Common Ford Super Duty Instrument Cluster Problems
The Ford Super Duty has been one of the top-selling heavy-duty trucks in America for decades. Over 81% of workers in the waste management industry, 78% of government workers, and 53% of highway and street construction workers use the Ford Super Duty. Popular for its durability and capability, the Ford Super Duty is still prone to small issues over time. One of the most prominent issues is with the instrument cluster.
Common Ford Super Duty Cluster Failure Symptoms
- Gauges sticking or not giving the correct reading
- Intermittent power to radio, power windows, or interior dome light
- Intermittent power to all gauges
- Sticking or stuck gauges
- Low fuel indicator on at all times, and fuel gauge reading empty
- Odometer blank
The Super Duty instrument cluster was designed so that several interior accessories receive power through it. This means that when the instrument cluster fails, other accessories such as interior dome lights and power windows will act up. If this issue occurs, it can also create a battery drain issue.
The typical root cause is the failure of the relay that provides power to the cluster. When it fails, power supply will become intermittent. When this issue occurs, the gauges may not be operable or may read incorrectly. The door locks, dome lights, power windows, and radio may begin to lose power as well. If you have this problem, replacing a relay is a simple DIY job.
Sometimes, the gauge needles on your Ford Super Duty’s instrument cluster will begin to stick or even get stuck permanently. When this occurs, the first place to check is the fuse box. It is possible that a blown fuse is the culprit. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the correct fuse.
If the fuse is not blown, however, then the problem likely lies in the instrument cluster. The Super Duty is known to have faulty stepper motors which can cause gauges to be stuck. You can read more about stepper motors and the anatomy of a gauge cluster here.
What To Do When Your Super Duty Cluster Acts Up
Image Credit: Ford-Trucks
Driving with a faulty instrument cluster is disconcerting. It is imperative to get it fixed or replaced as soon as possible. If you're encountering any of these issues on your Super Duty, and you have ruled out the relay and fuse, your best bet is to replace your cluster with our OEM Replacement Cluster. Replacing the cluster in your Super Duty can be done in your garage or driveway with basic tools. You can read our guide on how to replace an instrument cluster here.
ISS Automotive has been distributing and remanufacturing electronic automotive components for over 70 years. All orders above $99 shipping within the continental US receive free shipping. Have a question? Call at 800-548-1195 for support.