Possible Gauge Cluster Issue, Radio and Windows Out

[firedawg2008]

So I picked up a 1 owner 03 Expy the other day, nice ride, better than my 02 Eddie Bauer I think. Anyway not long after driving the radio went out and noticed the power windows stopped too, they do come on from time to time then fade away again. Sometimes if I slap the top of the dash over the gauge cluster it'll come back on. Took it down to a mechanic and he checked the wiring, plugs and the relay, they seemed to be fine and he said that Ford had issues with the gauge clusters back then. There are some companies that rebuild them online for a decent price and its a lot better then $600 for a reman plus programming by Ford. Does this cluster issue sound right, does it control all that and would it be worth sending mine in? I would hate to line Fords pocket for another faulty part. Thanks all

 

[bedrck46]

The problems in the instrument cluster was in the first Gen's and involved the odometer light.
I haven't heard of any problems with the second Gen's instrument cluster.
Looking at the prints for your 03 there is a switch associated with the instrument cluster that is also in the radio circuit and window circuit The switch is part of the Accessory delay relay circuit
It could be possible that there is a bad solder joint on the cluster board that is causing this problem. If this is the case the board would need to be repaired but should not require reprograming