Archived 2001 Dodge 3500 Cummins. No Cluster, No Start

[CConley]

2001 Dodge 3500 Cummins. No Cluster, No Start FIXED!

I just had my truck towed home. No symptoms or problems previous to today. Came out of store and the truck won't start, Gauge cluster is dead and radio won't turn on. OBD 2 can't link because it's not getting power signal at DLC with the key on. Batteries are near new, all other electrical seems to work fine. No clicking or anything when attempting to start. Checked both fuses on left side of dash that are cluster related, there not burn't, swapped starter and ASD relay with others, didn't help. Any thoughts? Thank you, Chris Conley - Northern California 916 208 0558

 

[CConley]

No Turn Signal or wiper function, Hazards work

 

[BigPapa]

Has anyone done ANYTHING to the truck lately?



Check the main 140amp fuse. There are 3 connectors right above the master cylinder on the fire wall. Disconnect, clean, and reconnect them and try again.

 

[CConley]

I Rebuilt the alternator, the turn signal switch and headlight switches were replaced with new factory parts.

 

[CConley]

This work was performed in November 2011, no problems since.

 

[CConley]

140 amp fuse is intact. Connections are corrosion free.

 

[Sticks]

Check fuse #2 (IIRC) in the PDC. little 1/2" square bugger. Ignition fuse 30A.

For that matter, check all fuses in the PDC. There are 2 main fuses that feed the ignition switch, that in turn feed all the fuses in the cab. I don't remember if there is a main power relay in the PDC, look for that as well.

 

[BigPapa]

I had one of those fuses that had come apart inside. It looked fine, but you had to push it to one side in order for it to make contact. Took it apart and sure enough, the little sqiggly fuse part was loose from the connector. When you pushed it sideways, it would make contact.

 

[CConley]

Both 30 and 50 amp fuses in the PDC are good. I removed the plastic cover to verify they're intact. The 10 amp ignition fuse in the dash fuse box is good. This is particularly puzzling as the truck ran perfect prior to shutting it off last the time. Could the ignition switch somehow fail without feeling faulty when actuated? I'm beginning to suspect the switch itself.

 

[Sticks]

Both 30 and 50 amp fuses in the PDC are good. I removed the plastic cover to verify they're intact. The 10 amp ignition fuse in the dash fuse box is good. This is particularly puzzling as the truck ran perfect prior to shutting it off last the time. Could the ignition switch somehow fail without feeling faulty when actuated? I'm beginning to suspect the switch itself.

That is a definite possibility. Those little box fuses make it a PITA to verify that you have power coming in and going out.



Next step is to pull the steering column apart and check voltage going to the ignition. Be real careful around the yellow wires (AIR BAG!). Might be a good idea to pull the air bag fuse and let it sit for a spell.

 

[CConley]

Would a neutral safety switch failure give any of these symptoms? I wouldn't think the gauge cluster would be affected by this switch though.

 

[Sticks]

No. NS switch will only prevent the starter from engaging.

 

[CConley]

I figured it out. The main power into the ignition switch (red) has broken off from the connector. This is likely due to tilting the wheel. By design (poorly) both the ignition and turn signal stalk wiring harness's are subjected to bending and pulling every time the wheel is tilted. Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I appreciate being able to fix my own stuff with your help. Chris

 

[Sticks]

Glad you found it!

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I have something similar to this today. Truck ran fine this morning and in fact 2 minutes prior it started just fine to pull it into the shop. I shut it off and hooked up an exhaust hose to run it awhile and warm it up so I could chase down a coolant leak and went to start it and CLICK .....like a starter issue. I tried it again and no click. Tried it again and no power to anything inside. Let it sit for 30 seconds or so while I cjecked fuses and opened the door again and had power to the cab lights and all instrument panel worked but again a single CLICK with a turn of the key.

Now I have no power to anything except my quadzilla gauge that turns off and on with the key like it's supposed but nothing else. I also have a weird and fairly rapid click click click under the dash that is connected to the door light switch. If I push it in or unplug it it goes away but so no power to anything.

I checked all the fuses and they are all good. Both batteries are good. I am getting no ground coming out of the PDC. I have 12v at the red wire coming in but when i check voltage across them both I get 0. The big black wire next to the red wire should be a ground, right? And I should have power there all the time, right?

This issue makes no sense to me whatsoever.
Any and all ideas are appreciated!