http://www.fordmondeo.org/forum/showtopic.php?tid/717053/
This site gives the solution to this problem, which is VERY common, to 1997 Mondeos, I have had 2 and had to do this mod to both of them.
The cause is a bad connection on a small jumper on the Printed Circuit Board on the back of the Speedo Assembly.
This causes intermittent failure at first of the Speedo and when it begins working again, the fuel gauge low fuel lamp comes on for 3 seconds. Eventually the Speedo and fuel guage cease working altogether.
You will need to remove the dashboard. The Screws are located:- 1 and 2 behind the clock when it is prised from the facia, 3 and 4 are to the top right and left of the panel veiwing window and 5 is behind the switches for the rear heated window which can also be prised from the dash.
Pull the steering column out and downwards to get the dash cover off easier.
Then remove the instrument panel cluster it will have 5 screws around it. The two connectors at the back can then be detached. There is NO Speedo cable.
Prise apart the panel to remove the clear cover from the panel and then undo the 2 screws around the outside edge of the Speedo assembly. Remove the wiring plug on the back of the speedo unit and remove it from the instrument panel.
A small bypass wire soldered between the points shown on the above website should be made to bypass the defective component on the Circuit Board. This is fiddly and care MUST be taken not to heat damage the board.
When this is completed, re-assemble dash and problem solved!
Steve J, August 2007
