Ford focus dash- not working

Lirin

Hi.

Was hoping to puck some brains. I have a focus tdci lx 1.6l estate.
My instrument panel has been uncertain on and off for a while- seemed to correspond with bad weather. It is now almost permanantly off.

While the engine is running, I lose speedo, fuel gauge, temp gauge, odometer. I keep the rev counter, which appears to work normally. I also gain abs light, handbrake light, then engine management light.

While its been on and off as the car wasn't a frequent driver it was just irritating. Now that it's almost permanantly lit up like a christmas tree its aggravating.

Tried a few things, including looking for moisture and water damage and checking for a short (I'm fairly certain it is one).

Ford aren't very helpful, suggesting changing out the ABS module at a few hundred to see if that works.

Silver-Surfer_2

Have you just spoken to Ford or have they carried out a diagnostics check?

foxy-stoat

Well known fault, ask the dealer to loan you an ABS module and if it does fix it give it back to them.

You can send your cluster off for repair or buy a secondhand one of the same year/model...or buy a new one. You may get some goodwin from Ford if its been serviced as per the book.

bigjl

I would probably contact http://www.bba-reman.com/ for advice

They have been doing this type of work for many many years

dannyrst

Most importantly, I hope you aren't driving the car whilst this is happening?

I'm sure I don't need to explain the dangers of driving without knowing what speed you are going.

molerat

dannyrst wrote: »

Most importantly, I hope you aren't driving the car whilst this is happening?

I'm sure I don't need to explain the dangers of driving without knowing what speed you are going.

My phone will happily give me that information, no need for a speedo

dannyrst

molerat wrote: »

My phone will happily give me that information, no need for a speedo

Does that stand up in court?

Silver-Surfer_2

molerat wrote: »

My phone will happily give me that information, no need for a speedo

Con and Use Reg 35 says otherwise.

Markb06

Massive issue on the Focus. Huge thread about it on the RAC forum.

I think from memory its an issue with soldering on the board.

I think there are a few fixes.

1. New cluster but this is not cheap in anyway but Ford can program the original mileage in.

2. Get a second hand cluster. Much cheaper especially if from a scrapyard but you buy it with no warranty and no guarantee it will work and the mileage will be what the car is in the scrapyard. I know on my old Fiesta you could change the digital display as I had to do this. Not tried it on a Focus.

3. Or you can get it repaired.

Ford know about it and for some time they repaired it for free I believe but that time has long gone. It only affected the 98-05 models. The Mark 1 and the facelift version.

Lirin

Yes, Danny. I am still driving- I've other means of telling speed in the car.
Foxy and silver- ford aren't wonderfully helpful in NI. The dealers are great, Ford themselves a bit poor. Haven't actually looked where the ABS is, I don't think that's the issue anyway...
Bigjl- ta for link!
Markb06- yes, on there not long ago. Instrument panel out, board cleaned, and she's picked up everything again once I put it back in. Will see how long it lasts.....don't mind if I can get away with resoldering, Ford forums suggest a new cluster needs programmed to the car. Not an area I've ever had to change out, so not sure.

But after a board clean, its working. For now....

molerat

dannyrst wrote: »

Does that stand up in court?

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

Con and Use Reg 35 says otherwise.

MrPlod could only tell if the car was moving how is anyone going to know