99texasGT

So i ran to the store. About 4 miles away. come back out started the stang, turned on the lights and noticed none of my gauges moved! They just stayed all the way left like i didn't even turn the key. The car started but no gauges?... After about 10-12 seconds they snapped too and looked normal. So anyone ever see or hear of this? Thanks

cliffyk

My first thoughts head toward the battery, the instrument cluster needs 10.5V minimum for its microcontroller to boot up...

Check the battery voltage (between the terminal connectors, not the battery posts) while cranking the engine, and for a while just after it starts--it should not drop below 10.0V.

Also have the battery load tested (high load, 200A or better). Harbor Freight has their 500A load tester on sale for $50; their 100A tester is only $20, not as high a capacity as I would like it's a good tool nonetheless...

JeremyB

I have this same problem except none of the dash lights come on on the bottom of the cluster except the first 4 from the left, has done that since I got the car a little over a 6 months ago with no adverse affects

I have checked all the fuses and everything is good, so either there is a short somewhere or the gauge cluster itself is bad, not sure which though and don't know where to start

99texasGT

Yep, i noticed that this afternoon comming from work. I stopped at the store and set the parking brake. No parking brake light! So we must be in the same boat.

Thanks Mr. Knight ill check the battery and go from there.

Jeremy b keep informed on what u come up with and ill do the same. Thanks

JeremyB

I did put a used motor in my car just a couple weeks ago, but it was doing this before the new motor and still is doing exactly the same. I have a feeling there is a short somewhere inside the cluster, but I would have to find another cluster to test this. Last resort would be to tear the dash down and follow the wires to see if anything is shorted out.

JeremyB

Figured it out, fuse number 5 on the fuse box inside the car, mine was completely missing, like someone took it out on purpose, yours is probably blown

99texasGT

NICE!! Thanks man, ill check that out and let you know what I find. This forum and all of it’s mustang guys are so very helpful. Thanks to everyone that gave there two or three since!

99texasGT

YOU are correct sir! I checked fuse #5 and sure thing it was blown! I replaced it and everything went back to normal. Great find and thanks for sharing.