Instrument cluster lights flickering

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Habbibie

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2005 expedition w/ 125k

noticed this been happening today all day, the instrument lights on the cluster and radio/hvac controls keep flickering, they don't actually turn off and on but more like continuously dimming rapidly.

This only happens when the exterior lights are on and while only in park. If I turn headlights off it stops flickering, if headlights are on and I'm idling on drive it doesn't happen so I'm semi confused here on what to look into.

I'm thinking the alternator is giving out and this is the first indication but I'm not feeling too strong about that.

Any clue on how to go about this?

Thank you to all in advance
 

stamp11127

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Classic sign of a failing/sluggish voltage regulator. But before condemning it, check the connections to it for signs of corrosion or looseness.

You will need a scope to verify since a dmm doesn't allow you to set a sample rate.
 

Ed_Strong

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Before taking stuff apart and trying to undo anything... first give the "Dimmer Wheel" a go..!

Just increase and decrease the intensity of the interior illumination a few times and see if it stops flickering!

It just tends to collect oxidation if its not used periodically and starts loosing good contact.

Another easy test for the Alternator Voltage Regulator is to walk around the truck while having the parking lights on and see if the parking lights dim excessively or flicker while turning other accesories on and off while increasing RPMs or at idle!
 
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Habbibie

Habbibie

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Ok will do that tonight I'll report back with results
 
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Habbibie

Habbibie

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Well playing with the dimmer wheel seems to correct the problem so far.

Thank you.
 

Ed_Strong

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Yup, my 2000 Ford Windstar does this like every 8 to 12 months after it catches some oxidation on the contact surface... a quick toggle up and down on the dimmer wheel takes care of it! At first it would freak me out thinking that the Alternator, PCM or wiring system would be on the fritz. Glad it worked, very cheap, fast and easy fix, right?
 
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Habbibie

Habbibie

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I wouldn't say cheap it's free haha but yea great info thank you.
 
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