happened to my 98 explorer shortly after I bought it used around y2k
had to carefully remove the face plate and resolder the two large pins
where they had gotten hot and melted the solder away from the pins,
but did it again after a couple of months later.so I gave up and the local
ford dealer parts dept. admitted it was a common proplem/design flaw.
somewhere in this forum someone has taken a great photo of the display
circuit board and detailed instructions on resoldering a couple of extra components
ie surface mounted resistors? I am looking for it ,I saw it a little over a month ago
and saved the photo and instructions,but lost it . I had a more serious problem
but am ready to try it again.Please let me know if you find it or i'll let you know if I find it .
good luck | 
