2002 Dodge Ram Help

[Chris 69]

Not sure where to place this topic:

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 V6, 5-speed. Everything has been working fine until this morning. When I started the truck, it runs fine, but the instrument cluster, turn signals, and other lights do not work.

Any idea what the problem is?

Also, if available, please post a fuse list so I can pinpoint the fuse for the cluster.

Thanks,

Chris

[Todd Wilson]

Not sure where to place this topic:

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 V6, 5-speed. Everything has been working fine until this morning. When I started the truck, it runs fine, but the instrument cluster, turn signals, and other lights do not work.

Any idea what the problem is?

Also, if available, please post a fuse list so I can pinpoint the fuse for the cluster.

Thanks,

Chris

The instrument cluster dont work or the instrument cluster lights dont work?  The instrument cluster gauges are all electronic controlled via computer. If its just the lights you are talking about theres a chance a fuse has blown. Get your owners manual out and check. Probably your taillights dont work either. They used to be on a common circuit. I had a problem one time of my 95 Ram similiar situation  that one of the wires in the plug in for a trailer had come loose and created a short blowing a fuse. I had to take the plug in out by the trailer hitch area and reconnect. The wires are just long enough to attach and its a real pain to fix.

In 2002 things really changed on the trucks and some of the common things that have been shared over the years changed so this is just a guess coming from me.


Todd

[Chris 69]

Thank you Todd,

The gauges do not work as well as the instrument lights.

Also, the signal and interior lights do not work. The head lights come on automatically, but when the truck is off, turning on the headlights using the switch does not work.

I do not have an owner's or repair manual as I bought the truck used. It looks like I had better buy a repair manual.

Could it still be a fuse? If so, which fuse number?

Chris

[Chris 69]

Well,

I went out and checked the fuses. All are good.

Any idea what else could be the issue?

Chris

[Finn]

Just out of curiosity, try holding down the trip while turning the key to the on position, usually it will turn on ALL dash lights and make the gauges move. Just wondering if this still works though I doubt it, sounds like something got fried  .

[Chris 69]

Just out of curiosity, try holding down the trip while turning the key to the on position, usually it will turn on ALL dash lights and make the gauges move. Just wondering if this still works though I doubt it, sounds like something got fried  .

Thanks Finn.

Tried it, nothing happened.

[Dave22443]

I wonder if there could be a block connector or something loose?  I've never had the dash out on my '98 Ram, but I assume that there is some sort of main wiring connector to the dash?  Maybe its the source of the problem???  (I'm only guessing here)

[Chris 69]

I wonder if there could be a block connector or something loose?  I've never had the dash out on my '98 Ram, but I assume that there is some sort of main wiring connector to the dash?  Maybe its the source of the problem???  (I'm only guessing here)

Thanks Dave.

I am thinking about pulling the cluster tonight to check all of the connections. It doesn't seem to be too difficult of a task to do, but I've never done it before.

Chris

[pettyfan43]

I worked in a Dodge Dealer in parts in 02, The problem is in the cluster itself. They fixed the problem on 03 up but the 02s had cluster issues.
We had a bunch come in and get new ones.

Good luck but I would bet that is the problem and EVERYTHING runs through the cluster on those things!

[Chris 69]

I worked in a Dodge Dealer in parts in 02, The problem is in the cluster itself. They fixed the problem on 03 up but the 02s had cluster issues.
We had a bunch come in and get new ones.

Good luck but I would bet that is the problem and EVERYTHING runs through the cluster on those things!

Thank you pettyfan.

Is the cluster easy to replace myself if I buy a new one?

[pettyfan43]

MAn I can't tell you, it's classified!!!    Actually I worked in parts so I have never put one in. Sorry

[Chris 69]

OK, I took out the cluster (it was alot easier than I thought) and tried jiggling and reinserting the plug.

When reinserting the plug, sometimes the dome and cargo light would flash but they would not stay on. I would have to remove the plug completely and reinsert it to get the two lights to sometimes flash again. Jiggling the plugs did nothing.

It does not seem like a loose connection as jiggling the plugs did nothing.

Any thoughts? If I replace with a new cluster, does the new cluster have the 02's problems solved?

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[Chris 69]

I have tested the fuses, connections, etc. with the help of one of the electrical engineers from my office.

Result: Cluster needs to be replaced as pettyfan mentioned.

A couple more questions:

A new cluster is ~$500 to $600. I see used clusters on ebay for ~$50.

1. What other years will work with my 02 Ram 1500, V6, manual 5-speed?
2. Would the dealer have to program the used cluster for my truck?

Thank you,

Chris