Ford F-150 Gauges Are Going Crazy – Why? What Could Be Wrong?

If you own a Ford F-150 and its gauges start malfunctioning, you may be wondering about the cause of this issue and how to fix it. Luckily, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found. 

Problems like a blown fuse, bad alternator, faulty sensor, and defective instrument cluster can cause Ford F-150 gauges to go crazy. The following are things you can do to tackle the issue:

  • Replace blown fuse
  • Check the battery terminals
  • Scan the car
  • Check for wiring problems and bad connections
  • Call a mechanic

When the gauges of your Ford F-150 start going crazy, make sure to deal with the problem as soon as possible. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to fix a Ford F-150 with faulty gauges.

Ford Puma is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by Ford. It has unique interior design. - Ford F-150 Gauges Are Going Crazy - Why? What Could Be Wrong?

Why Are My Ford F-150 Gauges Going Crazy?

There are different reasons why your F-150 gauges are going crazy. Here are some of them:

Blown Fuse

The fuses in your F-150 electrical system are the primary component of its safety system. In the event of a short circuit that generates an excessive amount of electricity, they will "blow," thereby protecting the electrical system of the vehicle.

A short circuit can cause damage to a vehicle's electrical system. It can also cause a fire. As a result, the fuse will blow to avoid this incident. When this occurs, it may result in problems with the functionality and operation of your gauges, and they may start going crazy.

Bad Alternator Or Loose Battery Terminals

When a battery terminal is loose, it disrupts the flow of electricity. The electrical systems and the instruments will receive less power as a result. If the gauges are not getting the correct amount of electricity that is required for them to function properly, they go crazy.

Additionally, if the battery terminal is loose, the car's electrical components, such as the navigation system, the car lights, and the audio system, among others, can become less effective or stop working entirely.

There is also the possibility that the alternator is defective. When this happens, the battery will not charge properly. Your Ford's entire electrical system, including the battery, may struggle to function properly when the alternator is bad, which in turn might cause the gauges to go crazy.

Faulty Sensor

An auto mechanic holds a faulty car cooling system pump that drives coolant, white background, isolate. Regulations for replacing the auto pump, background

A sensor is an intelligent gadget that monitors the status of a vehicle and delivers information to the user (via the ECU) to know when adjustments need to be made.

It will automatically adjust the engine settings when it detects a certain circumstance. The component controls various aspects of a vehicle, such as its temperature, coolant system, oil pressure, emission levels, etc.

If your Ford F-150 has a faulty sensor, it will cause the many components controlled by these sensors to function erratically. A faulty sensor can impact your gauges' operation, send incorrect information, and possibly cause them to go crazy. 

Defective Instrument Cluster

After performing all of the required tests, if you are unable to locate any issues with the car's wiring or sensors, then it may be that your F-150 has a malfunctioning instrument cluster. There are a variety of problems that might lead to faulty instrument clusters. 

Wiring Problem

Electrical wires can be thought of as the car's veins. If one of the car's electrical wires breaks, electricity won't be able to flow through the rest of the system, and your gauges might not receive the power they need. 

This issue is often caused by connections and switches that are either too loose or rusted. A problem with the wiring in your F-150 may cause the gauges to behave erratically.

What To Do If Ford F-150 Gauges Go Crazy?

Repair of the fuse box of the car engine by improvised means. Urgent repair of faulty fuses with a coin. The theme of cars, auto repair shops, repair.

The following are actions to take if your F-150 gauges start going crazy:

Replace Blown Fuse

Changing out a blown fuse is one of the more straightforward solutions to issues with the gauges on your F-150. Most car manufacturers position fuse boxes conveniently because they know their customers may want to replace blown fuses independently.

To check the fuse, turn off the automobile. Check the owner's manual or the fuse box cover to determine which fuse is associated with the gauges that are not functioning properly. 

Pull out the fuse that you suspect is blown and inspect it. Fuses are sensitive! It is not a good idea to pull out the fuse with pliers unless you have very steady hands and have been doing this for a considerable amount of time.

After checking the fuse and identifying the blown ones, you can then go ahead and replace them with new ones.

Check The Battery Terminals

Battery terminals in the car's engine compartment

Check and inspect your F-150 batteries. It is possible that the battery in your car has a problem. Also, check to see if the terminals on the battery have come loose.

If the battery terminals are loose, the entire vehicle could be damaged because they are the point of contact between the battery and the electrical system of the car.

To maintain or restore the vehicle's full performance, the battery terminals should be repaired or replaced if they become damaged. The battery terminals should be tightened when they become loose and replaced when they show signs of wear.

 Scan The Car

You can scan your F-150 with a scan tool if you have access to one. The first step is finding the diagnostic connector, which is frequently located under the dashboard or next to a fuse block.

The location can differ depending on the model of your Ford F-150. It can also be hidden quite deeply. Sometimes the diagnostic port can even be concealed by a panel or socket. If you are having trouble finding it, the owner's manual should have the precise location listed.

Once you have located it, turn off the ignition and insert the scanner into the connector. Then start the engine. At that point, it might ask you for some details. The VIN, the type of engine, or other data may be required.

The code reader will then be prepared to start working at that moment. While other scan tools provide you the ability to read the issue codes or view additional data, the most basic device will just offer any stored codes. With this, you can quickly pinpoint the source of the issue.

Check For Wiring Problems And Bad Connections

Finding automobile wiring and electrical issues is not a simple process for a typical automobile owner. However, with a multimeter and a little soldering, some owners might be able to resolve the F-150 gauge issues.

Verify that your wiring connections are in order and without any abnormalities. You will need an ohmmeter or a self-powered test light to check the continuity of the wiring.

Call A Mechanic

After doing the techniques outlined above, if you are still unable to repair your vehicle, your next best option is to consult with an auto technician or take your F-150 to a repair shop.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Ford F-150 Gauges? 

Volvo S70 Instrument Cluster at night

Repairing the gauges on F-150 might cost between $300 to $1000. However, the replacement cost will go up if you have a trained technician perform the repairs for you.

Additionally, the cost of repairs can range from low to high depending on your location and the model of the Ford F-150 you have.

How Do I Reset My Ford F-150 Instrument Cluster?

The vast majority of instrument clusters come equipped with a reset button. All you have to do to reset the instrument cluster on your F-150 is press, hold, and then release the reset button three times in a row.

When you perform this action, resetting the instrument cluster will begin. Alternatively, you can try the manual process:

  • Remove the battery terminal.
  • Unplug the electrical connector of the instrument cluster.
  • Reattach the electrical connector to the cluster.
  • Reconnect the battery terminal.

Can I Drive A Ford F-150 With Faulty Gauges? 

Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck at a Ford dealership.

You don't need the gauge to drive your F-150. However, a long ride would be unsafe. If you are doing a lot of long-distance traveling, it's important to have all your gauges working properly.

Additionally, in some places, it is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle without an instrument cluster. That is why repairing your gauges when they're not working is essential.

To Wrap Up

If you notice that your Ford F-150 gauges are going crazy, it could be the result of a blown fuse, bad alternator, faulty sensor, and defective instrument cluster. To fix the problem, you must replace the blown fuse, and check the battery terminals or connections.

Don't hesitate to contact a mechanic if you can't solve the problem on your own.

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