I have a 2004 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 l. I am experiencing the instrument cluster gauge needles fluctuating even after I have the car off. I took the battery in and they said it was no good. Replaced it and still had the same issues. I also tried to drive the car and it dies if I put it in reverse or drive. I ran the engine in park for about two minutes and it shut off on its own. I am not sure if this is a coil issue or what it is I'm kind of confused. There was a message on the screen that said " fuel cap". Could a bad fuel cap cause these issues? If anybody can help me I would appreciate it. I'm not sure what the instrument cluster gauge issue and the stalling issue has to do with one another? This seems to be a very specific electrical/electronic problem that I'm not schooled to deal with.

 

How about if you checked the connections for cleanliness and tightness starting right at the battery cable connections then moving in to the grounds and the power distribution box OR Central junction box (fuse /relay panel).

 

The instrument cluster problem was related to a switch in the third row. The passengers were pushing the switch at the same time I was and there was a buzzing noise afterwards and a wire came loose which I am assuming was a ground wire. No more issues with the instrument cluster. The stalling when I hit the gas pedal was a result of a bad fuel rail pressure sensor. I had to take the intake off to get to it. It fixed the issue of the stalling.

 

Thanks for the update.