close friend of mine who lives out of state. That car is in the Memphis area, and I hope to fly to Memphis within next month or so and bring it to San Antonio. The car is not yet in my possession. I just guessed at the color of the top. Regarding the VMG or PCR, he calls it teal green. That is the best I can describe as of now.