Weirdest thing. Instrument cluster and stereo

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Howdy guys, got a weird one for you. Some dingleberry ran a stop sign and left me in the middle of oncoming traffic, so I had to floor my 05 sport Trac XLT. I got up to 4-5k rpm’s and out of nowhere my instrument cluster and stereo turn off. No readings from any of the gauges, but the abs and battery light turned on and the gauges were lit. Windows also wouldn’t operate. When I come to a stop or very low speeds the warning lights turn off and the gauges and stereo turn back on. Brand new alternator and battery so I doubt that’s the issue. Everything ran fine, headlights and taillights worked, engine and transmission seemed to operate normally. I have an aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth and was on the phone, when I parked it and my phone connected to it the person on the phone said it was very staticky and they couldn’t hear anything if that helps. Wondering if the new alternator gave something a little too much juice and blew something. Any ideas? Happy new year to everyone!

 

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Don’t know if this got skipped over because of the holiday or if this is stumping everyone else. Figured I’d comment again to see if it catches anyone’s eyes.

 

[swshawaii]

No idea if there's any correlation here. May be worth looking into or calling CBM. Good luck!
https://circuitboardmedics.com/2004-2005-ford-explorer-sport-trac-instrument-cluster-repair/

 

[Wade J]

You can test your alternator by starting the truck and then disconnect the negative side of the battery. If the truck stays running alternator should be good, if it dies than you got an alternator issue.

 

[swshawaii]

Common issues found with the Ford Sport Trac instrument clusters include:

• Intermittent power failure to the gauges
• Odometer display issues such as dimming, flickering, or no longer being visible
• Intermittent power to radio, power windows, or interior lighting
• Individual gauges are not working or giving incorrect readings

^ From Circuit Board Medics link in post #3 above.

https://sporttrac.org/search/332619/?q=circuit+board+medics&o=relevance

 

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Sent it to circuit board medics and got it back today. Installed it and still having the same issue. Any other ideas?

 

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Update: tried testing the alternator by disconnecting the negative terminal and the battery caught fire. So there’s that.

 

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It blew flames out of that hole next to the handle. Singed the handle. Was I not supposed to remove the negative terminal? Is there a voltage regulator somewhere that’s bad? I’m very confused.

 

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Also it made a loud buzzing noise when I disconnected the negative terminal. Almost louder than the engine idling. Alternator seems to be charging though. Ran around 14.7V running and 12.7V even after spitting fire.

 

[JohnPenny Peluso]

I once had a crazy instrument panel issue. The link will show you what was happening.


All I did to resolve it was pull the battery connections, pulled the three multi connectors on the pass fender and inspect, reinstall, and clean battery connections.
It has not reoccurred in a few years now.

 

[swshawaii]

Sent it to circuit board medics and got it back today. Installed it and still having the same issue. Any other ideas?

Ouch! Really sorry to hear that. CBM has been a blessing for many, but an expense and PITA for you. Really hope you slay this gremlin because your smoked battery is scary. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Todd Z]

NEVER do that on a computerized truck..... your gonna have failures all down the line now... Especially the 4wd if you have that......smh...

 

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I replaced the alternator and the battery (for free, they were on warranty) and cleaned the terminals and tightened them down and it works! Fuel gauge reads empty which could be right for all I know, probably not though. All the other gauges work though!

 

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NEVER do that on a computerized truck..... your gonna have failures all down the line now... Especially the 4wd if you have that......smh...

Everything seems to be fine but one fuse. The “battery saver, interior lights” fuse 10A.

 

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I figured it out. Aftermarket LED brake light had shorted out. All is well now and I have a new instrument cluster! Could be worse!