Instrument cluster/LED problem on 2004 Taurus

[delaware642]

Hi all,

Hopefully someone can give me insight on this issue. I've got a 2004 SES w/duratec & floor shifter, 80,000 miles (I think!). About a few months ago the green "LED" section in the cluster that displays the odometer and trip computer started cutting in and out. Sometimes hitting the top of the dash brought it back. It also started making a high pitched buzzing sound. Well last week I started the car and it was totally blank, although still making the buzzing sound. All other parts of the cluster still work fine. At night, with the dimmer all the way up, I can see faint "dashed lines" in the LED display so it still appears to be getting power.

Ford dealer wants $550 to replace the entire cluster which I think is BS. I read on an F-150 forum that it might be one of the little connections on the circuit board on the back of the cluster that seperated, and can be soldered back together.

Has anyone experienced this? I was inclined to just let it go, as I intend on running this car in the ground. I drive a consistent amount of weekly miles so I can do my maintenance based on time. However, it is apparently a state requirement to have a working odometer for inspection.

Is there any way to fix this without going to the dealer? I got pretty far into taking the dash apart with no issue, although I had to use a ford radio removal tool. Didn't want to take the cluster out until I fully knew what I was doing.

Thanks for any advice.

[shorod]

Sounds to me like it would be worth taking the cluster out and inspecting for cracked traces and solder joints.

-Rod