Issues with instrument cluster

[Swedishmoose]

Hi there,


I was actually browsing for a code reader online that would work on an AU (which seems to be a problem just by itself) and while I was browsing I found a pdf document which had a section with some AU problems.

This was one of the worse ones and I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced that:

The Ford AU Series (6cyl 4.0L) is susceptible to problems affecting the instrument cluster. Some of the symptoms include: Gauges on instrument cluster fl ickering, especially the speedometer and temperature gauge. Digital display on instrument cluster becomes unstable for example; large change in kilometre reading or odd characters and or symbols. Initial response is to condem the instrument cluster as faulty, but, generally there are two common causes of these problems.
Firstly, a faulty ignition coil can cause back feed (inductance) through the ECU consequently disrupting instrument cluster operation i.e. fl ickering gauges.
Although engine performance is unaffected it can be assumed i.e. no missfire
for example, assumingly the coil pack is O.K. Secondly, alternator phase shift
introducing a corrupted (Noisey) signal the vehicles power supply can also affect instrument cluster operation, notably this problem affects the digital display on the instrument cluster, however, the alternator warning lamp indicates no apperent malfunction and remains off. If any faults discussed are timely rectifi ed, high probability instrument cluster will return to normal operational state.
Prolonging rectification of causes generally results to terminal damage beyond
repair and replacement remains the only option.


It sounds somewhat extreme and after reading that I was actually thinking of just replacing the coil and alternator in order to protect the instrument cluster as both components are actually relatively cheap to replace (compared to an instrument cluster).


And if anyone knows a code reader that works on an AU Falcon....well, I'd be happy to know about it.

Thanks

The Moose

[FGII-XR6]

this one works on an AU http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/190396645...84.m1423.l2649

[Swedishmoose]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

this one works on an AU http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/190396645...84.m1423.l2649

Arvo mate....


thanks for the quick reply.
That was the one I found as well online but I was so confused with the facts.

The plug on our AU is OBD II compatible but the protocoll of the ECU is coded differently and so on and so forth.

What is your experience with it?
Is there anything it can't do ?

I think data logging isn't possible, right ?


Oh...and have your heard of these instrument cluster issues?
The only thing our LCD display does (odometer) is that it slightly changes the brightness when you have the indicator on (it changes with the rythm and frequency of the indicator relay) and when you step on the brake pedal. The moment the brake lights go on they must use so much power that it influences the brightness of the LCD display.

Well..thanks again

The Moose

[XRGhia]

Yeah, all Falcon's do that..... The old AU Wagon did...

[Swedishmoose]

Originally Posted by xrghiawagon

Yeah, all Falcon's do that..... The old AU Wagon did...

Hi mate...

yeah....I don't worry to much about that but what has worried me a bit was what I have posted above.

I mean that the coil or alternator can cause serious damage to the cluster is somewhat serious and I really don't wanna fiddle with cluster too much.

Even if I had to replace it I would like to put the old odometer kilometers on it to keep our car as originalas possible.
A cluster from the wrecker would be a solution but a re-set of the odometer to the actual reading would be impossible.

Cheers

The Moose

[FGII-XR6]

that unit will only read fault codes and clear them but I hven't found anything else as the AU uses "ford corporate protocol" which has elements of OBD II but is not fully compatible

[Swedishmoose]

Hi there,

that really seems to be a problem with the AU because it is not fully compatible.

But reading out codes and clearing them is very helpful and it give someone at least an idea what could be faulty.


cheers
The Moose

[jfcpeng]

Yes I have a faulty display and changing the coil got rid of backfires. I was told by mechanic to disconnect plug on the display and leave to return to default then put back together and if it does not work get a new display. Thanks for warning me that doing nothing can damage the ECU.