Instrument cluster is dead 02 Explorer

[birddog321]

Just bought an 02 that needs some work. The instrument cluster is dead. all of the lights in in illuminate, but none of the gauges work. Not even the odometer. No warning lights, no 4x4 and I cant find a pin out for the cluster and was wondering if anyone can help

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would first run through the fuse block with a voltmeter to ensure you don't have a problem there. Then I would pop the cluster out and ensure it's is plugged in properly. I assume it runs and drives due to you saying the odo doesn't work.

 

[adsm08]

Does it run?

That sounds a lot like a network connection issue, not a module issue.

 

[birddog321]

It runs fine. Did notice the radio turns off when using the right blinker. And left turn signal indicator lights up when you pull on the blinker lever. And the 4x4 and seat belt light come on with left blinker. Pulled the cluster apart and found some burnt resistors and power going through multiple circuits when blinkers are used. I'm pretty sure it's a bad cluster

 

[RonD]

Not sure when Explorers got the HEC(hybrid electronic cluster), Rangers got them in 2004

HEC gets its data from PCM, so network connection

But engine shouldn't start if HEC is not working

Yes, the illumination lights are a separate thing, no connection to cluster working or not


EDIT:
Reads like you have the regular analog cluster, not HEC

Replace it

 

[birddog321]

There is no cable for the speedo. Still analog?

 

[RonD]

Yes, still analog in terms of not digital, HEC is digital, HEC gauges display digital data in an analog fashion, no resistor/voltage analog gauges

Ford got rid of speedo cable by 1995/6 on most models, speedometer uses AC voltage pulse from speed sensor or computer

Ford switched to HEC models to prevent what you will be doing, swapping out instrument cluster
People would often swap in low mile odometer clusters into a high mile vehicle to sell it for more money

So Ford started using the HEC Cluster in mid-2000's, which has a mini-computer and can "talk" with the engine computer(PCM)
PCM has the speed sensor so has its own odometer, with Key on, the HEC and PCM compare odometers, if no match then no start, so no swaps, unless you swap in both HEC and PCM from same vehicle
HEC actually has a unique number as does the PCM, these devices are "married" so one won't/can't work without the other, if one fails then Ford Dealer needs to swap it out and remarry them, although some newer programming software may be able to do that, not sure

 

[birddog321]

Thank you sir. Headed to the junk yard today to pick one up