cluster problem

snappy · 18-03-2010, 10:19 PM

Im posting this for a friend .
There having trouble with there cluster as not working , but here is the strange thing its intermitent . You can just be driving along and it will fuel gauge and speedo will start working again.
The light stays on to. So i guess what im asking if anyone has had this issue before . Or were i can buy a new cluster and if its hard to fit . Ford has quoted her $1200 it sounds a bit step but you never know .

I forgot to ask her the year but i assume its a 04 model its not the current shape .

melbzetec · 19-03-2010, 08:47 AM

That is a realtively common problem....a design fault from Ford.

And unfortunately there is no easy fix. (I had the same problem and searched forums worldwide for a solution) The problem is described as 'dendrite growth', and basically is an organic growth that "shorts" some of the connections in the back of the cluster. Some have tried to spray the back of the electrical panel with WD40 and let it dry, but doesn't appear to be a reliable solution.

She can either find a 2nd hand one and get the odometer changed (cough cough) to show the correct distance for her car, or will have to fork out the money for a new one....that's what I had to do.

Ford will not admit liability, but after a big brouhaha in the UK after their equivalent of ACA ran a big story on this, Ford UK were offering the clusters to existing owners at a much reduced price. Ford Australia is not aware of this and refuse to listen....I tried.

snappy · 19-03-2010, 04:27 PM

Thanks for the input . In your opinion is the $1200 quote resonable .
Or what did you pay for the new cluster .

melbzetec · 19-03-2010, 04:48 PM

That's what I paid. It hurts. But that's the Ford price.

Try and contact these guys and ask if they can source a European one.

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/

From memory it could be cheaper, even with freight (I couldn't as I needed one quickly...but that's another story)

snappy · 19-03-2010, 05:05 PM

I found one in a wreacker for $100 , But not sure if she is bothered by a different odo reading .
Who would change the odo , i would image it would collide with a few legalites

Just thought i would quickly ask because imm unsure does the uk use mph or kph

Dustproof · 19-03-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snappy

I found one in a wreacker for $100 , But not sure if she is bothered by a different odo reading .
Who would change the odo , i would image it would collide with a few legalites

Just thought i would quickly ask because imm unsure does the uk use mph or kph

Usually the circuit board has an crack in it, if your inclined to pull it apart and find it, you can bridge the cracks by soldering wire from one point to another. I have done this before in a Nissan Skyline and it works fine afterward.

Dusty

melbzetec · 20-03-2010, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snappy

I found one in a wreacker for $100 , But not sure if she is bothered by a different odo reading .
Who would change the odo , i would image it would collide with a few legalites

Just thought i would quickly ask because imm unsure does the uk use mph or kph

The UK one uses MPH, but FordpartsUK can get a European one which is in KPH.

You'll find yours does not have a crack in it, but is the situation I spoke of....it is an extremely well documented problem found in the Focus clusters made by Visteon

In terms of changing the odometer, I'd ask the wrecker on the quiet...there are people who do it....and in this case you're trying to make it legal

NO2 · 26-03-2010, 12:48 PM

Had the same problem with our LR, the fuel gauge would show empty even if the tank was full and the car actualy stopped once. It took a few attempts before it came right and started again.
It took a while to get it to Ford with the problem as it is intermittent. They replaced the cluster under warranty.
From what Ford have told me there are specialists who do the odometer as it requires specialised gear. there are legal implications when selling the car an odometer that does not read true to the mileage. It is a major job to replace as the dash needs to be pulled out. If you get someone to replace it get them to note in the Log book the replacement and the mileage if you don't get the odometer changed.