When I go to start my 2004 F150 XLT Supercrew sometimes I have the instument panel get wierd on me. The truck starts fine, but the needles are all stuck at zero(tach, temp, battery, voltage, oil.) clicking like if they are trying to get their supposed to settings. I give it a coupls of seconds and then they go to where the need to. But then I have noticed the times it does it that the trip odometer resets back to zero.
I have 82,000 on my 2004 now. So anyone has an answer of what is going on?

Regards,

Valentin

P.S. Email me and post your response here. chivo786@yahoo.com

 

That's been happening to me too. Any answers?

 

How old is your battery? Sometimes that is indicative of a weak or failing battery.

 

Well my baterry is 3 years old like my truck. I have a 2004. So Do the math. I do not think it is the battery. I should take video of it next time it does it and post it if I can.

 

I was thinking the samething. Should I get mine checked?

 

Batties typically last from 3-5 years. I did the math and it could be the battery.

 

Your gauges are definitly acting like they're losing all power for a second or two. That's exactly what they do when you disconnect and reconnect the wire harness in the back of the gauges. They are simply resetting themselves.

 

Could it be the relays sticking for the instrument cluster?

 

I dont think the battery disconnecting or being weak is causing the problem. I have a similar problem. But I think it is caused by faulty connections in the instrument cluster. The circuit board is equiped with capacitors that maintain voltage to memorize the mileage. I'd b suspectful of the cluster!

 

 

The flickering was happening more frequently and my starting was getting slower. I tested my battery today. The results were bad. There was a dent and gash near the negative terminal. I got a new battery. Started up quick and no gauge flickering. Hopefully that was the problem. Don't know the history of the battery so I kept the core to take to the dealership in case there's any warranty.

Hey chivo I hope your problem is simple and easily fixed.