No speedometer or digital info

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
208,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • RWD • AUTOMATIC
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HOTRODLINCOLN
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I am having the identical issue as this member post from a few years ago, but cannot find a solution to my issue:

78,000 miles, automatic. When I turn the ignition switch on the cluster does the self-check (all segments & messages lit) then the odometer mileage appears for about a tenth of second. The information than turns to digital lines relaying no info. Like this. The speedometer Alaloc dial and digital do not register the speed. The ABS light and brake lights stay on, and the power steering stays on minimum assist, so is heavy at low speed.

The car drives and shifts fine. The information center and odometer stays lit up but shows digital lines only and no information.

Here is what I have done and what I know.
1. The engine check light is off and there are no ODB2 Codes
2. I have changed the VSS
3. I have an OBD2 tester and can read the vehicle speed via the port.
4. The Odometer mileage does not increment (I have to video it on self check and freeze frame to read it)
5. The gas gauge and the temp gauge work
6. The problem started intermittently, where the cluster would be blank on start-up but come back after a few minutes.
7. I have checked all fuses.

Help!
Thanks!!
Mar 23, 2017 at 8:21 AM
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STEVE W.
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Get it scanned with a scan tool that can read the manufacturers codes, unless you are using something like the Ford IDS or VCM units there are many codes that aftermarket units can't see.

I would suspect a bad ABS module as it uses the information from the speed sensors and passes it on to the PCM and BCM which sends the data to the dash. However you need to be able to see what the ABS unit is seeing from the sensors and to test the ABS module itself.
Mar 23, 2017 at 1:54 PM
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AGGIE HOUK
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I have the same problem. Tell me about the repair."where is this located, and can a you tube video help a mechanically inclined person do it ?
Sep 27, 2017 at 9:47 AM
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STEVE W.
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The end repair is verifying that the ABS module is operational or not. Then probably replacing it and the cluster. Mechanically it's easy BUT you need to program the parts once installed. That takes a dealer level tool and programming hardware to do.
If you don't program it, the engine won't start.
Sep 27, 2017 at 10:45 AM
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GIUGGIOLA
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He’s wrong. The ABS module on a 2003 town car and up is non-programmable. You replace it. I have the same issue and used a snap on code reader. Ford told me the same
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:32 PM
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HWYCHILD
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Digital speedometer always reads 188. All other components work correctly and it doesn't seem to affect the DTE.

I was thinking the speed sensor or wiring from the sensor to the speedometer but would like a more informed take on it.

Any ideas? Thank you
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:33 PM (Merged)
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MERLIN2021
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If the Check engine light is on, maybe, if not it most likley is the instrument cluster.
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:33 PM (Merged)
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HWYCHILD
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No check engine light. All other gauges appear to function correctly. Is there any way to 'fix' the cluster yourself or is this something that has to be done by a professional? Pretty sure I know the answer to that one but it's worth a try :)
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:33 PM (Merged)
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MERLIN2021
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If only one gauge is affected, Lincoln might be able to reprogram it...
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:33 PM (Merged)
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TONYWILLIS
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My mother-in-law has issues with her 1999 Lincoln Town Car, which has 159000 miles on it. The TCS light illuminates on the dash and the speedometer goes to zero while driving. After about 7 miles of driving, the speedometer registers the correct speed. The dealer says turn the car off, and it will reset. She wants to resolve the issue, as she is on the road often traveling and does not want break-down on the road. What can we do to resolve this issue?
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:33 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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have it scanned for codes first it may be a trans or wiring issue so it can be tracked down.
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:33 PM (Merged)
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MAXIMILIAM
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Thank you so much!!

Respectfully,

CSM Tony C. Willis, Sr
Sep 12, 2019 at 1:33 PM (Merged)
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EAGLEEYE1200
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Sounds crazy but had exact same problem with 2001 Town Car. obd showed u1039 and would not communicate with ABS module. Intermittent loss of any dash data involving the wheels (speedometer, odometer, overdrive, cruise, info center, ABS light, etc). Sometimes it worked fine, sometimes not. The fix was power washing back of all 4 wheels (saw it on YouTube). Likely something blocking the wheel speed sensor reading the tone ring. I had started basic troubleshooting (powers grounds, fuses, ohms at wheel speed sensor connectors) before I tried the power wash and it fixed it. Has not returned for 2 weeks now, and previously I couldn't get through a day without the intermittent fails showing up.
Mar 15, 2021 at 4:37 PM
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STEVE W.
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If pressure washing it helped then it was likely rust on the tone ring causing a problem.
Mar 15, 2021 at 6:18 PM