check gauges light

[jeddards]

I've had a question I thought wasn't too terribly important, but someone else mentioned it in the TDR (issue 40). I have a 2003 4 dr H. O. 3500 with the 6 spd DRW 2WD 3. 73 LSD and at freeway speeds 65 - 75mph I get the "Check guages" light flashed at me.

It only happens momentarily, never stays on and none of the gauges are reporting anything bad. It appears to happen totally at random, but I've noticed it generally at cruise. Or at least if it is happening during "maneuvering" my attention is elsewhere and I haven't noticed it. At night it can really grab your attention and leave you wondering.

It was happening before the C02 reprogramming and continues now after. I had hoped they would have been related somehow, but I guess not. I just recently turned 5,000 miles and I thought it was a quirk specially devised for my entertainment, but if this is something others are experiencing too, this can't be a good thing. Any suggestions, fixes or TSB's??

 

[sag2]

There was a TSB issued, but I don't recall the number. They were also having some trouble on certain vehicles, so it might be another CD or so before the dealer can do the flash on every vehicle. Have your dealer look it up for you and they can tell if the have the proper CD.

 

[lschultz]

Its been discussed on hear. Last I heard from my dealer they have not got the new re-flash for this yet that is suppose to be the almighty cure. I have about 15000 on mine and it has done it probably 8-9 times. Has not done it in a couple thousand miles.

 

[MMeier]

Took mine to the DEALER today for various things , one being the TSB on the check gages lite and when they attempted the fix they somehow managed to fry my instrument cluster!!! So now while I'm waiting on this they stuck me in a Chevy half ton gasser wannabe truck!! (After I told them in no certain terms that a Neon or Stratus was not going to work!!) Business Link covers the $45 a day for this thing!! Oh well what next??

 

[jeddards]

check engines light

Although a fryed dash isn't worth it :{ and being caught driving a Chevy is just not going to happen, I do feel for you guys. I'd be more likely to remove the bulb before doing either of the afore mentioned things.

As for the problem occuring only 8-9 times, I must be living right or something as I get this on an almost daily basis and multiple times then. Once I notice it it repeats sometimes while I'm watching it directly. That's what's so unnerving about it.

I believe it is a bad spot in some sender/sensor somewhere sending a momentary 'no contact/connection' signal to the ECU, but which one and where is a mystery.

 

[Shortcut]

Talk to the Dealer that did the Flash.

Do you have a RAZ radio? The CD/cassette?





I Flashed my Instrunemt Cluster. The Tech that Flashed yours probably did not read the complete TSB...

You have to remove the ABS Module fuse and if it is a RAZ radio, remove/disconnect the radio so that neither try to talk to the Cluster and interupt the Flash.

You might want to bring that to their attention. I bet the Service Manager doesn't know about the fuse and radio thing.





Sorry to hear about your truck.



Shortcut

Snellville GA

Metro Dodge

 

[MMeier]

According to the dealer they did the radio and ABS thing but were not aware you also have to disable the E-Brake in order to do the flash correctly, anyway let's see what happens next week.

 

[wanderson]

Check gauges light + cracked upper alternator bracket

I to have had my check gauges light flash on then off very quick. It seamed to happen in the rain. My upper alternator bracket is cracked and I just had it replaced. When talking with the tech that replaced the bracket, he seamed to think that the check gauges light might be coming on when the belt slips slightly causing a sudden drop in voltage. This drop is just enough to make the check gauges light flash, but does not set any codes. Because there would be alittle less tension on the belt from a cracked bracket, this does make some sense. I'm going on a trip that will cover about 3000 miles in the next week. If the theory works I shouldn't see my check gauges light come on anymore.

 

[Kilby]

Re: Check gauges light + cracked upper alternator bracket

I dunno man. A cracked bracket would have to move an awefull lot to allow the belt to slip. You have a spring loaded belt tensioner on that engine that should take up any slack that bracket could possibly give. Unless it broke all the way off that is.

 

[wanderson]

Check gauges light still comes on. The alternator bracket was not the problem. I drove 2750 miles and the light flashed on twice.

 

[Prairie Dog]

It seems like if the voltage drops so low that the computer notices it and turns on the light then it would also set a code.

I've got 12k now and my light has also only flashed 8 or 9 times total.

 

[khorn]

check guages light

I've not heard of the CO2 reprogramming, is that a CA only action or?? I have 1300 miles on my 03 and no check light yet.

 

[MMeier]

Wanderson , first off find a new tech, CO2 has to do with the engine revving problem, alternator bracket and the check gages are two more seperate items to deal with!!! Mark

 

[Casey Balvert]

The amount of cracking that I have seen on the brackets would not cause any loss of belt tension. It is possible, I suppose, once the bracket cracked completely allowing the brocken ends to over ride each other but even then the tensioner would probably take up the slack. I think these brackets were broken from the get go. I just never noticed until someone drew my attention to it.



I think the "Check Gauges" light is just a computer glitch. I have noticed it once only. And it in no way affected the operation of the vehicle. Personally I am not worried about it. Just my two cents.