2013 xlt 4x4 5.0 engine. 112000 miles. I'll try to keep it brief but descriptive. Problem first showed up a year ago. The display in the center of the tach and speedo goes dark. The radio display and radio itself goes dark. Both can go out individually or at the same time. One can come on and the other stays off. When this happens the HVAC fan goes to full speed regardless of it's setting. Also blows hot air like the heater is on even if the AC is selected. Happens for 5 to 30 seconds and goes back to normal. Then the cycle repeats. May do it 10 times in a half hour trip, may do it once. Everything else works, lights, signals, cruise control, etc. Signals do not make the clicking sound but they are working.
Can be sitting in the driveway or driving 70mph, doesn't matter. Dealer has had it in twice, they've seen it mess up. They said it has codes showing loss of power to the instrument cluster, but aren't convinced that will fix it. They don't suggest I spend $1500 to see. They have not charged me anything for trying to figure it out. The ONLY common denominator is that if I drive it every day, it doesn't seem to mess up. But if it sits in the garage for even 24 hours it has the problem. I don't usually drive it to work and keep a float charger on it if it sits for more than a few days. The alternator and battery check out fine. Has anyone else out there seen something like this?
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Potential ground issue, got any rust? checked body/frame grounds? grounds in engine bay? pulled passenger sill in cabin to check wiring condition there?


Do you have any codes? i'm guessing not as the dealer should have checked.

If you open your door and put the key in the ignition without turning it, do you get chimes going off? if not, if you wiggle the key, do they start working?

Are you saying that the battery dies if left for a few days without driving? How old is the battery, do you have a light on the P for park if you have a center console shifter?

 

I'll try opening the door with the key in...I almost think I've noticed it not chiming before, but not sure.
Battery doesn't die if it sits awhile. It would sometimes show the message about turning off the radio etc because of battery saver function. But that's been awhile. It sits more than it moves so I got the float charger. I have a long work commute and my Hyundai gets 2.5 times the mpg. Plus I don't want to buy another $50k truck so I'm trying to save it as long as I can. And yes I do need a truck at times. Rust isnt an issue. Doesn't snow much here and if it does it stays in the garage.
I would hope that they checked grounds and such.

 

So I just checked the key. It does not chime until you push in on the key from it's normal resting spot. Also you can slightly rotate it counter clockwise just a bit and it will start chiming. But as soon as you take pressure off the key it is silent.

 

If you can check body codes, you'll probably find a key in open circuit fault (see below) you likely need a new lock cylinder, kit is about 60 for a motorcraft part.

 

Thank you very much for the advice.

 

Fixed video embedding.

 

Well it been almost a year since the instrument panel acted up. But since it did last week I bought the ignition module and installed it today.
I can't say for sure that it fixed everything yet, but the chime works when the door opens with the key in the ignition. So thats better than before at least.