I think my 2007 MK2 1.6 Focus has just developed the well known Instrument Cluster fault. On a short journey this morning, I noticed the speedometer wasn't working, the display showed "Engine System fault", and a few of the warning lights were on. After I went over a speed bump the speedometer started to work and the display changed to "Reduced Acceleration". I've just tried to start the car but it wouldn't crank and the display showed the system fault again. After thumping the top of the dashboard, the car started but the display didn't change.

I've watched a couple of videos about repairing the IC, and because I am a computer engineer, I'm confident about re-soldering it.

I just wondered if anyone had any tips or advice about tackling the job before I remove the IC, which I can't do until next week anyway.

Removing the pointers from the dials is quite easy but getting them back on in exactly the right position can be a bit tricky.

You need to remove all of the old 'lead free' solder before resoldering every single connection, many of the joints will have broken but unless you look under a microscope it's very hard to see.

be careful removing the bottom 2 screws they have a habit of dropping into the pit of despair never to be seen again, and 1mm glazing packers or similar at the top to release the grip clips without cracking the clear screen.

48 minutes ago, unofix said:

Removing the pointers from the dials is quite easy but getting them back on in exactly the right position can be a bit tricky.

You need to remove all of the old 'lead free' solder before resoldering every single connection, many of the joints will have broken but unless you look under a microscope it's very hard to see.

Ok, thanks.

I've read about making sure the pointers are in the right place.

Thanks again.

2 minutes ago, Jimpster said:

be careful removing the bottom 2 screws they have a habit of dropping into the pit of despair never to be seen again, and 1mm glazing packers or similar at the top to release the grip clips without cracking the clear screen.

Thanks for the tip.

I can see I'm going to have fun tackling this job.

56 minutes ago, Janner7859 said:

I can see I'm going to have fun tackling this job

Actually for someone with your skills you should find it's easier than you think. The biggest problem I had was getting the front unclipped from the back. You really need an extra pair of hands because just as you get one clip undone another re-clips itself. Wedging a couple of small screwdrivers in helps to stop this happening.

Getting the pointers back on in exactly the right position can be a bit tricky. Even if you mark the positions before taking them off they might move slightly as you're refitting them. You can't really adjust by moving them against the stop because the plastic is 'grippy' and they tend to stick, then give and move further than you want.

28 minutes ago, mjt said:

Actually for someone with your skills you should find it's easier than you think. The biggest problem I had was getting the front unclipped from the back. You really need an extra pair of hands because just as you get one clip undone another re-clips itself. Wedging a couple of small screwdrivers in helps to stop this happening.

Getting the pointers back on in exactly the right position can be a bit tricky. Even if you mark the positions before taking them off they might move slightly as you're refitting them. You can't really adjust by moving them against the stop because the plastic is 'grippy' and they tend to stick, then give and move further than you want.

thats why i always have various sized glazing packers around to keep popped joints popped, its suprising how often you need them.

Minor point, but had me stumped for a bit - when removing cluster, ensure the steering wheel is pulled max towards you, and tilted max down. (Otherwise the cluster won't come out LOL)

1 hour ago, mjt said:

Actually for someone with your skills you should find it's easier than you think. The biggest problem I had was getting the front unclipped from the back. You really need an extra pair of hands because just as you get one clip undone another re-clips itself. Wedging a couple of small screwdrivers in helps to stop this happening.

Getting the pointers back on in exactly the right position can be a bit tricky. Even if you mark the positions before taking them off they might move slightly as you're refitting them. You can't really adjust by moving them against the stop because the plastic is 'grippy' and they tend to stick, then give and move further than you want.

I know what you mean about the clips, I've come across the same type before. They also break off easily if you are not careful.

Just completed re-soldering the Instrument Cluster.

One tip for anyone else doing the same. There are a couple of very thin copper tracks on the circuit board which connect to the pins being re-soldered. Be careful, they could easily be damaged by too much, or prolonged heat  from the soldering iron. Don't use a soldering iron with a large bit or one with a high wattage rating.

1 minute ago, Janner7859 said:

Just completed re-soldering the Instrument Cluster.

So, did it work then??

1 minute ago, StephenFord said:

So, did it work then??

Sorry I should have said. 

Yes it seems fine now. I took it for a short run with no problems showing up.