All gauges stopped working and back-up lights on when ignition is on.
2005 Ford Freestyle electrical complaints
Page 5 of 6: complaints 101 to 130 of 142, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have had this problem from about 2 months after obtaining the vehicle. And I currently have 49500 miles approx. The vehicle will lunge going forward or backwards, stall at times, clunking noises. Have taken vehicle in many times, and was at one time nothing wrong. Then ford dealer replaced some part in engine. While the vehicle was running and A/C was on in park, placed in reverse vehicle lunged again then the fail safe notification along with the wrench came on. Took vehicle to dealer as I was told to bring it back when it was happening again. They told me today that it was the throttle body and map sensors that need to be repaired as they mechanically failed I have an extended warranty and it is not a covered item which for both items will cost almost $1500 which should have been covered under the comprehensive coverage of any extended warranty as it is part of the engine and working comprehensive parts. I know of at least 100 people in my area that have had the same problem with the throttle body, yet ford will not do a recall on this as it is considered a fire/safety hazard as the map sensors are on the manifold which controls the fuel. If you review the internet you will find many people with the 2005 ford freestyle are having the same problem with these items and should be a national recall on it.
Started car and put in gear then it lunged forward with foot on brake. Turned car off for a moment (15 seconds) turned back on put in reverse and it lunged backwards into a pole (thank god someone wasn't behind me). Failsafe engine mode light came on, a wrench and check engine also showed up. As of now car is being towed to dealer. It is not under warranty. 96 k miles.
Electrical ground connection failure 2nd repair within 70,000.
2005 ford freestyle with 54k miles. Instrument cluster intermittently goes completely dark. All gauges including speedometer stop working. Happens randomly about 2 times per day. Taken to ford dealer who looked up tsb (06-17-9). Charged $750 for parts and labor. No responsibility taken by ford for this obvious and dangerous manufacturing defect. This is an all to common problem in this year vehicle should be recalled.
I own a 2005 ford freestyle with 33,200 miles on it. I bought it new. In late march 2010, the needles on the gauges started sweeping down to zero and the car lost power. Then the car regained power again. This happened 4 times in the last two weeks. The last time it happened I was driving down I-85 at 55 MPH with tractor trailer trucks directly in back of me and also along side of me. The gauges swept and the car lost power but the power did not come back and I was barely able to get the car to the side of the road. It had to be towed in for service. Of course, ford said it was not covered under my warranty and I would have to pay to repair 'cluster' failure. This was extremely dangerous as I had my 3 yr old granddaughter in a car seat in the rear passenger position. If I had not been able to get the car off the highway, the probability of being rear ended by another vehicle was high. That stretch of I-85 is highly traveled by commercial vehicles. Tractor trailer's cannot stop quickly. My granddaughter could have been killed. I did some research and learned that the federal safety agency defect investigation peo7058 has not resulted in a recall of the 2005 freestyle. At what point does the federal safety agency determine that a 'defect' is serious enough to warrant a recall? And is it fair that I have to pay to correct manufacturer's defects?
It started with the instrument cluster acting funny the guages dropped to 0 and jittered after a few seconds they went back to normal ... Now my reverse lights stay on and the cluster doesn't work for longer periods of time.
We own a 2005 ford freestyle. Over the last 4-5 months we have had issues with the instrumentation panel "going black". This has caused the vehicles reverse lights to come on and stay on. It was happening about once every few weeks and has increased to a weekly issue. We have to unhook and rehook the battery to temporily fix the problem each time. A mechanic indicated it is an issue with the electronic cluster controlling the instrumentation panel. Upon searching multiple sites this seems to be the most frequent non-recall issue for this year/make/model car. When it happens while driving the vehicle instrumentation goes crazy, the car bucks, and the reverse lights come on. I have been told it is a component problem with the mother board which is a defect and even replacing it will not necessarily fix the problem in the long term as this could occur with the new electronic cluster as well.
Request to re-open the federal safety agency defect investigation #pe07058 - instrument cluster failure: electrical system: instrument panel the federal safety agency should re-open the federal safety agency defect investigation #pe07058 because the car's reverse lights incorrectly turn on during this problem and seem to be related this issue. Ford's own technical service bulletins (tsb #0662 and tsb #06179) even state that the reverse lights are part of the problem. We have seen this problem first hand. My ford 2005 freestyle is experiencing the instrument cluster failure problem researched in the federal safety agency defect investigation #pe07058 and causes the car's reverse lights to come on while car is driving forward or in park. We have witnessed the reverse lights come on while the car is in park and also when the car is driving forward. This is in contradiction to the defect investigation that said the exterior lights were not affected. Quote from #pe07058: "... Ford states, "the vehicle's exterior lighting would not fail to illuminate even in the event of power interruption to the cluster because the exterior lights are powered separately and do not rely on any signal from the cluster."additionally, odi contacted complainants who affirmed the intermittent condition and that none of the exterior lights on the subject vehicles would be affected by power interruptions to the instrument cluster. Here are ford's technical service bulletins that contradict your research findings: tsb #0662 -- intermittent instrument cluster gauge sweep/reset - multiple warning lights on - reverse lights on - vehicles built before 2/17/2006. *tt (the federal safety agency id #10019951, january 01 2006) tsb #06179 -- intermittent instrument cluster operation - including gauges sweep/reset - multiple warning lights illuminated and/or reverse lights stay on. This applies to vehicles built before 02-17-06. *kb (the federal safety agency id #10021037, no date provided).
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. He stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a turn the entire instrumental panel stopped working. The RPM needle began moving rapidly, yet the panel did not illuminate. The failure has occurred twice a day on a daily basis. The dealer stated that there was no warranty and they were unable to duplicate the failure. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 38,000. The current mileage was 57,222. Updated 11/16/10*bf the consumer stated he has ran out of gas several times, because the gas gauge was not accurate. Also, the instrument panel would become dark. Updated 11/23/10
2005 ford freestyle w/87,213 mi., purchased used with 87090 miles. Driving approx 40 MPH, slowing to stop, put turn signals on, no turn signals. Noticed check transmission & air bag lamps lit. Pulled over, shut the engine off & took key out, speed still registering a speed of 40 MPH. Cycled the car on & off 3 times & then the check engine light came on. In transit to dealer & the entire instrument panel lights, then sweeps thru all the warning lamps, the reverse gear taillights & the brake lights light, then the check engine lamp lights & no gauges register, incl speed!! Dangerous!! This cycle repeated approx 3 times before check engine came on steady. Called dealer & told to put on hazard lights & bring car in asap. Was told today that the entire instrument panel must be replaced, but that this is no guarantee that the problem won't occur again. Weather at time of incident was dry, temps in upper 40's.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The instrument cluster shut off and all of the warning lights illuminated which also caused the headlights to flash on and off. He noticed the malfunction on a frequent basis and over time it has become progressively worse since may 2008. He had not taken the vehicle to the dealer when the complaint was filed. A local mechanic stated that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. He called the manufacturer and was told that because there was no safety recall, they could not assist him with the repairs. The current mileage was approximately 88,000. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. After starting the vehicle, the entire instrument panel and headlights failed without warning. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle has not been inspected at this time. The failure mileage was 60,000. The current mileage was 63,000. Updated 01/05/10 *bf updated 01/06/10.
The instrument panel flips on and off at random intervals causing the car to jump into "safe mode". If this occurs at high speed the car bucks and becomes uncontrollable until it slows down below 40mph. In a possible related issue the battery light continuously flickers on and off even with a brand new battery installed. The alternator appears to charge when ever it feel like it and not continuously. There are so many electrical issues in this car I will not let anyone in my family drive or ride in it. With on 64000 miles on the vehicle none of these problems should be occurring. I fear a major accident each day I get in and drive it work.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. She stated that the speedometer gauges failed intermittently as well as the dashboard, air conditioner, tail lights and RPM gauges. While driving approximately 25 MPH she attempted to make a right turn into a garage and the turn signals failed to operate. Due to the failure a vehicle following her nearly crashed into her. She has reviewed the technical service bulletins and the federal safety agency action number: pe07058 investigation which was closed in 2008. The contact is aware of the safety risk and the possibility that a crash could occur. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were under 41,000.
I was driving the veh normal and all of a sudden the rmp jumps really high following this my veh shuts down, wrench light comes, and the fail safe engine mode displays. Also, when the veh is put in park and shut off, then back on again the light disappears, and everything appears normal. Today would be twice this has happened so after reading other reviews with same issue found out its throttle body that needs replaced. I will call dealer tomorrow to find out more, but why isn't this part on recall. Hope its covered under powertrain :(
Instrument panel went dead.
The dashboard instrument panel fails regularly and all gauges (speed, gas, temp, etc.) fall to zero. The dashboard and other interior lights also do not work when this happens. At first, it happened intermittently and would work most of the time, but not all. Now, it happens regularly and I have driven several times without knowing my speed or fuel level. Sometimes the computer resets. At times, the gauges resume working within a minute, other times, they do not work for the entire drive, leaving me with no way of knowing my speed or fuel level and now way of seeing inside the car when it is dark. I did some research and found a tsb on the issue at ford, but it is expensive to fix and really is a safety issue that should be covered because of the lack of knowing the speed and fuel levels. I brought it in yesterday and it will cost $750.00 to fix.
We recently purchased a 2005 ford freestyle. The dashboard gauges will randomly all bottom out for a few seconds, and then come back on. This happens at least once nearly everytime we drive. Occasionally the gauges will 'freeze' where they are and the dashboard lights (including odometer) will go out. This lasts for a few seconds, and when the lights come back on, all of the gauges bottom out for a few seconds and then come back on. While trying to figure out what the problem is, we discovered that there is a common defect in the gauge cluster and an online search reveals hundreds of complaints about this. There is an open investigation, but no recall to date. This is a safety hazard despite what ford says, not knowing how fast you are going (even if it is just for a few seconds) is dangerous, but the worst part is the distraction when you see your gauges going crazy out of the corner of your eye. Distracted drivers are not safe drivers. The dealer tells us they've changed dozens of these, and the cost is nearly $900! For and the federal safety agency know this is a problem, ford should take responsibility and make it right.
While driving the instrument cluster and lights would randomly go on and off and engine would shut down. This occurs on a regular basis, making the vehicle unsafe. The problem is a cold solder joint on the "crystal" located next to the four sided processor chip on the printed circuit board. Ford is aware of this problem and sent out a tsb to all of it dealers in feb 2006. There is currently a 6 month backlog of the part to repair this problem due to so many occurrences. The problem also locks out the shift locking mechanism preventing the vehicle once placed in park to going into gear or neutral for towing. The problem starts out with just the dash instruments flickering but progresses to the problem I have outlined above.
2005 ford freestyle_- bought in 2007 has approx 19,000 miles on it bought extended service warranty for upto 100,000- approximately june 2008 check engine light came on and information center said "half fuel life op" took to dealer they changed out the fuel pump and the light came back on about 1 week later while on vacation. Took it back to the shop they changed out the other fuel pump as it has 2. It did it again shortly afterwards. They have changed the sending unit and then the fuel gauge started freaking out- showing half a take when full and going up instead of down after driving it. It has had the software redownloaded in the computer and I don't even know what all. It has been in the shop well over 30 days and is in there again for the same issue.
Instrument cluster and PCM failure with 2005 ford freestyle (tsb06-17-9). Both items need to be replaced. Manufacturer, ford motor company, will not assume or acknowledge responsibility or liability for replacement of defective parts.
While driving my car the instrument gauges will loose power and all read zero for approx 10 seconds. The air bag light will also come on. This has happened approx 20 times in the last 4 weeks. The car as a result of this has stalled 2 times.
Instrument cluster had several power interruptions - all gauges momentarily went to zero several times and the check engine light illuminated. Vehicle would surge until instrument cluster power returned to normal. Dealership replaced instrument cluster - not under factory warranty.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. On march 30, 2008, while driving 50 MPH, all the instrument panel gauges dropped to zero. Approximately 1/3 of a mile later, the failure recurred, but the gauges returned back to normal. The failure recurred for the third time a short while later and the wrench light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to have the oil checked and was informed that there was no error code. Approximately three days later, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the service center, but they found no failures. On april 9, 2008, the failure recurred for the fifth time and the vehicle began to jerk. Afterwards, every red warning light illuminated. The mileage dial began moving sporadically. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and they could still not find any failures. They finally concluded that the failure was related to the instrument cluster. The vehicle is currently at the dealer. The VIN, purchase date, engine size, number of cylinders, and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage was 67,000 and failure mileage was 66,000.
Lost operation of instrument cluster and when this occurs the back-up lights operate. The danger is when power is lost in the instrument cluster you do not know your speed, this is crucial when driving through school zones. The back-up light cause people behind my car to believe I am backing-up. Also when driving at night, the instrument cluster looses power. All this is a distraction to driving. I have ordered the part to replace instrument cluster. The dealer informed me it will take over a month to receive the part.
2005 ford freestyle. Intermittently turns off (engine stops, loss of electrical power) while the vehicle is being driven. Most often occurs while turning. Reported to ford dealer, they state they cannot fix because they cannot duplicate the event. Corporate and got same response. I requested that ford dealer install video-data recorder and assign vehicle to service technician to drive daily, so that event data can be recorded and analyzed. Service manager stated that he would not place the life of his service technician in jeopardy by driving a vehicle that looses operational power while driving. Evidently, ford does not have a problem placing my life or the lives of my family in jeopardy, however. *jb updated 01-14-08.
2005 ford freestyle is having intermittent dash board problems. Gauges on digital dashboard will go to zero for no apparent reason while driving. Speedometer will show zero even though the vehicle is traveling at 60 MPH.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalls intermittently. While idling, driving at high speeds, or turning at low speeds, the vehicle shuts off. The instrument panel lights illuminate when the failure occurs. On three occasions, the vehicle was towed because it failed to restart. While driving 60 MPH, the safe mode engine indicator light illuminates. The dealer has performed multiple diagnostics and cannot duplicate the failure. The current mileage is 49,000 and failure mileage was 43,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off completely and had to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that the vehicle had several error codes. The contact stated that the vehicle was now repaired. The current and failure mileage were 48,000.
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