My 03 MCS (113Kmiles) developed a strange instrument cluster problem. When I start the car, the gas and the temp gauges don't go up immediately. Rather, they rattle at their "rest" position for about 2-3 seconds (I can actually see the needles trying to go up, but they can only move 1 mm up and down) and then get released.

Anybody else? What can I do to solve this?

Thanks!

 

battery

 

Yes, it's your battery. When I had that problem, it didn't look like the battery problem. I was able to run without problem for a long time, but eventually my battery was gone and after replacing a new battery, I haven't seen any rattling gauges. I think you still have some time, but be prepared.

 

Thanks for the replies. Battery, eh?

I'll be prepared; which battery should I pick up? Any favorites?

Thanks again!

 

I'll also agree with the battery. It happened for a few months until my stock one died. Replaced it with an Optima red top. Four years later now, it's been doing it again in cold weather. It actually did it last winter too but went away in summer. I'm guessing it's a low-voltage alarm of sorts and occurs during cranking as the high starter load causes a voltage drop to occur.

 

Wow, same issue here. All the gauges in the Chrono Pack rattle on start up, battery shopping I will go.

Thank to all for posting and responding.

 

Battery for sure, I noticed this recently and the battery crapped out on me 3 days ago. (oem batter was from 2002 LOL)

I went with the duralast gold from autozone. Fitment was perfect in every way, I was super happy with it. Price was $125

Bolted in perfect, the oem vent tube hooks up exactly like the OE battery, even the OEM battery terminal cover for the + side fits back on like oem.

 

Thanks for the information. Is there a specific model that I should look for, or just "Duralats Gold" ?