I hauled my horse down to the river and my 2004 F-250 6.0 diesel ran just fine. When I returned the truck would crank strong but not start. I had a friend haul my trailer and horse home and got the truck towed home. The check engine light was on and checking the codes only one came up UO155 lost Communication with Instrument panel. I disconnected the grounds on both batteries and after reconnecting it still would not start until I sprayed a shot of starter fluid and it fired right up and ran normal. While driving the check gage light came on and the tach, oil gage and temp gage stopped working. When I started the truck up again tach and gages worked but after the truck warms up check gage light comes on and the same gages stop working. I have search the internet and can’t find any similar issues. Has anyone seen this before?

 

I would get your batteries tested at the store. I have heard of voltage issues causing cluster problems.

 

The batteries are about 6 months old and after I had it towed home, I did recharge them due to cranking on them with no start. The odd thing is I started it up today and had no issues at all besides the check engine light that I have not cleared. I am going to clear it and drive it to Home Depot with my trusty can of starter fluid just in case. I earlier had checked the wires in the drivers side panel. Did not find anything amiss but there might be a loose ground or something as it is not showing any issues right now. It definitely has me stumped.

 

I think you are correct, some years had a critical ground down low behind the kickpanels on one or both sides that like to get rusted and cause all sorts of weird problems. A guy the other day had one, I told him to check behind the driver's side and he said he found it on the passenger side, and it was bad.