2003 Ford F150 My Gauges are not Working Properly

2003 FORD F-150
97,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BIXBYSTX
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It take 8 seconds after I turn on my ignition for my gauges in my truck to start working. After 8 seconds, my gauges seem to work fine. Also, my check engine light doesn't come on when I turn on my ignition and my low fuel light doesn't work. I took my instrument cluster apart and checked all the bulbs and all were fine. I might have a messed up circuit on my instrument cluster board but I'm not sure. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Brian
May 16, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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MERLIN2021
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Instrument Cluster Dealer Test Mode To enter the Instrument Cluster Dealer Test Mode, depress and hold the instrument cluster SELECT/RESET button and then turn the ignition switch to the RUN position. Continue pressing the SELECT/RESET button (five seconds) until tESt is displayed in the odometer. The SELECT/RESET button must be released within three seconds of the odometer displaying tESt to begin the dealer test mode. Depress the SELECT/RESET button to advance through the following steps until dtc is displayed. Depressing the SELECT/RESET button will display any continuous DTCs stored before proceeding to the next step. Fig. 10: Odometer Display And Description Chart (1 Of 2) Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. Fig. 11: Odometer Display And Description Chart (2 Of 2) Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position or press and hold the SELECT/RESET button for three or more seconds and release to exit Instrument Cluster Dealer Test Mode. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics. Page 1 of 1 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-CONVENTIONAL - F150 -2003 Ford Pickup F150 5/17/2009


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_clustera_2.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_clusterb_1.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_clusterc_1.jpg

May 17, 2009 at 9:14 AM
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BIXBYSTX
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I did the test and came up with the following dtc codes:

d262
9356

I have no idea what these 2 codes are and I'm looking for some advise to why these codes are appearing.

Thanks,

Brian
May 17, 2009 at 4:44 PM
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MERLIN2021
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I will look them up today...
May 18, 2009 at 2:50 AM
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MERLIN2021
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What I found is the cluster itself is most likley the bad part, comes up as if the fuel gauge works, but the low fuel light is never/ or always lit, the cluster needs replacing.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_150_2.jpg

May 18, 2009 at 6:07 PM
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BIXBYSTX
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I replaced my instrument cluster and got the P1620 dtc code which is a theft code that will cause my truck not to start. I have an XCAL2 and I'm not able to clear this dtc code. Do I have to take my truck to a ford dealer or a qualified mechanic that deals with the electrical part of trucks to get this cleared? I ended up putting my old cluster bad in so I could start and drive my truck today. I talked to a guy today and told him about the problems I was having and he was a little concerned about my truck having a supercharger and a few more mods. He said it is much easier to diagnose on a vehicle that is stock. Why couldn't I just take my truck to his place and return my truck to stock and let him take a look at it? Would this work or is it much more difficult than I think?

Brian
May 23, 2009 at 9:11 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Cluster, requires a Ford Star tester here's the proceedure:
Parameter Reset and Key Programming NOTE: The instrument cluster parameters must be reset upon installation of a new instrument cluster. NOTE: Both passive anti-theft system (PATS) keys are needed to carry out this procedure. To reset the instrument cluster parameters and program the keys, complete the following procedure: Connect the diagnostic tool. 1. Select the instrument cluster. 2. Select ENTER SECURITY ACCESS. Wait 10 minutes for security access to be granted. 3. Select PARAMETER RESET. 4. Disconnect the diagnostic tool. 5. Place the first PATS key in the OFF position. 6. Place the key in the ON position. 7. Remove the key. 8. Place the second PATS key in the ON position. 9. Place the key in the OFF position (the programming sequence is complete). 10. NOTE: If the vehicle fails to start following completion of the parameter reset and key programming sequence, clear the keep alive memory (KAM) by disconnecting the battery for five minutes. © 2008 Mitchell Repair Information Co., LLC. Page 1 of 1 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-CONVENTIONAL - F150 -2003 Ford Pickup F150 5/24/2009 http://www.ondemand5.com/mric/common/asp/printart.aspx
May 24, 2009 at 7:26 AM
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BIXBYSTX
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One more concern, my previous mechanic lost the 2nd key that I have to my truck. Will I have to go to Ford and have them program me a key or can the mechanic that deals with the electrical systems on cars do this for me? I will probably have to go to Ford and get a key? If I get a key from Ford, can my mechanic program this key or will ford have too? My mechanic I know told me he has all the troubleshooting and scanning tools that Ford uses? I was just wondering how much it will cost to get this 2nd key made? Does Ford have to make the key and program it or can they just sell me the key and have my mechanic program it? I'm sure the later would be much cheaper. How much does a new programmed key cost from Ford? $100 or more?

Thanks,

Brian
May 24, 2009 at 2:20 PM