Focus (02) Temp & Fuel Gauge - sit halfway when ignition off

[Andy 308GTB]

Sorry for such a tediously dull question...

When I switch the ignition off, the temp & fuel gauge initially drop back to zero but then bounce back to the halfway mark and sit there. Exactly as shown in this 25 second YouTube clip that I found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7WrU_rGE78

Unlike the guy who posted the video I am positive that this is draining the battery.

I've tried disconnecting the battery to reset the ECU etc but this didn't work.
My next plan is to remove the entire unit, dry it out, clean the contacts, spray with WD40 etc

Any thoughts or ideas?

[tomwest2002]

Did you find out what the problem was? This was happening on my dads car but now the fuel gauge has stopped working completely. The battery kept dying and the lights on dash kept flickering. Did you have them problems too?

[Andy 308GTB]

Hi,
This was such a long time ago, I can't remember exactly what I did to resolve it. But I do know that I didn't do anything drastic.
I think a new battery played a big part in resolving it. That and resetting the dash board display, using codes that can be found on some of the Ford Owners forums.
Sorry not to be more helpful.
Good Luck!

[Poynter87]

A few of the mk1 focus rs owners have had this issue and it usually is one of two things either the battery is on its way out as a new one has sorted the issue for some or it could be condensation on the back of the instrument cluster as the boost and fuel gauge sit halfway if I leave the car standing for a couple of weeks but if its used every week it doesn't do it and this has only happened since fitting a new battery and coincided with the time I stopped using it daily.

[Waituprose]

I have this problem with my 99 Mk 1 Focus. It only occurs after the car has been sitting unused for a week or so in damp weather: last winter and now. I was always suspicious that it was draining the battery and so disconnect everytime I'm not going to be using the car till the next day or so. When I reconnect and switch on the ignition all the needles swing around as usual then settle but the engine light glows half on and flickers till the engine has ticked over or been driven for about 5mins. I would put the fault down to condensation too. This time of year in cold and damp the seats and seatbelts are damp and some of the carpets, and the car smells fausty. Thinking I might try pointing a hairdryer at the instrument cluster?