I have a 98 f 150 xlt that i bought brand new.This has been an awesome truck for all 176,000 miles.
As I was driveing the instrument panel stopped working.the only thing that does work is the dash lights.
I checked all the fuses and they all seem fine.Does the fuse block under the hood have anything to do with them?
I know when it comes to electrical parts things can get expensive fast,so i'm asking for everyone's opinion on what it might be.

 

If you still have your owners manual there should be a fuse listing for the box in the cab and the one in the engine compartment. You'll glean a lot from that. Beyond that, you could have a PCM issue (although I shudder at the thought, and I hope someone runs in here screaming that I'm completely wrong...) All the gauges just went dead?

 

In the years i have lost the owners manual,I just went through and pullked all the fuses looking for one that was bad.I don't know what a PCM is but from your responce i don't think I want to!
Yes all the guages went dead at the same time.

 

You should be able to download one here

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

The GEM computer might be having issues by the sound of things. Is there anything else that's not working in the truck (i.e. dome light, door chime, etc.,.?)

 

I checked alldata, which is for my year model truck, but it might help. It says to check the Central Junction Box fuses 2, 6, 30 for an instrument cluster failure. Individually, the gauges can be affected by the PCM. Here is some more detailed info on the GEM and the PCM. Hope this helps...

GEM: Generic Electronic Module
PCM: Powertrain Control Module. Formerly known as the EEC (Electronic Engine Control) Processor.

This is from alldata regarding the GEM:
NOTE: Each vehicle has either a Generic Electronic Module (GEM) or Central Timer Module (CTM) depending on option content. Upon installation of a new GEM, the module must be reconfigured. Refer to Module Communications Network (Information Bus).

The following is list of GEM/CTM controlled functions:
wipers/washers (front/rear)
warning chimes
battery saver
illuminated entry and courtesy lamps
accessory delay
driver power window (GEM only)

The generic electronic module (GEM) constantly monitors its subsystems for concerns. If a concern is found in one of the subsystems, the GEM will record the concern in the form of a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) . The ignition switch position is very important to the GEM function. Often times, erratic or unexpected GEM function can be traced to concerns with ignition switch inputs.

This is from alldata regarding the PCM:
The Electronic Engine Control (Electronic EC) system provides optimum control of the engine and transmission through the enhanced capability of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) . The Electronic EC system also has an on-board diagnostics monitoring system (On Board Diagnostics II) with features and functions to meet federal regulations on exhaust emissions.

The Electronic EC system has two major divisions: hardware and software. The hardware includes the powertrain control module (PCM), Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) module, Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) , sensors, switches, actuators, solenoids, and interconnecting terminals. The software in the PCM provides the strategy control for outputs (engine hardware) based on the values of the inputs to the PCM. Electronic EC hardware and software are discussed.

It contains detailed descriptions of the operation of Electronic EC system input sensors and switches, output actuators, solenoids, relays and connector pins (including other power-ground signals).

The PCM receives information from a variety of sensor and switch inputs. Based on the strategy and calibration stored within the memory chip, the PCM generates the appropriate output. The system is designed to minimize emissions and optimize fuel economy and driveability. The software strategy controls the basic operation of the engine and transmission, provides the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) II strategy, controls the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) , communicates to the scan tool via the Data Link Connector (DLC) , allows for Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) , provides idle air and fuel trim, and controls Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM).

 

Any luck resolving this? I just had the same thing happen in my '97 Expedition. Found one bad fuse, replaced it and everything came back on for a short while so I thought I was done. Came back out to go somewhere a while later and the whole instrument cluster went dead again. Possibly a short somewhere or another fuse that is overloading?

 

If the fuse has opened up again,I suggest pulling the dash cluster,and cleaning the connectors.Corrosion can build up on these,and create a low resistance short.This typically will not blow the fuse in question immediately,but WILL ove a short period of time.

 

Geez - what a pain. That is exactly what is happening. I only had a 10amp fuse to replace the 5amp that was in place so just used it. Within a few hours it blew the fuse again. Replaced it yet again and this time it lasted a few days and blew the 10amp again.

How difficult is it to pull the cluster to clean the contacts? Any tips, tricks or photos so I don't go breaking the little plastic clips or tabs that are so common anymore...

 

Cant give an educated guess there..I had to pull the cluster out of my 07 and replace the odometer backlight,and it was a breeze.Not sure about your version...wouldnt want to give you the wrong directions....Hopefully someone else will chime in here..

 

"Cleaning the contacts" won't fix a blown fuse.

You have an intermittent short circuit that is blowing a fuse (which you didn't identify.)

If it's F29, fix the chafed wires where they exit the shifter stalk. A very, very common problem. F29 also feeds the cluster.

 

Not to be a pain here,but under SOME circumstances enough conductive corrosion can build up between a B+ feed,and potential ground path to cause a fuse to blow...Ive seen it....You probably are correct on the chafing issue,and that is good info.