2002 instrument cluster | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
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2002 instrument cluster

  • Thread starter Thread starter dwisdom
  • Start date Start date
My instrument cluster had to be sent to upper State New York for repair. It came back presumably repaired but still did not work. I was then told I had to have the ignition key replaced. It was done and seemed to solve the problem but at a cost of $4000 for all work done. Leave me wondering if the instrument cluster was in fact needing repair
David
 
I have a 2002 and had the same problem. I took it to a shop, not dealer, and they had the car for a week and determined it was a computer module, not the instrument cluster. It has worked properly for over 3 years and cost about $800. All I can say is good luck. By the way, when I'm told about the "service" the dealer offers, having been in the business of raising cattle, I think about 'service being what a bull gives a cow.
Phred'.
 
Hope we can get input from all those who have had experiences with getting different modules replaced or repaired.

This list is an attempt to put many possibilities in front of users to possibly shorten their search/decision making. None can be construed as a recommendation but rather beginning info from which to investigate.

The following nomenclature list
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Restraints Control Module
ABS Control Module
Front Electronic Module
Rear Ambient Lighting Control Unit
Remote Keyless Entry Module
Instrument Cluster Module
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module

(2018) just added this as a source:
https://carcomputerexchange.com/ford...d/cat_258.html 888-875-2958


this is the one that provided the PCM that got me running again.
http://www.fs1inc.com/

Spoke to THIS GENTLEMAN at length and said module had to be sent to him. No shelf stock and might take two or three attempts at the right one. Both Links will get you to the same Company).

http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html 734-228-8679
https://ebay.us/iBkiek/

ECMS at (877)-687-3267. They sell rebuilt electronic modules

http://www.ecmtogo.com/fordecmecupcm.htm 954-514-7751 or 844-326-8646
http://www.autoecu.com/


www.ecmdepot.com 866-983-6688
http://www.automotivemodules.com 734-228-8679


http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...A1789053F.html
800-913-6027
 
I have a 2002 and had the same problem. I took it to a shop, not dealer, and they had the car for a week and determined it was a computer module, not the instrument cluster. It has worked properly for over 3 years and cost about $800. All I can say is good luck. By the way, when I'm told about the "service" the dealer offers, having been in the business of raising cattle, I think about 'service being what a bull gives a cow.
Phred'.
Which module?
 
The only thing in the cluster that will keep your car from starting is the PATS system, this module is in the cluster and is responsible for reading the chip in the key. First thing try a different key if you have spares, if not contact a locksmith to cut you some and program them. You do not have to go to the dealer for programing and if you have to good keys you can program your own additional spare keys. I have seen these systems stop recognizing a key or all the keys, a relearn of the keys usually fixes this and most locksmith have the scanner to do this. $4000 to fix a cluster WTF try circuit board medic they went through my 05 cluster for $170. A quick note if you swap clusters, say you find a used one, the keys will have to be reprogrammed to that cluster. I put a spare cluster in mine while the original was being worked on, when the original came back it had to be reprogrammed again.
 
The only thing in the cluster that will keep your car from starting is the PATS system, this module is in the cluster and is responsible for reading the chip in the key. First thing try a different key if you have spares, if not contact a locksmith to cut you some and program them. You do not have to go to the dealer for programing and if you have to good keys you can program your own additional spare keys. I have seen these systems stop recognizing a key or all the keys, a relearn of the keys usually fixes this and most locksmith have the scanner to do this. $4000 to fix a cluster WTF try circuit board medic they went through my 05 cluster for $170. A quick note if you swap clusters, say you find a used one, the keys will have to be reprogrammed to that cluster. I put a spare cluster in mine while the original was being worked on, when the original came back it had to be reprogrammed again.
Thanks for the information. I'm so thankful for this forum. After 8 months, I got my car back today. I was going to have a locksmith make a new key, only to find out they had already made one when the pcm was repaired. The locksmith did not get my message and came out anyway. He tried the key they had and jumped the battery and the car started. Everything was working. He said more than likely the car had sat for 2 months dead and somehow it reset the modules. I just think the battery was dead after they got it started 2 months ago and they should have replaced the battery like I ask. Nothing was wrong with the instrument cluster.
 
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