general problems of the 2005 Ford Five Hundred

While driving dash lights, speedometer, tachometer, gas level, and temperature go out for several minutes at a time. Reverse lights come on and airbag light comes on. This is dangerous; unable to tell speed! per internet research this is happening in several Ford models and stems from a bad solder joint.

Instrument cluster intermittently went dark and/or gauges went to zero/off positions, we pulled over to see if exterior lights worked and all did, as well as blinkers and flashers, but we noted that reverse lights were now on. It has recurred a few times, its most noticeable after dark as dash lights go black. Only light on dash was the airbag light. I went online & found info on a technical service bulletin "TSB 06-17-9 09/04/06 - intermittent instrument cluster", it does not appear to be a recall item so assuming any repairs are entirely owner cost ?.

Similar issue as in pe07058. Instrument cluster fails for extended periods. In this time I have no instrumentation available, speed, rpm, fuel, etc. Multiple warning lights illuminate, including airbag. All interior lighting dims significantly. Reverse lights illuminate even while in park, or driving forward.

Low beam bulbs and plugs are not safe. They have melted and malfunctioned on both sides. This should be recalled. I have photos of the driver side. I worked on the passenger side plug/bulb connection several months ago, but thought it was an isolated incident. Now the plug on the driver side has burned up as well. I have somewhat dramatic photos that I can send you. Steve.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. The contact stated that the gauges on the instrument panel would become inoperative and all of the warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the rear reverse sensor would only operate while the vehicle was in drive and the reverse lights would continuously illuminate while in drive. The dealer performed a hard reset on the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000 and the approximate current mileage was 80,000.