Problems with 2006 Ford Five Hundred ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Cause unknown- battery light is coming on more while vehicle is running in all modes, local auto store determined it is an electrical problem. they tested the battery, alternator & starter. also noticed that there is a musty smell & many ( if not all) of my metal parts are rusted.

My 2006 ford five hundred is surging there's no power it stumbles shuts off.

This is a long on going problem with the electrical problem that has been going on now for five months. started out having the battery cluster light on & check charging system. found charging a little low, had new alternator installed. then with a week, battery, engine light & airbag light cluster are on, then the fun began, then all the instrument cluster goes off and you have no turn signals, no fans, no radio, no electric windows, no door locks and no break lights, (but break lights do come on when you apply breaks and the back-up lights come on. the system can come and go on and off while moving and setting still. have had system checked and coded, they can not find a problem except that it is a electric problem, had all wiring checked, cleaned. no,frayed wire founf and no defective coupling. again i get it a wire that is grounding and causing problem. all the fuses are ok and know have blown. the only thing i know is this problem was reported to ford back in 2006 or 2007 and they have not put out any recall on it and there dealers know nothing about what to do but they will try and find it at where hourly rate and it could be a hour or several hours to find problem. as i've said this is on going it clear up and last for a week up to six weeks at a time.

Instrument panel shuts off intermittently. days lights flicker.

Car will be driveing 55 and completely shut off. lossing everything including powerstearing. have to put in neutral n coast to side of the road, sometimes will restart, others it wont. also will start bucking and shut off. i can be doing 10mph n go to turn a corner n it shuts off. can seem to run fine, be in the middle of an intersection and the car shut off and wouldnt restar good thing i can drive and knew what to do or i would have crashed numerous times. have changed the throttle body and accelerator, n both sensors. did not fix problem. now saying it's the pcm shutting the car off.

Pulled in drop off a donation at a second hand store. i put it in park and turned off the vehicle; opened the trunk; and looked up startled when a guy sitting nearby said that my car was smoking and on fire (about 10 seconds since i switched the car off and got out). he was on the right, so i moved around the car to the right looking towards the engine. an employee of the store that was on the back, left side of the car pointed towards and said, 'look! your side mirror is on fire!' i then saw the smoke billowing to the left (a strong afternoon breeze was blowing north). i came around and peered in behind the actual 'mirror' part; the fire had just gone out. looking at it, i could see it was the security light on the bottom side of the mirror; it was completely melted and fused to the mirror housing- a bubbly mess of plastic. it smelled of acrid, melted plastic and burned electronics. the underside of the mirror had caught fire and started burning for a bit before the fuse finally blew. i am so glad my baby and kindergartener weren't in the car at this time! they usually are. the length of time of time it took for the fuse to finally blow is quite alarming! it could have resulted in the rapid spread of a fire that would quickly overtake the vehicle. what if i was at a gas station when this happened when their happened to be some petrol-vapor present. my next stop was to get two propane tanks filled. they have to bleed off a certain amount of propane each time when finished filling a tank. it isn't far fetched that this electrical issue with failed safeguards could have resulted in far more injury than my slightly burned fingers. this needs to be investigated immediately before something terrible happens to someone. this is a fantastic car! we love it. this is probably an easy fix, but if it isn't fixed, much worse could happen!

Door froze shut and ever since manually opening the message center states driver door ajar and passenger door ajar and they are not. but i can't reset driver controls until doors show closed. have run code in my car and only code is p0193 fuel rail pressure sensor. no codes for doors.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. the contact stated that the rear driver side tail light failed to illuminate. when the vehicle was placed in reverse, the reverse lights failed to illuminate. in addition, the control panel and driver side blinkers failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired; however, the failures recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

I wasing a were there was a recall on my care untell someone told me. *tr

Cluster constantly gives out, there is a recall in place for the 2005 version which has the same issue but not the 2006. the cluster has been replaced twice already, everything suddenly stops working have received numerous tickets at this point for going over the speed limit because of this issue all cluster gauges stop working there is no way to no how fast you are going. *tr

When i first start my car its slow to give power, often when i drive it on the street it'll just lose complete power and die down. then i have to restart itfor it to temporarily go away then it happens again. *tr

When i am in park or neutral my motor makes a ticking noise. when in drive it hoes away. weird. *tr

During normal driving vehicle dash lights went completely out and then began to flicker while both gauges speedo and tach went left to right on and off repeatedly causing a loss of power on vehicle rendering vehicle unsafe to drive and almost causing collision.. brought to ford dealer replaced alternator and problem still exists after 500 dollar expense. *tr

Cpsc: i1390188a. 2006 ford five hundred. consumer stated the left front head light caught on fire spontaneously while having been parked for 30 minutes in the garage and engine was off. *ln the fire destroyed the left front engine area. the vehicle was totaled by the insurance company.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. the contact stated that the air conditioning unit failed and was blowing hot air. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for inspection. the mechanic drained the air conditioning system however, the failure was not corrected. the mechanic advised the contact that the air conditioning system needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 94,000. the vin was not available.

When driving the car and slowing down the cvt transmission surges ahead and the car goes into safe mode only allowing it to go 20 mph when driving in traffic. many near misses on accidents. have had car into dealer 3 times and still unable to diagnose problem. maintenance service was completed on transmission at 60,000 miles per recommendations. ford motor company stated in a phone conversation there are known transmission problems with this car. dealer states it is the computer causing this unsure who is right. a transmission sensor is being replaced to the tune of $2000. please help if this is a known problem. just had a part in the transmission replaced because there was a recall on it. *tr

I had been having trouble with my vehicle revving when driving on the high way. i received a notice from ford that as a part of a customer program if my car was having trouble they would clean and reprogram. in january of 2013, my local ford dealership cleaned and reprogrammed the throttle body. october of 2014 i was driving down the interstate and my car died. i was able to safely get the car to the side of the road. let it sit, it started and i was able to drive home approximately 25 miles with the car dying a couple more times along the way. i took the car to get looked at and was advised that my electronic throttle body was bad and needed to be replaced. i contacted ford who was of no assistance. i contacted my local ford dealership who said sorry, we can fix it but it will be at my cost. i chose to take my car to an independent mechanic who replaced the electronic throttle body. i have made more than one attempt for ford to acknowledge that the cleaning didn't repair the problem with no success. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. the contact stated that the gauges failed to function and often fluctuated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 90,000. ...updated 11-18-13 *bf

The airbag warning light comes on and then the entire gauge cluster (i am talking about the speedometer, the temperature gauge, the gas gauge, and the tachometer) shuts off completely and comes back on randomly. ten days after initial incident the airbag warning light came on and then the gauge cluster shut off completely and stayed off. the speedometer is the most important part. i have seen several articles online about the same topic, and the belief is that it is due to faulty soldering on the back of the unit. *tr

The car lunges forward or backwards when shifting gears also lunges when coming to a stop very violently. i drive with plenty of space in font of me so i haven't hit anything i'm surprised no one else has either. *tr

I have a 2006 ford five hundred. i purchased it used in jan 2012. my car continually lurches forward while sitting still. the air conditioner will not cool while idling if it is hot outside. i have also had issues with losing all power while driving down the freeway. i will be driving and all gauges will bottom out and then rev up to the highest. my rpms will drop down, the gas gauge will go to empty and at night all electrical lights and dashboard notifications will light up and then go off. i cannot use the air conditioner, radio or anything else when this happens. this is very dangerous and i believe ford should be held accountable for not fixing this issue sooner! someone is going to get into a fatal accident because of this issue!!! losing all power and speed and then having the vehicle lurch forward is dangerous! #scaredmomof3babies! *tr

Car surges on its own, after putting it into gear. *tr

Two problems: 1. car surges sporadically (i.e. when pulling into parking space with foot on brake, car surges as if pressing the accelerator). 2. while driving all lights on dash go out, speedometer and tachometer go to zero. i had the throttle body replaced once (several months later, ford reimbursed me for the cost under customer satisfaction program 12n03. this solved the problem for several months. the problem is now re-occurring. ford has indicated that they will not repair the car again. this seems to be a safety issue. *tr

Dash cluster malfunction for all gauges. at the time of malfunction, reverse lamps turn on. if malfunction occurs at night, dash illumination also shuts down. gauges zero out, top out then flutter at zero. *js have noticed airbag lamp on occasionally. *js

While driving, the instrument cluster bottoms out on the speedometer, tach, and all other warnings - backup lights come on and the instrument panel lights go out.. sometimes it will come back on by pretty quickly, other times it will be that way for a week or more. this is very dangerous and from research i've done is happening to many people. why has there not been a recall to fix the problem? there is a tsb 06-17-9 dated 9/4/2006 but no remedy by ford. also after having the transmission fluid changed at the recommended mileage the transmission then started slipping and had to eventually be replaced.

While driving the car rpm gauge was moving upward even though i was still at steady speed. when i slowed and stopped it appeared to continue to lunge forward. i was able to control since i had some distance from the vehicle in front of me. by the time i reached my destination i was afraid that it had a mind of its own. it settled when i tried to park for it then cut off. there have been numerous events when the car lunged forward or cut off while driving and even when i put the car in reverse. i had three (3) motor mounts replaced and new battery along with the safety sensor. it costs more to repair than general maintenance. i see why they stopped making this car. its dangerous! i am now in the process of getting the throttle body replaced which may not be under warranty. this car should be recalled or we should be compensated for repairs related to this problem. *tr

Instrument panel idiot lights came on and the speedo,rpm and odometer went to zero also traction control shut off. happened when i started the car. intermittently the dash went to normal and then out again a few times. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. the contact stated that all of the warning lamps on the instrument panel illuminated intermittently. the contact also stated that she was unable to shift out of first gear. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the instrument panel was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacture was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 66,000 and the current mileage was 66,100. updated 5/16/12 *cn the dealer informed the consumer the pcm and alternator needed to be replaced. however, 500 miles later, the problem returned.

My ford five hundred throttle just shuts down,with no warning at all. i am afraid to drive it because it may shut down in traffic and some get seriously hurt. i have searched the internet and found more complaints same as mine. the problem is with a throttle body malfunction. some thing should done before someone is killed! *tr

The instrument cluster checks normal on most start-ups, but unpredictably all systems light up showing failure of abs, air bags, traction control, electrical systems, see a mechanic, cruise control and speedometer quits working. the warning lights may stay lit for 2 to 200 miles. and no speedometer. auto zone and my mechanic are baffled and frustrated after checking battery charging circuit connections and grounds. its obviously not safe driving without knowing your speed or if there is a major hazard looming-----like fire. *tr

I was driving my 2006 ford 500, going about 58 mph on the highway when everything on the dash went out -- speedometer went to zero; gas to empty, etc., and the brake light came on. i was frightened that i would not have control of the car. now, by researching on the internet, i find this is fairly common. my dealer quoted me about $700 for parts & labor to fix it, yet many of the anecdotal accounts on the internet say it never occurred again. this seems to be a defect the companies are aware of, it presents a safety risk, and it should be recalled. *tr

While driving my 2006 ford five hundred the cluster of instruments on the dashboard fail and return to their off position. dashboard goes blank, reverse lights come on and air conditioning turns off. this last approximately 15 seconds and then everything returns to normal.. extremely dangerous driving at night with this failure and no turn signals. obviously ford is aware of this problem and could care less until someone gets killed. will never purchase ford again. *tr

This ford five hundred surges or revs up the engine, in forward or reverse, when driving at slow speeds, usually into parking spaces or at red lights. this is a dangerous situation because we have no warning that it is about to happen. i have noticed it is worse if the a/c is on. we have avoided several accidents by slamming on the brake, it will even continue to surge if the brake pedal is held hard to the floor. the vehicle started doing this within the first 150 miles that we owned it. the incidents are unpredictable and dangerous. *tr

2006 ford five hundred. consumer writes regarding premature pad and rotor wear *tgw the consumer stated she heard a grinding noise and/or dragging noise coming from the rear wheels. the left and right wheels needed new brakes and rotors. the consumer stated an extended warranty had been issued for the brakes in 2007, because ford knew there was a problem. also, the blower motor behind the glove box had to be replaced and the rear window defroster was defective and had to be replaced as well. the gasket between the crank shaft support housing was replaced. *jb

Before july 2010 i began noticing that my engine would race up to 1500 rpm while idling. i would always keep my foot on the brake so the car would not lurch forward. then on the 4th of july multiple engine errors appeared on the car computer. the ford dealer diagnosed a throttle body malfunction. after replacement no problem until june 2012. once again the engine is racing to 2000 rpm while idling at a stop. i am sure that this problem is ongoing with some ford products and will some day or has caused an accident. it is not a constant rpm rate but the rpm goes from 700 to 2000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. the contact stated that the air conditioning failed. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the refrigerant control valve failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 70,000.

2010 driving on highway in virginia, car was accelerating on it's own, it was like the car was in control and not the driver. pulled over and car stalled, engine light came on. took car to ford dealer was told throttle control assembly. 52,200 miles had it replaced. contacted ford oct 2010. november 2012 ford issue customer satisfaction program, finally reimbursed 2013. july 2014, 100,457miles same problem again had to again replace throttle control system. *tr

1. traveling out of town on a special 40th anniversary celebration in a 2006 ford 500( has apprx. 64,000 miles on it). 2. while traveling we notice the smell of smoke, thought it was coming from a source outside, no smoke in vehicle, pulled over to investigate, looked under the hood and there was no smell of smoke, proceeded traveling and the smell of smoke continue, passenger notice a small amount of smoke coming from the trunk while looking at the rear window, driver pulled over and popped the trunk, the vehicle became engulfed immediately...80-85% of car was destroyed. 3.nothing. ford dealership that has serviced the vehicle ( over 25 times during ownership) is denying any responsibility. *tr updated 05/26/10 *bf according to the fire report, the fire's are of orgin was in the rear section of the vehicle. udated 06/17/10 *jb

Reference original voq#10301954. my car had a fire in the trunk while we were drivng. the trunk was loaded with clothes and other items. a fire occured and totaled the car. upon inspection by a fire forensic investigator, it was determined the fire originated from a wiring harnes on the right rear side of the trunk that goes to the rear lights. the wiring harness chafed against the body causing a short to ground that led to the fire.

Low beam headlamp socket on the drivers side failed. one of the socket contacts showed evidence of a catastrophic electrical failure - looks like severe arcing, burned plastic, broken socket shell and badly burned pin in the lamp. the lamp itself is still o.k., except for the badly burned pin. about a week and a half later the same thing happened to the low beam lamp on the passenger side. same damage to the same pin in the socket. that lamp is also o.k. except for the burned pin. this would appear to be a problem with the sockets/vehicle wiring, not the lamps. these lamps are mounted quite high and are reasonably well protected so it is unlikely that this is a moisture problem. the cost of the replacement socket from ford is simply outrageous! dealer says this is the first case they've seen of this happening - but i heard the same thing when i had problems with the rear brakes and i now know that certainly wasn't true! has anyone else had this problem? *tr

2006 ford five hundred. consumer states unexpected vehicle movement *tgw the consumer stated if the vehicle was not in park or the brake was not applied, it would move. the engine would spike as displayed by the tachometer and the engine could be heard accelerating. the first time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, they were unable to duplicate the problem. the second time, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, they diagnosed the problem as a bad alternator. it was sending bad signals to the pcm causing the engine to surge. *jb.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. while driving approximately 65 mph, a warning light message appeared on the instrument panel that read, "oil life zero percent change oil." the warning light was constantly illuminated; therefore, the contact could not read the odometer. he attempted to reset the failure, but the message remained. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, but the vehicle was not repaired for this failure. the contact stated that the failure was very frustrating because it was critical to read the odometer. the failure mileage was 54,000 and current mileage was 54,750. updated 07/15/08. *lj updated 07/15/08

I had a 2006 ford five hundred at first i loved that car then the battery stared going dead so i replaced the battery but it still did it so i had it looked at and they told me that it was the alternator going out so i replaced that but come to find out after 2 batteries and 3 alternators it was a wiring problem and finally the wiring problem ended up frying the com[uter in my car and it was going to cost me a whole lot of money to fix it and i didn't have that type of money it was more money then the car was worth i have talked to several people who say that they have had the same problem so a word to the wise do not buy a ford five hundred !!! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. the contact took his vehicle to the dealer for scheduled maintenance and they discovered that the front driver side tire had excessive wear. the contact had the vehicle aligned and the struts changed at that time. the current mileage is 30,000 and failure mileage was 29,000. the consumer stated the tires were only damaged on the left side, and they had to lower the struts and rotate the upper mounts to get vehicle to align properly. the consumer further stated that this no fault of the dealer but that ford authorize 50% reimbursement for the tires and none for the alignment. the consumer provided a copy of the repair invoice. the dealer stated vehicle starts and stalls in the cold when using the remote start. updated 08/07/07 *tr

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph there was a smelled of smoke. the smell may have been coming from the air conditioner. the vehicle was parked for 8 to 9 hours. when the contact return to the vehicle, it was filled with smoke. the fire department extinguished the fire and determined the fire was of an electrical nature and seemed to originate from the wire in the speaker area located in the rear of the vehicle. a fire department report was filed. there was extensive damage to the vehicle. the dealership and manufacturer have been notified.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford five hundred. the contact stated that the instrument panel lights would sporadically illuminate and other times would completely fail. the dealer diagnosed that the cluster panel would need replacing. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 13 and the current mileage was 106,937.

We have a 2006 ford 500 which had the cvt transmission replaced after 4 weeks. the transmission continues to have a significant delay in engaging in reverse. my wife and daughter did not wait until the transmission engaged and have on occasion lurched backwards almost running over her little brother. with the front of the car on a decline the car will roll forward when in reverse until it engages and the user depresses the throttle. olathe ford and a factory rep. inspected the vehicle and supposedly the vehicle is within specs. i don't think so, the car also whines when turning corners. i think the cvt transmission is out of specs. ford doesn't use it anymore, nor do i want to. i have had many fords, this will be my last if this isn't resolved to my satisfaction. the car also has the instrument cluster which intermittently goes out, windshield leaks water and air. answer soon, i am going to bbb, nhtsa and kansas consumer protection. this car is a lemon, i want a working one. *tr