Ford Focus Dashboard Problem

dorien

Has anyone had a problem with there instrument panel on dashboard. All the dials (speedo, petrol, rev counter etc) keep coming on and off randomly. Had earth wire by foot pedals cleaned up as recommended by Fords helpline, worked ok for about 8 weeks, but problem come back. Trying to avoid Fords servicecentre as so expensive £75 just for diagnostic test. Any help or suggestions please. (Car is 03 reg automatic)

reehsetin

it was on watchdog on monday check their website

dorien

reehsetin wrote: »

it was on watchdog on monday check their website

Thanks so much, have been on website, theres a template letter to send to fords. Will get estimate now and send off. This could save us about £ 300.

:beer:

Poppycat

http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/reports/transport/transport_20080414.shtml

Thomas_Crown

I've not had time to read all the links provided in previous posts. The problem is caused by the use of lead free solder by Ford when connecting the circuit boards in the dashboard. Lead free solder is porous & absorbs moisture resulting in corrosion.

Lead free solder is banned from use in Aviation, Medical & Astronautical enviroments. Why?

shelly

Reading this I'm glad we are trading our 02 Focus in on Saturday!

Hintza

A handyman and WD-40 were the short term solution (as per watchdog)

dorien

Have phoned ford customer care (use 01277253000 ask for customer care, coventry not 0845 number you on hold forever) asked for update on problem, and was told they are still looking into it and should have a response in a couple of weeks? asked if I should register my complaint and she said outcome will be made public!!!!!!! Husbands taking car to ford dealer we bought from this afternoon armed with info from watchdog etc, lets see what happens. We have had the car from new and have full service history. They can't be allowed to get away with this one. Am going to register complaint on Watchdog site. Hopefully they will follow this up next week.

oldagetraveller

Hintza wrote: »

A handyman and WD-40 were the short term solution (as per watchdog)

They (Watchdog) also incorrectly described WD40 as a contact cleaner which it really isn't. It's a water dispersant (WD).
Proper electrical contact cleaner is a totally different beast which evaporates without leaving an oily residue.
I personally wouldn't spray a printed circuit board with WD40. But if it worked in that instance, then hey ho!

Hintza

oldagetraveller wrote: »

They (Watchdog) also incorrectly described WD40 as a contact cleaner which it really isn't. It's a water dispersant (WD).
Proper electrical contact cleaner is a totally different beast which evaporates without leaving an oily residue.
I personally wouldn't spray a printed circuit board with WD40. But if it worked in that instance, then hey ho!

Yes I was slightly surprised too but as you say hey ho.......if it works then give it a go cheaper than a new board

dorien

Just been in touch with local ford dealers, there info from HO regarding Watchdog issues are not to repair but to replace instrucment cluster, (and charge) - but was advised this could change anytime. Has taken our details as they may need to see a car that has the problem, will keep me updated with infor from HO. So lets wait and see...........meanwhile we keep the tomtom on so at least if it goes off we can see what speed we are doing !