Instrument panel goes black
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Instrument panel goes black
2018 F350, Lariat, 6.7L - just yesterday on a 2 hour drive, my instrument panel and radio would go black. They would then come on and I would get a flurry of error codes on my main screen then it would go back to normal.
I replaced both batteries, and cleaned terminals - no change.
I called my local Ford dealer to get service, the first opening they have is January 22, 2024!!! That's 4 months away! But here's the weird part, the lady said that they have been getting a bunch of calls on this same issue, ON THIS SAME YEAR! BTW, she said they are swamped with recall work.
I replaced both batteries, and cleaned terminals - no change.
I called my local Ford dealer to get service, the first opening they have is January 22, 2024!!! That's 4 months away! But here's the weird part, the lady said that they have been getting a bunch of calls on this same issue, ON THIS SAME YEAR! BTW, she said they are swamped with recall work.
Last edited by dkm789; Sep 21, 2023 at 08:30 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
First, welcome to the FTE forum.
It would be helpful to know the trim level of the truck and what size the instrument cluster and radio screens are.
It's a long shot, but weird electrical problems on SD trucks are often, perhaps mostly, caused by two issues: low batteries, which you have attended to, and moisture or corrosion issues in some connectors near where your left frame rail meets your back bumper, and over the spare tire. Water gets in there, corrodes or shorts things out, generating a host of error codes that may be overwhelming your trucks computers. Crawl up under there and see what's going on. Clean up the connectors and apply a little dielectric grease.
Sounds weird, but try it. It can't hurt anything. Keep us posted.
It would be helpful to know the trim level of the truck and what size the instrument cluster and radio screens are.
It's a long shot, but weird electrical problems on SD trucks are often, perhaps mostly, caused by two issues: low batteries, which you have attended to, and moisture or corrosion issues in some connectors near where your left frame rail meets your back bumper, and over the spare tire. Water gets in there, corrodes or shorts things out, generating a host of error codes that may be overwhelming your trucks computers. Crawl up under there and see what's going on. Clean up the connectors and apply a little dielectric grease.
Sounds weird, but try it. It can't hurt anything. Keep us posted.
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Forum Master - can you merge this thread with this one https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20983511
they are identical.
thx - Dusty
they are identical.
thx - Dusty
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,640
Likes: 2,433
You should get more views and feedback up here compared to down in the 6.7l section. Did you scan for codes?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
UPDATE: I replaced the three wires to the drivers side alternator cause the power lead was not getting power as this was a common youtube fix. 2 for communications and 1 for power. No change. I had local auto parts do a code test and it came up with a "P138B - Glow Plug Control Module Voltage", fyi- the truck starts just fine. He also tested alternator and it came back OK. BUT, I no symptoms manifested while he tested it.
I watched the symptom's while driving, and it appears that the dash panel goes dark, then the radio goes off, then all goes blank. It comes back to life then does it a few seconds later. It does not do it during idle.
Thoughts
1 - alternator(s)? - this truck has two.
2 - Rodents? When this manifested, I had the truck parked in the woods overnight - perhaps rodents chewed up some wires
I dunno - this is such a weirdness issue and this truck has such a tight packed engine bay - so it's tough to see anything. It doesn't help that all the ford dealers are overwhelmed with recall work and I cannot get in till 2024.
I watched the symptom's while driving, and it appears that the dash panel goes dark, then the radio goes off, then all goes blank. It comes back to life then does it a few seconds later. It does not do it during idle.
Thoughts
1 - alternator(s)? - this truck has two.
2 - Rodents? When this manifested, I had the truck parked in the woods overnight - perhaps rodents chewed up some wires
I dunno - this is such a weirdness issue and this truck has such a tight packed engine bay - so it's tough to see anything. It doesn't help that all the ford dealers are overwhelmed with recall work and I cannot get in till 2024.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 606
Did you reseat the connectors around the parking brake area?
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
UPDATE - it was a faulty connector to my primary alternator. It would vibrate off and on during driving creating all sorts of errors and power issues. The dealer replaced the connector and all is well again!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mtgrzlyman
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Aug 21, 2006 10:12 PM
Psycocavr
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Mar 10, 2006 04:04 PM