nothing is ever simple.i have a 06 xlt and the message center went out so i found a used one and the message center displays my mileage and odometer but it will not display my compass or temp or any other message.did i buy a bad cluster or will it have to be programmed by a dealer.thanks in advance

 

when i said used one i meant to say used cluster.also my light stays on my clock even after i lock the truck down.any help would be greatly aprecciated.

 

I have a 2005 XL and upgraded the cluster to a XLT. I know ford make many different levels of clusters and you many have pick one up that doesnt have a message center and it is only programmed for miles readings. The cluster I pick up has the message center but my truck is not wired for it. I had it reprogrammed "as built" to try and get rid of the compass and had no luck I still have the flat line. So i dont know if flashing it will fix the problem but the cluster will match your vin if flashed. You may just need to pick up a higher end cluster. The dealership cant adjust your miles so try and pick one up with the closest reading. The dealer told me they had to ship the cluster off to get the miles adjusted with a pretty penny. I lucked out I pick a cluster up with just mile extra for 65.00 When you do pick up a new cluster in the owners manaul there is a way to adjust you compass.

Hope this help you out and let me know if you do flash it and if it fixes your problem because if it workes for you I will be going back and having them fix mine.

One other thing my new cluster came out of a 2004 and I lost my chimer/dome light. No big deal to me because they did get annoying to me at times.