Interior and Signal lights not working

[GJolicoeur]

I've been chasing a problem with my instrument panel and interior lights.



A week or so ago, my interior lights and the instrument panel backlights quit working. The turn indicator lights on the instrument panel also do not work - however, the turn signals work properly on the exterior and on my trailer when towing.



I checked for broken wires going from the door pillars to the doors and everything is fine. The door open switches work because the console displays the mileage and "door ajar" when each is open individually.



The light dimmer switch next to the headlight switch dims the green flourescent displays on the radio and overhead and on the instrument panel - so it seems to be fine.



The other day, the signal indicators on the instrument panel started working again by themselves. They started with a noise like static coming from the panel, and then worked fine - until I stopped the truck 30 minutes later. They aren't working again.



I've disconnected the negative post on the batteries for 45 minutes or so and reconnected - no change. I've checked all fuses - all fine.



The service manual states that the instrument panel provides the power for the backlighting and overheads in the truck - but I'm not sure if there's a fusible link or something somewhere in between the power coming from the panel and going to the lights.



Anyone have any ideas? Anyone have a problem like this? Am I looking at an instrument cluster replacement?



I'd be grateful for any wisdom on this - thanks.

 

[mc130fox]

Have you had any luck with this issue? I am experiencing the same issue. I get one door opening before the fuse pops.



I think next week I'll be trouble-shooting the issue with a friend. Just what I wanted to do on my vacation!

 

[Mark.Smith]

I have sort of the same problem, with the doors shut the map lights do not come on when you press them. Everything else works fine and the lights come on when you turn them all on with the switch or open the doors.

 

[GJolicoeur]

Your problem sounds familiar. One of my power door locks quit working, and I pulled back the black covering for the wires going from the pillar to the door to find 3 wires broken.



One was broken inside, but the insulation was intact. I added butt connectors and repaired all the broken wires. Now the door lock works.



There's no reason for the problem to stop there though. Wires take power to and from the door open switch to power your interior lights through the instrument cluster. It sounds in your case that perhaps you have broken wires that are shorting on each other or the body and blowing a fuse. Worth checking out.

 

[JoshuaCummins]

I have sort of the same problem, with the doors shut the map lights do not come on when you press them. Everything else works fine and the lights come on when you turn them all on with the switch or open the doors.

I have this exact same problem, and I think I mentioned it somewhere else too.

Found it: Original Thread

I've never been able to find a solution... such a pain in the butt.



I'll be taking apart the dash and door panels soon to tighten things up, maybe some sound mat and new speakers, so I'll look over all of the wires then.

 

[GJolicoeur]

I brought the truck to the dealer today who confirmed that it's the instrument console that's gone. Replacement cost here is $864 CDN. Is there anyway this can be done more cheaply? Do any of you have a line on Dodge dealers south of the border in the US who might be more competitive?



Or perhaps someone knows who the OEM is, and we can order from them?

Just a thought,... Could really use some options before I plunk down the cash.



I thought about getting one from a junkyard, but it would need to be programmed - could the dealer do that for a fee? Or can it only be ordered from the original manufacturer with the proper programming?

 

[LRohr]

I have the exact same problem as you ( now going on for 2 years )

I also took my dash apart , checked grounds / broken wires . found the climate control unit itself ( fan speed , zone controls ) showes signs of overheating (melted plastic ).

During night time driving I use my GPS for speed and a small flashlight to look at the guages



Good luck with the repair , Post up the results

Larry

 

[mc130fox]

My issue was a shorted wire that powered the driver's vanity mirror. I had pulled the driver's side grab handle to repair a damaged retaining clip (handle pulled off the pillar). On installation, I managed to bend one of the locating clips and pinched the wire. Eventually the wire insulation was worn thru and shorted. Took all of the cluster and interior lights.



This was found by a few good mechanics at Jim Manning Dodge in Dinuba, CA. Drove 130 miles to get this kinda service. They also replaced the driver's seat adjuster... all for the $100 deductible on my extended warranty.



SO... if anything was done that may have affected the wiring in the cab, check that first. I wish I could offer more advice if it isn't a wiring problem.

 

[sag2]

Google instrument cluster repair. There are quite a few companies across the country that repair clusters.

 

[GJolicoeur]

So, did repairing the shorted wire fix the problem? Or did your dealer have to replace the cluster?