dashboard control dials going off and on while driving

[johnny37]

My dashboard controls have been going off and coming back a few seconds later. Speedo, rev counter, temp guage, etc. Dashboard lights stay on. Sometimes the engine management light comes on. Sometimes the ABS light comes on. Today the battery light came on and stayed on.

What is happening? Ive heard it may need a new ECU. If so are they expensive?

The car is 2003 Focus 2.0litre ghia below average mileage and regularly serviced.

Thanks

[chas2008]

unlikey to be the ECU, it gets blamed for so many things, probably the printed curcuit on the back of the instrument cluster.
Its a common problem on Fiestas & Transits, where the whole instument cluster has to be replaced as the curcuit board is not available seperately, not sure about a Focus but no doubt the same.

[AlBags]

It's likely to be the instrument console. Problems are known with it.
Also check battery and alternator connections.
It will NOT be an ECU.