91 Mark VII, Trip Minder

[deckert]

What can I do to make the TripMinder and overhead compass / thermometer work?

Both are dark, no digital symbols at all. I've tried another tripminder part, checked voltages and fuses. It seems to be getting power but no signals are coming from the Trip Minder.

Any ideas?

 

[OldSchool1]

Our overhead consoles have on/off switches (TEMP COMP) that should be checked first. The next thing to do is verify that they're getting power. I can't tell you which fuse to check as my 1991 is under snow right now I can show you how to get to the connectors though. See: http://thelincolnmarkviiclub.org/Gallery/oldschool5?page=24

Our Mark VIIs are very sensitive and need clean, steady voltages from our voltage regulators. The very first thing is to verify that you're maintaining about 13.8 volts at an idle of about 750 rpms. If not replace your alternator and voltage regulator.

Our dimmer switches also control these units. Verify that your switch is working. They do corrode over time especially if not used often. It may need to be wheeled to the stops several times. Tripminders can be sent away to be rebuilt.

Let us know what you discover.

 

[deckert]

Oldschool, thanks for the input.

This is a 91 I just bought with 63,000 and kept in a garage the entire time. It's beautiful and runs great, but a few small things need to be fixed. The radio didn't work, and has been replaced with an exact replacement.

If I can get the tripminder and compass working I'll be real happy.

I'll try to work on it this weekend.

Dan

 

[OldSchool1]

You're Welcome For The Input

You also are going to want to replace the battery. Our Mark VIIs should have a new battery every 24-36 months. your electrical system will thank you for it

 

[deckert]

Another battery question?

Thanks for the tip.

It looks like the battery is new. I was told it is new. I wonder if when they put the new battery in, that caused the problem with the trip minder?

What do you think? Is that possible?

Dan

 

[OldSchool1]

Putting a battery in backwards could screw things up but installing a new battery shouldn't cause any problems.

The Tripminder could be toast but we can't trouble shoot electronic accessories until we verify that they're getting power and signals from sensors.