[mrmagic2713]

2003 ford escape. about a week ago, i noticed that the guages on the instrument cluster (RPM, SPEEDOMETER, AND FUEL GUAGE) would suddenly ALL shoot to the far right, then they would all drop back to zero, and finally level off at the correct settings. this would happened most frequently when i hit speeds of 40-50 mph. i changed the cluster, but i am still getting the same problem. does this sound like an alternator issue?

 

[Surfscape]

You might have a low voltage issue, possibly an alternator going bad. This usually happens when voltage is re-set or low.

 

[Jordan31]

Thats what happened before my alternator went, the lights would slowly dim unless you press the gas.

unfortunately its a pretty expensive fix

 

[Surfscape]

Hay Jordan31... nice lookin scape dude :shades:

 

[Jordan31]

Hay Jordan31... nice lookin scape dude

thanks man

 

[hattrick203]

Hay Jordan31... nice lookin scape dude :shades:

i second that

 

[mrmagic2713]

well guys, quick update. took the escape to a local electrical guy for diagnostics on the issue, and the guy said that alternator is functioning correctly, however, he is unable to figure out the prolblem. so its off to ford for diagnostics! wish me luck!

 

[Squishy]

Get a good flashlight and check the interior fuse box (below the driver's side A-pillar) for signs of moisture. Some Escapes were prone to a leak from the windshield that could cause electrical problems at that fuse box.

The gauge sweep is what I call the cluster's Power-On Self Test. It is run when the cluster first gets power, such as after disconnecting the battery or with an intermittent connection.

 

[rehctelf]

Had a Chrysler product do something similar, turns out it was a ground wire.
Nice pic of your ride Jordan31, is that an HDR photo? Learning a lot about photography right now and would like to try a few new things.

 

[owtwotribute]

My 02 tribute had that, the mechanic said he could not diagnose it until it failed continuously...

It would do it sometimes when going uphill, or during a sudden acceleration, or in a sharp turn.

The problem went away completely after the coils (rear) were replaced (for which the light & a code came up).

Maybe they were sometimes shorting something somewhere?

Just my 2cts, hope it helps.

 

[subdewd]

Did you replace the cluster with a new one?
I had exact problem eith 04 heritage and circut board
on the back of the cluster need to be resoldered.
Not sure but maybe they used the same supplier.
This issue goes back years and is well documented as well as \
the repair. Mine was a little more involved as I needed to resolder the actual
processor on the board

 

[ccchhhrrriiisssm]

well guys, quick update. took the escape to a local electrical guy for diagnostics on the issue, and the guy said that alternator is functioning correctly, however, he is unable to figure out the prolblem. so its off to ford for diagnostics! wish me luck!

I know that this is an old thread, but did you ever find out what was wrong?