electrical problem

[missey15]

Been trying to figure out an electrical problem for some time now. Let me tell you guys what is going on and maybe some one can help me out.

I have a 2003 7.3 powerstroke that the windows, radio, reading lamps,and glove box light will just go on and off randomly. Some times it will go off for just a minute or so and other times it stays off for fourty-five minutes or longer. I took it to the dealer and they said it is either a ground problem or the instrument cluster. Every now and then you can tap on the instrument cluster and it will come on. If this was for sure the problem I would pay to get it fixed, but no guarantees and it cost about $800 to fix. I was just wanting some more input if anyone else has had this problem?

[lug]

Up under the instrument panel (center) there are grounds points (G201 and G202) that the items you listed have their ground wires end. That is where I would start looking for corrosion or loose connections causing your blinking lights. As far as the instrument cluster goes it gets its illumination power from your main light switch. It may be easy to use the headlight switch or glove box light to trace the black ground wire.