Dead radio, power widows, guages questions...

[04SportTracGinga]

Was near home the other evening when radio abruptly died. Fiddled with the radio a bit before realized that had no working guages, as well. First thought was that had a dead alternator and was running short-time off battery power only so decided to get home fast so got on the gas. When the engine was up in RPM I noticed that the radio flickered on/off very briefly. Also no power to windows. Got home and proceeded to check battery volts(12.6) then checked alt. volt while running @ idle(13.98) so leads me to believe those are both good. Then checked multiple forum questions and checked out fuse 17 and 27 inside cab fuse box and those o.k. Went to bed that nite with no solution. Next morning had to get to work so jumped in and because of what it did on the way home, I decided to try the same thing in an attempt to get my windows up. With fingers ready to go, I put the pedal to the metal and just as before when enginge got up in RPM the radio player came on and pooped out the cd, guages worked, beepers beeped and got power to get my windows up. As soon as I backed off the gas everything died again. Tried this a few times and each time does the same thing. Anyone have any experience with this issue? Right now have a list (delayed acc relay, bat. saver relay, instr. cluster, powered rearview mirror wiring, general wiring short in that whole circuit) but if it could be narrowed down or prioritized would be awesome. THX

 

[04SportTracGinga]

Addendum information to above post: Went out early this a.m. to store as was out of coffee and tried a few things on my way. First, I put trans. in 2 so it would be easier to get engine RPM up. Then as driving would pretty much floor the gas and once again everything would come on and work, but only for a few seconds and then would shut off for a second or so and then come back on, etc. When power would come back could hear some clicking from somewhere in the instrument cluster right hand side, I think. Sounds like a relay/solenoid click but not an expert. Then after about 5-6 cycles of acceleration/ deceleration everything stayed on, rock solid. Went into store and when came out to start up, turned key on to accessory on position, but did not try to start the engine and noticed that the speedo needle was twitching and could hear some clicking again, but then stopped So I started er up and was on my way and everything seems to be working as it should. Hope this info helps anyone thinking on this problem.

 

[david4451]

Sounds like bad ground, especially with starter working intermittently.

 

[04SportTracGinga]

Nope, sorry, but starter is working fine and have had NO issues with vehicle starting or running or driving. Just the radio, windows, and guages. THX.

 

[Flounder]

Your cluster might be failing. Many 2004 and 2005 clusters seem to be failing now. When it does, you may lose, among other things, your fuel, oil, battery, and engine temp gauges, speedo, and digital odometer. If the solders to, among other things, 12V accessory on fail, you will lose radio, moonroof, windows, back window, and certain interior lighting functions.

R. T. Grim near Harrisburg, PA fixed mine (and many others). Removing the cluster, and reinstalling it, is fairly easy.

See:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317026&highlight=cluster

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432982&highlight=cluster

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418057&highlight=cluster

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=438394&highlight=cluster

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426615&highlight=cluster

 

[BTRKY]

I had my cluster out yesterday to remove some dust and dirt from inside. I tried to roll the windows down afterward and they did not work. Radio didn't work either.

So that might help confirm a cluster issue for you.