Hey guys. I already searched and seemed to only find people with no backlight but lcd readout was still working. My backlight reacts to the lights being turned off and on; so I know it works but just no numbers. I noticed it on the way to work after the truck had been sitting in the hot sun for a while but When I got off work after dark around 11:00pm it worked all the way on the drive home, but I wen't to grab a bite and it no longer worked. I figure it could have something to do with sitting in the heat? It's the stx cluster with only the speedo and no tac if that makes a difference. Any help is greatly appreciated. I really don't want to have to drop cash on a new cluster.

 

P.S I just went outside to grab something from the truck and now it's currently working again.??

 

I would start by inspecting all the wires it sounds like a short to me. Might want to check the fuses too maybe one is getting ready to go for some reason.

 

hey kid,
what kind of fuses do you have that will not work sometimes then work again sometime when they are getting ready to blow?

 

It could be a problem with the cluster. It could also be a battery starting to go away. How old is the battery? I'd have it load tested. Since it's an 06, it could be the original and when they start to give out weird things happen.

 

Greg B, the battery is the original. The odometer doesnt work at all now, but the light behind it still works. The ford dealership actually referred me to a local auto electronic repair man. I took it to him and he told me it was something in the board, and would likely need a new cluster. Ford tells me it will be about 500 bucks for a new cluster, which I don't want to spend. so any more suggestions would be appreciated. BUT... If I do break down and buy a cluster will buying an FX4 cluster wire up and replace my standard stx with the MPH guage only ? If I can I'd buy one of those because they look bitchin !

 

I have seen a post on one of these f150 forum sites not sure which one or where... but had to do with possibly a tsb bad solder joints on back of cluster... just going off memory here but do remember reading this... hope this helps

 

I also occasionally have this problem. If my truck sits outside during a really hot day the odometer and temp numbers disappear but the backlight still stays on. Mine always comes back eventually though. Hopefully you find a fix for the problem!

 

Had this happen within a week after I bought mine (a few months ago)...dealer replaced with new one.

 

My problem is I can't replicate it for the dealer so they won't replace it.

 

Light is on but no digital readout. Can somebody help there does not seem to be an answer

 

HELP No feedback yet

 

The next time it goes out immediately do a HEC test by turning off the key, pressing down the reset key and turning on the ign to run without starting. The first test is the complete gauge tests, they will swing full cycle/all of them. Then navigate the rest of the tests, you can even start the motor now to test the digitals, like digital tack or speed. If it doesn't work check your fuses, look closely into the the fuse recepticle for bent/damage. Streighten with a needle nose pliers. ( Fuses are F1/F15/F21/F27). Also check your ground closely. You can find instrument clusters on line if you have to go that way. The cluster even lists codes faults for you. Extreme heat can affect semi-conductor devices especially ones with a fault. I had a friend who couldn't get his car to start in arizona when the heat of the day sun unless he parked in a shady spot. Bad puter. Try to find shade in Arizona. You have to live in a canyon. His team leader let him pull it into the aircraft hanger. Thats when they diagnosed it. LOL