Speedo & rev counter etc go to max when engine 1st turned on

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darren100 - 04 May 2007 12:54 GMT

When I turn the engine on, the needles on the 4 displays (speedo, rev
counter, fuel & water?) all go to their max for about 2 seconds, before
returning back down to zero (or should I say their correct position for
fuel, rev counter and water).

This started in the winter and I thought it was because it was cold
outside, but it still happens. It doesnt happen every time I start the car
- I would say it happens maybe once in every 3 times I turn the engine on.

Has anyone had anything similar before, or do you know what this
signifies?

Cheers

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Chris Whelan - 04 May 2007 14:43 GMT

> When I turn the engine on, the needles on the 4 displays (speedo, rev
> counter, fuel & water?) all go to their max for about 2 seconds, before
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Cheers

Yes, the dashboard electronics are rebooting due to low voltage when
cranking. It will get worse in that it will eventually happen every time
you start; sometimes the trip display will reset to zero. It won't cause
any other operational problems with the car. Mine was doing it for 18
months or so before I got around to fixing it!

Things to check are the main power feed to the fuse block under the bonnet,
the main power feed to the fuse block behind the glove box, and all earth
connections in the vicinity of the dashboard.

If they are OK, how old is the battery? If you are able, use a digital
multimeter to check the voltage across the battery terminals first thing
after the car has stood overnight. Do this before starting it. If it's
lower than 12.5 volts, replace the battery. This was actually the cause
when I had the same fault.

If you don't feel able to carry out the preceding checks, and the battery is
more than a couple of years old you may just want to change it first
anyway.

Let the group know how you get on.

HTH

Chris

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Tony Sutton - 04 May 2007 20:58 GMT

> When I turn the engine on, the needles on the 4 displays (speedo, rev
> counter, fuel & water?) all go to their max for about 2 seconds, before
> returning back down to zero (or should I say their correct position for
> fuel, rev counter and water).

It's telling you to replace the car battery.

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- Tony Sutton
- http://www.fordst170.co.uk

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