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Instrument Cluster Gone Crazy (2008 Ranger)


reprobus

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My instrument cluster has gone crazy and my truck won't start. This is an 08 Ranger 4x4. It lights up like a christmas tree, no OD and the PATS light flashes fast.

From what I have read, the instrument cluster needs to be replaced. My problem is that I have a Canadian truck and the 7L54-10849-FK cluster is unobtanium.

Has anyone ever tried an AK or different 7L54-10849-XX cluster?
 

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Dirtman

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Cant help on finding the replacement but I'm not sure if you are aware, the cluster is part of the PATS system on that truck. You cannot simply swap them out. The cluster has its own coding to the ECU just like the key. Ford did this because they kept getting sued for odometer fraud. The replacement cluster needs to be programmed to the ECU and as far as I know, no one can do this except a dealer.
 

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Have you tried hooking a scanner or code reader up?

There is an equally good chance that your PCM is not turning on.

Last few times I saw this it was two F-150s and a Focus.

The F-150s both had CANbus pins that weren't making good contact at the cluster, and the Focus had a bad PCM power relay.
 

Bird76Mojo

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It's probably not your problem but I've seen similar issues with clusters due to an intermittent ground.



GB :)
 

reprobus

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Thank you, Gentlemen.

I am a bit lost with the computers. My newest truck before this was a '94 F-150 and when the airbag in that one broke my thumb I replaced it with a '92.

I bought this Ranger in September. The crazy cluster and no start happened once in October, then again in December, and for a couple of weeks it would sometimes start and sometimes not. It sure has the feel of a bad ground. I've been through the wiring harness, checked every plug and ground I could find and made sure all the pins were ok. They are all straight and clean.

My code reader says 0dtc but there are "monitor status" icons flashing to show that it can't read all of the systems it should be reading. The link icon says it is communicating with the computer.

M (misfire), F (fuel), and CC (Comprehensive Component Monitor) are reading ok.

C (catalyst), EV (evap), O (o2 sensor), OH (o2 heat), and E (EGR) are not reading and haven't since the problem started.

There are test ports on the back of the cluster and I do have a good multimeter but I have no pinout. Not sure what to test or where.
 

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I bought an 08 Sport Trac and someone put a cheap electric "booster"thingy right by the MAF sensor. Where the wires were skinned eventually short circuited and the same thing happened. The first time I was close to the house when it just shut down, it eventually started and I got back home. It happened a few more times until it would not and I had to get a tow to the shop:bawling:

Edit: Computer was fried. He flashed it once then replaced it, and the trucks transmission was never the same and cruise control disappeared.
 
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reprobus

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This thread is the closest to describing the problems I've been having:

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176021

I did the instrument cluster test by holding down the trip od reset button while turning the key to run. The speedo guage didn't move but all the rest did, so I am reasonably certain there is a fault in the instrument cluster itself.

This brings me back to the original question: Can I replace an FK cluster (which I can't find used) with an AK, BK, CK, etc cluster?
 

reprobus

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Update

My IC failed the self-test. I held down the trip reset button while turning the key on to start the self-test. The speedometer didn't move, but the rest of the gauges did.

I got myself an ELM327 USB thingy and installed FORScan on my old laptop. Been having a lot of fun with it. http://forscan.org/

The DTC log is below. FORScan can't see the instrument cluster module at all.

===PCM DTC P1000-FF===
Code: P1000 - On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Systems Readiness Test Not Complete
Module: Powertrain Control Module
Diagnostic Trouble Code details
Check of all systems is not complete since last memory clear.
--Possible Causes--
- The vehicle is new from the factory and has not yet been through a complete OBD Drive Cycle.
- The battery or PCM has been disconnected.
- An OBD monitor failure had occurred prior to completion of an OBD Drive Cycle.
- The PCM DTCs have been cleared as part of a service process.
Note: The only way P1000 can be cleared (removed) from memory is when all of the OBD monitors have been successfully completed during normal vehicle operation.
P1000 cannot be cleared from the PCM when: 1. The thermostat is stuck open and a DTC is not generated. 2. There is an open VSS circuit and a DTC is not generated. 3. If the vehicle has a Power Take Off (PTO), the circuit is shorted to VPWR or B+, or the PTO is ON during Self-test.
The purpose of the Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC P1000 is to indicate that not all of the On Board Diagnostics OBD monitors have yet been successfully completed. You may also refer to the OBD Drive Cycle defined under the Powertrain Control/Emission Diagnosis Manual-Diagnostic Methods or the Owner's Manual.
Remember: It is not necessary to remove P1000 from the Powertrain Control Module PCM by driving the vehicle.
===END PCM DTC P1000-FF===
===PCM DTC P1260-FF===
Code: P1260 - Engine disabled by PATS
Module: Powertrain Control Module
Diagnostic Trouble Code details
THEFT Detected, Vehicle Immobilized.
This DTC may be caused by :
Suspect PATS module.
Suspect circuit fault between PCM and PATS.
Suspect PCM.
===END PCM DTC P1260-FF===
===OBDII DTC Error===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found
Error: On Board Diagnostic II
===END OBDII DTC Error===
===OCS DTC Error===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found
Error: Occupant Classification System Module
===END OCS DTC Error===
===4X4M DTC Error===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found
Error: 4X4 Control Module
===END 4X4M DTC Error===
===RCM DTC U1900-E0===
Code: U1900 - CAN communication bus fault
Status:
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is On for this DTC
Module: Restraint Control Module
Diagnostic Trouble Code details
CAN Communication Bus Fault - Receive Error
Note:
DTCs that start with 'U' are faults which occur during module-to-module communication.
Modules should never be replaced based only on a 'U' code. These codes do not always indicate a problem, and can be caused by normal diagnostic functions, carried out on the vehicle.
===END RCM DTC U1900-E0===
===GEM/SJB DTC U0155-60===
Code: U0155 - Lost Communication With The Instrument Panel Cluster Control Module
Status:
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC
Module: Generic Electronic Module / Smart Junction Box
===END GEM/SJB DTC U0155-60===
===GEM/SJB DTC U2023-20===
Code: U2023 - Fault Received from External Node
Status:
- Previously Set DTC - Not Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC
Module: Generic Electronic Module / Smart Junction Box
Diagnostic Trouble Code details
Fault Received from External Node
This DTC may be caused by :
Short circuit on the CAN line.
Open circuit on the CAN line.
There is a time out between two modules on the CAN bus
There is Interference on the CAN bus
There may be other modules on the CAN communication data line that are not communicating and are timing out.
Note:
DTCs that start with 'U' are faults which occur during module-to-module communication.
Modules should never be replaced based only on a 'U' code. These codes do not always indicate a problem, and can be caused by normal diagnostic functions, carried out on the vehicle.
===END GEM/SJB DTC U2023-20===
===GEM/SJB DTC B2030-20===
Code: B2030 - Front Fog Lamp Relay Circuit Failure
Status:
- Previously Set DTC - Not Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC
Module: Generic Electronic Module / Smart Junction Box
===END GEM/SJB DTC B2030-20===
===GEM/SJB DTC B2872-60===
Code: B2872 - Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
Status:
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC
Module: Generic Electronic Module / Smart Junction Box
Diagnostic Trouble Code details
Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
This DTC indicates the module is not receiving data from one, two, or three of the TPMS sensors. Possible causes include sensor(s) programmed to the module are no longer present or no longer functioning. Make sure there are operating sensors in the wheels and they are trained to the module.
In rare cases, this DTC can be set by radio frequency interference with consumer electronics. Cell phone chargers, power converters and power supplies have been found to be likely candidates.
===END GEM/SJB DTC B2872-60===
===ABS DTC Error===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found
Error: Antilock braking system
===END ABS DTC Error===
===SDARS DTC Error===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found
Error: Satellite Digital Audio Receiver System
===END SDARS DTC Error===
 

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