Possible computer problem? (No speedometer, odometer, radio, etc.)

[CheesePuff]

Hi all -- kind of a serious issue here with my 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V-6 4WD.

First time this has every happened, I start it up and it's like the computer is not working at all. I have to manually turn on the lights, radio does not work at all, and all of the dashboard displays do not work (fuel, voltage, speedometer, etc.)

Any suggestions since my local Ford dealership is a joke and would prefer to avoid there?

 

[CheesePuff]

Since I'm really trying to avoid going to the local Ford dealership with this I'm hoping I can find someone on here that had the same problem. Can it be possibly a fuse? Anyone with any advise on this?

It really sucks not knowing your speed or fuel amount.

 

[Curtis]

Did you check all the fuses? Including the ones under the hood?
It sounds like one thing is causing this, hopefully its as minor as a fuse.
Hang in there if someone has any ideas, they will post.

Do you know anyone else with a similar explorer? maybe you could switch out some parts for testing?

 

[CheesePuff]

Did you check all the fuses? Including the ones under the hood?
It sounds like one thing is causing this, hopefully its as minor as a fuse.
Hang in there if someone has any ideas, they will post.

Do you know anyone else with a similar explorer? maybe you could switch out some parts for testing?

Thanks for the reply! Yea, I'm going through currently and checking all of the fuses with the manual in hand. I'm really hoping this is it. Nothing at all was done different when this happened except for a trip the day before to my local dreaded Ford dealership for an oil change.

 

[Curtis]

For $80 it may be worth a diagnostics at the dealer. Complain to them that it happend after your oil change and ask for a manager... they might work with you. Then when they tell you whats wrong you can get the parts and fix it yourself.

 

[CheesePuff]

Well what do you know -- I disconnected the positive and negative battery terminals and checked a few of the major fuses under the hood and inside, everything was fine. I was fed up and was going to bring it in for someone to look at it but when I connected the battery back everything works again!

 

[Curtis]

glad it worked out. Weird how just a "reboot" will do the trick sometimes. I work in computers and therefore my family thinks I can fix any problem they have. Usually the first thing I say is did you reboot.. and that usually fixes it.