1999 Windstar Instrument Cluster Problem

wgosson · 07-15-2008, 11:40 AM

Hello,
Reading through several theads I see I am not alone with the instrument cluster that goes haywire.
I have a case where all the gauges start flipping all around, and sometimes just the tachometer or speedometer stick.

I have cleaned the grounds under the drivers side front kick panel
Replaced the battery (marginal to begin with)

I see there are other ground connctions mentioned as well, and I will check them.
In the rear by the REM
Under the Hood on the radiator support
Any others ?

I want to remove the cluster and check the connectors and the wires leading in out . Can I unplug the cluster, and not have to get it reprogrammed by a dealer?

Also, I have run the cluster diagnostics and the gauges all move and work properly but I did get the following DTCs

D262 Missing SCP Message
D043 Invalid / Missing Data Traction Control
9246 DIM Panel Potentiometer Switch

Could any of these contribute to the problem.

What has seemed to be the most likely fix for this problem ?
When do I begin to suspect the instrument cluster itself ?

Thanks
Walter

tac100 · 09-01-2008, 02:16 PM

I have the same problem with my Windstar.I have only tried cleaning the battery connections since they were corroded.It worked for a while then started again.If you find out how to fix let me know.

rasa60 · 09-07-2008, 07:55 AM

hello i,am a new member -rasa60-
i have a 1999 ford windstar and the check eng lite come on and off all the time, plus the
guages jump all over the place !!!!! help
thank.

rjosupai · 10-08-2008, 09:25 AM

I am a new member as well.....
Recently had same issue where gauges go haywire at times. They work most of the time, but then will randomly 'bounce' around. Recently had an issue with attempting to close power window, but was a one-time incident. I'm hoping this isn't a 'bigger' electrical problem gradually getting worse!

If anyone has some ideas............please pass along!
Thanks so much!

mark v · 10-08-2008, 09:46 AM

Biggest issue is the main grounds for this vehicle with age, actually all vehicles that have lots of electronics bad grounds are a good place to start. I am talking about frame and battery grounds.

BroncoJoe19 · 10-08-2008, 10:49 AM

The best advice I can give at this time is to get a copy of a electrical and vacuum troubleshooting manual EVTM for your year windstar, they are usually available at a reasonable price on ebay.
WIth these vehicles getting older and so reliant upon electronics... oh boy whew!

Mark35 · 10-17-2008, 12:27 PM

I was trying to power my tail and brake lights (for a 1999 Windstar V-6 3.8L) off the trailer wiring harness after being told by auto service mechanic that my rear light problems were a result of the REM (Rear Electronic Module) going bad which could be replaced for $ 610.00 including programming and installation. Well, something went blink, and now my odometer, speedometer, and car heater do not work. Would this be the instrument cluster or the FEM (Front Electronic Module)?

mark v · 10-17-2008, 01:18 PM

Start a new thread please. You are hijacking another thread where it gets confusing answering multiple people.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark35

I was trying to power my tail and brake lights (for a 1999 Windstar V-6 3.8L) off the trailer wiring harness after being told by auto service mechanic that my rear light problems were a result of the REM (Rear Electronic Module) going bad which could be replaced for $ 610.00 including programming and installation. Well, something went blink, and now my odometer, speedometer, and car heater do not work. Would this be the instrument cluster or the FEM (Front Electronic Module)?

Mark35 · 10-27-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark35

I was trying to power my tail and brake lights (for a 1999 Windstar V-6 3.8L) off the trailer wiring harness after being told by auto service mechanic that my rear light problems were a result of the REM (Rear Electronic Module) going bad which could be replaced for $ 610.00 including programming and installation. Well, something went blink, and now my odometer, speedometer, and car heater do not work. Would this be the instrument cluster or the FEM (Front Electronic Module)?

10/27/08: I was successful in cross-splicing the tail and brake lights and got them to work without replacing the Rear Electronic Module (REM). I checked the interior fuse panel to find that Fuse No. 10 had blown. I replaced this fuse and now the odometer, speedometer, heater, air-conditioner, and cruise control all work! I think I caused the No. 10 to blow when I was poking around on the trailer wiring harness trying to get power to the tail and brake lights. Who Knew?