dashboard wiring problem

[steven iddenden]

as I am driving all of a sudden all my dashboard indicators (speed , rev counter , temp and warning lights ) go off, I gently tap the dashboard and it all comes back on again all ok, however it does go into limp mode ?

[Phil21185]

I can't see your profile on mobile, but are you talking about either a MK2 or 2.5 focus?

Are you handy with a soldering iron?

A lot of the cars electrical systems run through the cluster on these, and a common fault is the soldered joints of the main connector become brittle and cause intermittent open circuits and other electrical gremlins.

If this is the problem, it can be resolved by removing the cluster and dismantling it, then reflowing the solder joints on the circuit board.

By all accounts this isn't too difficult to do.

[Studalton]

You just need a really steady hand , a real fine solder gun and a delicate touch, good pair of glasses or a magnified screen.

[Phil21185]

I remember chipping my ps2 back in the day when I was about 15, with 28 gauge wires and a soldering iron with a tip the size of Luxembourg.

Still working now!

[Your Honour]

Had this issue with my Mk2, if you're not confident in doing it yourself (which i wasn't) with help from the forum I used a guy on eBay who sorted mine, just sent it to him he fixed it and sent it back. Got the car running fine after.

The post is here if it helps: 

 

[steven iddenden]

Thanks everyone . It’s a mk2. I’m gonna look into getting someone to ‘fix’ it for me.

 

[Tekno]

before you go spending loads just take the dash out and make sure the plug in the back is in properly they can become loose and dirty bit of contact cleaner then a small bit of wd40 shke the plug dry and plug back in again.

 

also the main dash can earth in the foot well or under the trim by the drivers seat can coroad and makes the dash do all sort especially when its wet.