03, No windows, instruments, radio!!

[Rolandr]

This is my first post!! Got an issue with my 03 Eddie bauer. Windows dome lights, radio and gauges went out, went to my Ford dealer, they tell me I need an instrument cluster, they cleared the codes ($115) the part is $ 335, anyhow the truck worked after clearing the codes, I call them every couple of weeks, they cant get the part!!! how crazy is that, 3 month pass, truck is running fine, I go to the dealer , get my money back for the cluster, they dont know how long it would take ( over 3 month wait) the same problem happened again, I disconnected the battery, it reset everything, been working for 5 month now, called today, hey how about an instrument cluster for my explorer, they check and call back 3 month wait!!! how is that even possible, I am concerned that next time it wont come back on, and my FORD dealership ( largest in the tristate area) cant do anything about it!! :thumbdwn:ANY IDEAS on how to procced would be graetly apreciated. Thanks!!

 

[alexk]

Try calling other dealers in NY/NJ. The ford dealer I use in Lakewood NJ is pretty good with getting stuff but im not sure how long your willing to travel? Can you try going to a salvage yard and just getting a used one?

 

[Yamvip]

I replaced mine about 1 1/2 years ago and got it within four days. Sad thing is it didn't totally fix the problem. They will work but only on colder days say, 40 or under. And after the driving shut it off and they don't work again until its been sitting for a while. I think i have a loose connection in there. Might be ordering up another..............

 

[jrford]

i thought i saw clusters on fleabay for like $50 make sure you get the right year for your truck as there may slight changes in the wiring.

 

[jabo02222]

My dad had something like this happen with his 04 explorer. I found a fuse blown for the delay accessories and replaced it but while replacing it it sparked and blew the new one.

It was still under warranty so he brought it in and it was actually a shorted wire that was going in the headliner to the rear of the vehicle. My dad has a "cage" that goes from the floor to the celing to keep the dogs in the back of the explorer and apparently by tightening down on this cage, it messed up the wires.

He had no radio, no windows, but the cluster did go on, except for the fuel gauge.

 

[FordLover]

Just had my instrument cluster replaced at the dealer, charged me 500 for it. My problem was that they were flashing on and off (lights/guages, dome light, radio, and power windows) then after a few days of doing that, they completely quit working.

New cluster fixed it completely. If my local Lincoln Mercury dealer was able to find a replacement for my 2002, I would think they could get one for you.

 

[Curtis]

Id go the ebay route too.
You should be able to pick one up for probably around $50... but for sure less than $100.
Maybe now is the time to try the Mountaineer cluster swap for white gauges

You could also try Silver State Ford parts
http://www.directfordparts.com/
send an inquiry online and be up front that other dealerships cannot get it.
They should answer within a day. The guy's name is Kelly, and he is an upfront honest guy. Ive bought a few parts through them as even with shipping, they are the cheapest that Ive found.

But check the fuses too, when I was doing some wiring I shorted a couple wires and had similar symptoms. The things that didn't work were the delay accessories that should work after the key is removed but before the door is opened. I really cant remember what fuse it was right now..... but its the fuse for delay accessories.