'96 Impala Odometer Fix(how-to w/pics)

[gvillepoet]

Originally Posted by 4x4high

Thanks for this write up. I just bought a DGGM 96 yesterday and the odometer didn't work so I took the cluster out and resoldered the resistors and all is good now.

Originally Posted by Fordkiller

Good ****t man. I resodered mine and it works great. 43,309 miles. Now I can prove I have a low mileage classic

no problem. glad its all working out. it was worth the time doing the write up.

[SimplyTheBeSS]

Originally Posted by gvillepoet

please do... maybe there will be a time when nobody has to be aggravated with a fading odometer again

Yeap hopefully. Here is a link to it just in case the original pictures ever get un-hosted and someone is looking for them.
http://www.grail-ss.com/96%20odometer%20Fix.htm

[SSKIDMARKSS]

Ok read this twice to be sure and could not find an exact part number, ohms or watts for the single resistor which I would prefer or the 100 ohm (suggested 2 watt) three resistors at Radio Shack. I can get the repair handled but I know zip about electronics........ anyone have part numbers ?

[66 cruiser]

I guess it's my turn to try this fix. Got into the Imapla this morning and no odometer. Poof. Gone. No dimming , no nothing. Guess I'll order the part and open up the dash.

Thanks for the sticky. I would have not had a clue where to begin to fix this.

[vettefella]

For the folks that have checked in here since this sticky was first posted, please allow me to offer a couple of words of advice. When my odo first started fading out, I resoldered the loose resistors and the odo worked for a few weeks, then faded again.

I went with the kit containing the heat sink resistor. Good thing too. When I got in there the 2nd time, the copper traces were so brittle I couldn't repair them enough to make the installation of the single resistor and attempting to replace the three resistors that one might buy at Radio Shack would have been impossible. With the single large resistor I was able to bypass the entire original mounting area and traces so that there would never again be a heat induced problem. It has been working great for 2(?) or more years.

[66 cruiser]

Last night and today it is working perfectly. I've ordered the part anyway because I feel it will only be a matter of time for it to fail.

[wantnikes]

anyone know the diagram for what wires need to be swapped???

[gvillepoet]

Originally Posted by 66 cruiser

Last night and today it is working perfectly. I've ordered the part anyway because I feel it will only be a matter of time for it to fail.

you are right, so have some time of your hands, take your time and be careful. and resort back to the pics for help. relocating the resistor helps with heat in my opinion. i still have no issues since doing it the first time.

[SS JR]

dear sir vettefella, that cut-out where the 3 resistor is still fixed with my case & as i checked there is still continuity at all points you mentioned..do i have to remove the 3 resistors and solder it the same way as what you did? what are those two orange-colored wires under that hole? other than this instrument panel soldering..do you suspect anything else like speed sensor inside transmission assembly..?coz i tried another instrument panel already from a junkyard & same result..
thank you in advance..i own this SS '96my caprice now..at last & am starting to enjoy it now.

[vettefella]

Remove the three old resistors completely. Be very careful removing them else you may damage or further damage the trace. The two orange wires are attached to the remote heatsink resistor from the Impala Store.

Having continuity doesn't necessarily mean you have a good circuit. If the trace isn't broken around the hole, simply attach the remote resistor as shown by the OP.

There are other things that could possibly cause a fading odometer, but every 96SS that I've personally seen has had the problem of heat causing one or more of the three resistors to intermittently or completely lose connection. It's pretty much a sure bet that is the cause of a fading odo on a 96.