What caused this prob. Is it a fuse, would computer reset help?

THDRBAT

MEMBER
2007 FORD EXPLORER
30,000 MILES

All warning lights out and no back lights on instrument panel. Optional
message center is blank.
Turn sigs, speedo, tach and gas guage, temp guage all work.

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 5:21 PM

9 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Check fuses and check for damage to a body ground.

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 5:23 PM

THDRBAT

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2 POSTS

I already thought of checking fuses but which fuse is it and is the instrument panel actually fused? Body ground?

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 5:37 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

We have to start with basics first. We dont assume anything from anyone.

The cluster may have issues. A shop with a scan tool can do a check for codes on the cluster to see if there are any failure indicated. It may have to come out to check the connector for bad connections or burning

Roy

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 6:40 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Sometimes a problem with the battery or charging system can cause "Cyber controlled" problems. Instruments going haywire, other things will malfunction

Thorough load testing of the battery, and testing the charging system can be done at most popular auto parts stores for free!

How many times have we seen a "No turny over, no start" issue where you go thru the basics. Proceed to tear the whole car down. Then the last response was "My cable connection was loose, when I tightened it, everything is fine!

THE MEDIC

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 6:55 PM

OPTIMISTX

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3 POSTS

I have exactly the same problem on my 06 Explorer. I also would like to start with the basics and can't identify the fuse. There's no "Message Center" fuse listed in the owner's manual. Would it be known by another name? Battery was original and truck wouldn't start on the 2nd day after this first started happening, so I replaced it. Still not functioning.

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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 3:04 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

This link could help for that situation

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1989-ford-bronco-get-truck-start-key

We can probably help you more if you give us additional details.

THE MEDIC

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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 4:09 PM

OPTIMISTX

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Thanks Medic.

Yep, it wouldn't turn over. Trickle charged the battery and it still wouldn't start. Then flipped the charger to 50amp mode and that started it. That's when I replaced the battery. Now it starts, but the message center is still dead and any idiot lights that would normally be on constant (like seatbelt, door open, etc), flash instead. I pulled and checked every single fuse I can find under the dash and hood and none are blown. If there's a message center fuse, it's hidden from me. Since there's no message center, it can't even tell me there's a charging system problem so I'm in the dark.

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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 5:47 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Did you completely disconnect the battery? Charge it fully? Then re-connect?

Or has the battery not been disconnected from your rig to fully charge?

Just a hunch, the battery is not fully charged, when installed--the boost cranks you, but the computer never gets an initial full dose of 12.5 volts from the get-go!

This may not be your fix. Let us know, we will bring in someone else if needed.

However doing this is not going to hurt

THE MEDIC

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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 9:10 PM

OPTIMISTX

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I replaced the battery with a new one. And charged that one before installing it, and once more after that, just for good measure. No difference. I was hoping it was that simple, but I don't think so. FWIW, I noticed tonight, since it's dark, that I also have no dash lights.

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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 10:34 PM