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Dodge Ram Lighting and Electrical Problems

2456710

Comments

  • marshwalkermarshwalker Member Posts: 5
    4x4,318, not sure about the tranny, 148,000 miles.
  • marshwalkermarshwalker Member Posts: 5
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    I'd start with the Auto Shut Down Relay. They've been known to cause this problem.

    Regards,
    Dusty
  • ramhead1ramhead1 Member Posts: 15
    Hi... I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.2 liter. My High beam indicator is staying on at all times...After I unplugged the daytime running light module years ago, the high beam indicator never came on...I have kept the connector dry by wrapping in plastic, and it is still dry...Also sometimes my speedometer does not work and the check engine light comes on...This all just started today. Has anyone else had this problem? And where would I start to look? Any info would be appreciated...Thanks
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    The speedometer not working is typical of a failed rear differential speed sensor on RAMs.

    I haven't a theory about the high beam indicator. May I assume that the high beams are NOT on?

    Regards,
    Dusty
  • ramhead1ramhead1 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the response... No, the high beams are not on...The indicator stays on even with lights off... As I said in previous post, when you disconnect the daytime running light module, the high beam indicator does not come on at all, though the high beams work...It seems like all these things are related as they all started at the same time... I'm almost thinking the main computer is starting to go... Do you know how I can check engine codes without buying one of those diagnostic things....Thanks
  • lectriklectrik Member Posts: 4
    Service Engine and ABS lites are on .

    I recently replaced the (VSS) speed sensor at the trans housing rear, it had no ohm reading & now puts out a voltage 2-4 volts depending upon the engine RPM.

    *** THIS SENSOR HAS 2 WIRES ***
    and no voltage is present at the connector going to it. ***

    There's another wiring harness with 3 wires half way down the trans towards the engine , ... I think this is for the neutral \ park switch ???
    and doesn't apply.

    From reading posts the rear end has a sensor that needs to be checked .
    What will that sensor be tested for ?(ie: volt / ohm ) ??

    I've located the PCM ,.. on the fire wall .. it has 3 connectors one being white , .. which one is for the trans & rear end cable to test for an open in the wiring ???
    After that the PCM is beyonnd me.

    Also , there's no fuse for Daytime Running Lights , but was this standard for my truck and something to be concerned about ?
    TIA.
  • lectriklectrik Member Posts: 4
  • joecamelusjoecamelus Member Posts: 1
    Recently my 2002 ram with the 4.7L engine and 45RFE transmission started giving me some very wierd symptoms. Hopefully someone will have an idea. Everytime I am at a complete stop, I put my foot on the brake and my speedometer jumps around. As long as I am moving the speedomoter works fine, but if i am in stop and go traffic, my brake warning light and ABS light comes on. I tried to have the codes checked, but even when the light is on, no codes. Any ideas?
  • ramhead1ramhead1 Member Posts: 15
    I just replaced the rear differential speed sensor in my 98 Ram 1500 4WD. The speedometer still does not work. I understand there is another speed sensor in the transmission. One is an emitter and one is a receiver.I don't know if its worth replacing this one also, or just take it to someone who can check codes and fix the thing. Is the speedometer all electronically controlled, or is there still a speedometer cable involved? Any help would be appreciated...Thanks
  • soundssounds Member Posts: 7
    Hi, the rear a/c blower motor does not work when the switch is turned on any of the speed settings. I checked the switch with a meter and checked all the fuses. The front air and blower motor work fine. Any help ? Thanks. Would you know where the rear blower motor is located so I may check that also?
  • maddyloumaddylou Member Posts: 3
  • ramhead1ramhead1 Member Posts: 15
    Just an update...Took my truck to the dealer.. They said they could not duplicate customer complaint..I get that a lot at dealers..They drove it for a total of 1 mile..They said speedometer was fine.. While I was having my air conditioning recharged, I noticed 4 wires coming out of the fuse and relay box in engine compartment were broken and 1 was barely made, together by just a strand.. I figured this may be a problem..Repaired the wires and all is now working fine...So much for the 5 star Dodge dealer... I even told them I thought it was a wiring harness or connecter.. By the way this is Cortese Dodge in Rochester, NY...Thought you guys might want to know...
  • vvoylesvvoyles Member Posts: 1
    I have had the Lamp Out Light on for the last couple of weeks. I've replaced fuses and a couple of burnt out bulbs. But I still have it on.

    Last time I took it to a dealership I was charged $600 for them to replace a cab light. I think I have an electrical issue because I've noticed that when I hit a patch of rough road, my stereo system dies and that light comes on intermittently. Is there something I can do about that?
  • sojo41sojo41 Member Posts: 2
    hi all first time user. i have a 97 ram 1500 4x2 with a 318.recently lost low beams and im going nuts trying to rectify this problem.ive replaced all fuses, minis and in the pdc except for the 120 amp alternator fuse.replaced headlamps,multi function switch and dimmer switch although i didnt replace the harness that came with it. ihave turn signals, marker lights ,and high beams if i pull the multi function switch towards me.so far this is costing me close to 200$ any feedback would be greatly appreciated
  • gturdnngturdnn Member Posts: 2
  • gturdnngturdnn Member Posts: 2
    I am in need of a power distrabution center for my 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Turbo Diesel I have exhausted my resources.
  • rickmamorickmamo Member Posts: 2
  • rickmamorickmamo Member Posts: 2
    Where is the closest Place I can tap into the Speed Signal Input Wire on my Dodge Ram 1500 qc?

    I am installing a Pioneer AVIC-Z2 and and this is the only wire I don't know where to connect, everything else is connected (except battery and harness clip) And in case you were wondering how a double DIN fit in a DIN 1/2 opening,...I also modified dash so it would fit.

    Thanks in advance
  • standrfdstandrfd Member Posts: 2
    Bill, I am also having problems with my brake lights, keep blowing one on the left rear. But this is also causing other problems, when I replace the light i start getting an
    alarm everytime i press on the brake pedal, then the other day it switched from the brake pedal to every time i pressed
    on the accelarator. Finally the blub blew again so now I'm just going to let the "Lamp out " light and let the alarm
    go off for the few seconds. I hate to take it to the dealer and they will cost an arm and a leg to try and trace it out. Did you find out what your problem was yet>>
    Fred
  • standrfdstandrfd Member Posts: 2
    woyles,
    Dont have any help on you problem as am having a similar
    problem.
    Am also having problems with my brake lights, keep blowing one on the left rear. But this is also causing other problems, when I replace the light i start getting an
    alarm everytime i press on the brake pedal, then the other day it switched from the brake pedal to every time i pressed
    on the accelarator. Finally the blub blew again so now I'm just going to let the "Lamp out " light and let the alarm
    go off for the few seconds. I hate to take it to the dealer and they will cost an arm and a leg to try and trace it out. Did you find out what your problem was yet>>
    Fred
  • ted92ted92 Member Posts: 1
    I replaced battery 4 days ago thinking that would resolve the prob. It only takes about 1 hour and the battery is totally dead I had the alternator checked and they said it was ok and charging good. Its was checked on a Load tester. SO now when I go anywhere I disconect my batt cable if I need to stay longer than 5 min.
  • dodgedriver1dodgedriver1 Member Posts: 3
    1998 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT, Cummins 24 valve, 75,000 miles.
    The 20 amp fuse in the stop light circuit keeps blowing. I can replace the fuse and the stop lights will work but at some stage in a short drive the fuse blows. With the truck stationary it seems OK. I have tested continuity on the circuits from power source to multi function switch and discovered no problems. I have checked to high level stop light and all appears OK. I have replaced the stop light switch with a new one but the problem still persists. I have run out of ideas so please, what do I do/check next? The wiring schematics show that from the multi function switch to the rear lamp units the brake lights circuit shares the turn signal circuits. The turn signals are not affected and work normally throughout.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Since you have a 2500 Cummins, I'm going to make a safe assumption you also have the towing package. Check the brake light wiring for the trailer hookup - that can affect your main circuit in the manner you're experiencing.

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • dodgedriver1dodgedriver1 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the tip and you are correct, I do have the factory fitted tow package. I will check it out tomorrow and let you know the result.
  • dodgedriver1dodgedriver1 Member Posts: 3
    Nice try but no prize!!! The tow package checks out as far as I am able to tell. This problem is obviously a dead short caused by movement of the truck. I replaced the fuse after checking the tow package circuits and drove to the end of the driveway (200 yards). The fuse had blown!! Maybe it's time to sell the truck??? Only joking but now I'm totally out of ideas.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Wow... definitely a bad short somewhere in the circuit... something tells me that will take an electrical specialist to trace it.

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    I think you're going to have to get under the truck and inspect the full length of the wiring harness looking for a spot where a wire is contacting ground (frame or sheet metal).

    Regards,
    Dusty
  • dpkiefferdpkieffer Member Posts: 1
    My instrument cluster has been shutting off and displaying a NO BUS message meaning it is not communicating with the rest of the vehicle controllers. This problem used to go away with a swift thud to the dash panel. However, the problem is getting progressively worse and is becoming harder to correct with my fist.

    Since the instrument cluster goes on/off with a impact, I believe the problem is the cluster itself. Any suggestions...?
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    The message means the cluster is not communicating with the PCM.

    Check for poor connections to the instrument cluster. If the connections are good the cluster is a prime suspect.

    Regards,
    Dusty
  • bob170bob170 Member Posts: 1
    I just had the same problem. Every thing works but the dash. I have seen several thins mentioned here but a solution. Anyone know for sure. I also checked my batt just with a meter and it shows 12.15. Could it possibly be a bad batt.
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    The 12.15 volts at the terminals sounds a low for a fresh battery, but not for one that's got some time on it. Also, be aware that there is approximately 15-75 miiliamps being drawn by the onboard computers. The most accurate method would be to remove the IOD fuse and/or disconnect the battery cable from the battery before measuring.

    Best regards,
    Dusty
  • clarky3clarky3 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    I'm having a problem with no tail lights or parking lights on my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.7l Brake lights and headlights seem to fine, all fuses and relays are good, seems to have lost a ground to the relay, if anyone can give me some advice it would be much helpful
    Thanks
  • jturpyjturpy Member Posts: 2
    I have a similair problem with my 00 dakota. After pulling a trailer with bad wires I had a problem arise. I now have no tail lights and no instrument panel lights. I have check all fuses, I even went ahead and replaced the headlight switch box and still nothing. Any ideas ?? anyone?
  • jturpyjturpy Member Posts: 2
    I have figured it out on my own.
    After removing my hookup for my 7 pole trailer plug, retraced the lights and re-installing the light switch. I then re-re-re and yes re checked the fuse I finallaly found a blown fuse for the PARK LP 15amp. Ya how stupid do i feel know! Now I will have to try a new hook up for my trailer plug and Re wire my entire trailer wiring!
    Yah
  • wgzip22wgzip22 Member Posts: 3
    I'm having the exact same problem on my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. Did you find a fix for this problem?
  • engineer alengineer al Member Posts: 7
    I have a '06 Ram 3500 with most of the bells & whistles, including adjustable pedals. Lately, my brake lights have been staying on after I park the truck, until I lift up the brake pedal to shut them off. This is obviously a PITA, and one of these days, I am going to forget and melt the sockets from bulb heat issues. I had a look, but can't see an obvious way to adjust the switch stroke or pedal spring tension. Should I just replace the switch? Or, does anyone here have any experience with the same issue on this series of truck?
  • calwarnercalwarner Member Posts: 1
    I have a lamp out message on my dash. Neither of my rear brake lights work, however the single, upper brake light near the roof on the back of the cab does work.

    I have checked all the fuses and bulbs--they are good.

    Any ideas?
  • bigjerbigjer Member Posts: 5
    if you have a trailer light hook up drop your spare and check you wires. i had the same problem with mine and i had to replace my break light switch to.
  • bigjerbigjer Member Posts: 5
    take a crecent wrench and bend the tab that holds you stop light switch until it goes out
  • bigjerbigjer Member Posts: 5
    the problem my be with you starter it might be shorted out and draining your battery
  • bigjerbigjer Member Posts: 5
    as far as your break lights being out if you have trailer light hook up drop your spare tire and check the wires i had the same problem with mine
  • scooter19scooter19 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2002 Ram and I have lost the Cluster panel and all gauges, lights, turn signals, emergency lights, brake lights, windshield wipers,and interior lights. Head lights and tail lights must be on some type of backup system because as soon as you turn the key on they come on. The only brake light that works is the one on the back of the cab.Has anybody else had this same issue and if you have what was the issue.Thanks
  • blowinsmokeblowinsmoke Member Posts: 3
    Hey guys - I have a problem.. The drivers side rear door will not unlock using power. I bought a new lock and hooked it up and nothing. All the other doors work fine as does the power window etc on that door. Anyone have any ideas..? - Thanks a lot
    Oh and it's an 04 3500
  • lloydsgllloydsgl Member Posts: 3
    i have a 2004 Dodge Ram 5.7L
    The cruise control works fine below 60mph. Once i go above 60, if the cruise is set, it shuts off. If i'm traveling over 60 mph, the cruise lamp will not even turn on.
  • jpuziojpuzio Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500.Trouble with Tail and park lights not working and Cluster panel and all gauges, lights.I put a breaker fuse in fuse panel and it just keeps going on and off. Any ideas ?? Thanks
  • magnumram360magnumram360 Member Posts: 3
    wow you are def my hero because i have the EXACT SAME PROBLEM and everyone thinks that im stupid because they think i cannot run lowbeams with fog lights has anyone helped you with this yet? ive spent like 1.5hrs with my buddy and checked every single fuse all are good including the 2 "15amp"s for the left and right headlights
  • magnumram360magnumram360 Member Posts: 3
    OK, i have a 1999 dodge ram 1500 (360 mag) just tonight i lost my low beams... Fog lights work, parking lights, high beams, everything except low beams does anybody know what the hell could be wrong with this?? mabe i missed a fuse? is there even a specific fuse for low/ high beams??? please feel free to email me directly i need some help with this ---rusty_mail@comcast.net---
  • wgzip22wgzip22 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab 4x4. My parking lights haven't been working for almost a year now. I've tried replacing the headlight switch, fuses, and relay. No luck. I have been able to turn them on by jumping the relay. If anyone has any ideas of what it could be I would love to hear them. I've heard that it could be the forward control module? Does anyone know where it's located? Thanks, Bill (bgill1@verizon.net)
  • scooter19scooter19 Member Posts: 2
    In response to your parking light issue I have a 2002 dodge ram 1500 and lost all lights and cluster panel and the power comes thru the front control module which is on the side of the fuse box under the hood.If this is your problem I have been told by Dodge that it is 214 dollars and it has to be programmed to your V.I.N number. It could not just be as simple as buying the part and putting it on. I hope this info helps.
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