I just have my scangauge plugged in.

 

Mine started happening before I plugged anything in so thats not my issue. I also have the steering wheel controls so maybe thats it?

 

Mine has acted up even before I had a sgII plugged in and I do also have steering wheel controls so more questions than answers rite now ??

 

Same here.... mine has done it with nothing plugged into OBD port and I also have steering wheel controls. I also find if I cycle my remote car starter/alarm it will bring the cluster back to life.

 

this is my own personal research, and I will be the first to admit I am under qualified to make this assessment. But What I have come up with This only happens to 04-06 Excursions, 250,350, Lariats and King Ranchers all have climate controls in the steering wheel. A few years back me, a buddy and a bottle of Ky finest tore into my dash while my ac unit WAS NOT working. I did not shut off the truck, nor did I cycle head lights. When we reached the back of the ac/heater unit there was no power to the hot wire according to the test light, I reached over and turned on the head lights, and power was restored to the hot wire and unit kicked on. I have learned since then that some Excursion,250 and 350 have a different wiring system. (Bismics spread sheets back this up) I dont know the difference I wander if it is the ones with the controls in the steering wheel. I also read that there is a relay that gets lazy and need the extra current draw(from cycling head lights or remote starter) to trip. Just my opinion.

 

If your isn't an isolated case then Ford has replaced a lot of head units for no reason. They replaced my head unit app. 5 years ago and I've had no problems since. Could possibly be more than one scenario involved here.