Check Gauges....

[cummins_crewcab]

Alright so I'm pulling my 14k pound gooseneck with my trail rig on the back from Johnson Valley to Bakersfield. While cruising on flat desert around 65mph I got a 1/2 second burst of "Check Gauges" light on the dash. It was literally just a quick flash. The gauges were fine, nothing out of the ordinary. It happened again about an hour later while on a small hill but again, everything was fine. The truck is out of waranty so... . Any ideas?

 

[Big MAK]

This is a common thing with the '03s. Mine does it sometimes. It'll go a couple months w/o ever blinking the check engine; then blink it a couple times in week; ... This happened with the same frequency before and after TST installed; it's a 'stock' thing. Note to readers; this really is a 'blink'; it doesn't stay on.



I think there was a reflash that was supposed to cure it. Since I don't let the dealer work on my truck (unless I ---really--- have to) I've never had it done. I don't remember hearing it actually cure it anyway.

 

[PBerry]

My truck does the same exact thing, started when mileage was close to 20k. It bothers me too, but mileage has stayed consistent since day one so I have never had any work done either except for the alternator bracket that was cracked.

 

[yogibear]

Mine did it also, had it flashed and no more problems, that was over 180K ago.



Larry

 

[BDuffy]

had the tsb 08-004-03 for the check gauge lite and chime on start up done and it did not work will try again. for some it works after a secound try.

 

[chi440]

The TSB

TSB 08-004-03

Flash: Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster - erroneous indicator lamps

________________________________________

Date: March 14, 2003

THIS BULLETIN IS BEING PROVIDED IN ADVANCE. THE TechConnect/MDS2 MUST BE OPERATING WITH CIS CD2129 OR HIGHER, AVAILABLE MARCH 31,2003

Models: 2002-2003 (DR) Ram Pickup

Overview:

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) with new software.

Symptom/Condition:

Three conditions have been identified which may be caused by communication errors between the Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) and other electronic modules on the vehicle.

1. An intermittent false "Check Gauges" on diesel engine equipped vehicles.

2. An intermittent false chime and "Low Wash" indicator. A valid "Low Wash" indication will occur for at least a 30 second Interval. With this false condition, the chime will occur followed by the "Low Wash" indicator which will last for a half second or less.

3. A "Trans Temp" Indicator on a manual transmissions equipped vehicle

Diagnosis:

Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs are present other than those listed above, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin. If the Symptom/Condition is present, perform Repair Procedure.

Equipment Required:

CH6000 Scan Tool (DRB III)

CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)

CH7000/7001 J1962 Cable

MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System)

Repair Procedure:

NOTE: WHEN FLASH REPROGRAMMING THE MIC, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT NO ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION OCCURS BETWEEN THE MIC AND OTHER MODULES IN THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONAL STEPS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING.

1. Inspect the radio face plate. The radio sales code is printed on the face of the radio. If the vehicle is equipped with an "RAZ" radio, it must be removed from the instrument panel and disconnected to eliminate the possibility of any electronic communication between the radio and the instrument cluster during the flash procedure.

2. Remove the ABS module fuse (#35) from the fuse panel. This will prevent any communications between the ABS module and the instrument cluster during the flash procedures.

3. Connect the battery to a charger and set as close to 14 volts charge as possible.

4. Flash the MIC using the TechConnect/MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRBIII.

NOTE: DUE TO THE PCM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE, A DTC MAY BE SET IN OTHER MODULES (TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, ETC. ) WITHIN THE VEHICLE, IF SO EQUIPPED. SOME DTC'S MAY CAUSE THE MIL TO ILLUMINATE. ALL DTC'S RELATE TO A LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MODULE THAT IS BEING REPROGRAMMED. CHECK ALL MODULES, RECORD THE FAULTS, AND ERASE THESE FAULTS PRIOR TO RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER. ERASE ANY FAULTS IN THE PCM ONLY AFTER ALL OTHER MODULES HAVE HAD THEIR FAULTS ERASED.

Policy: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:

Labor Operation No: 08-45-10-91 Preprogram Instrument Cluster... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0. 5 Hrs.

Labor Operation No: 08-45-10-93 Preprogram Instrument Cluster with RAZ Radio... ... ... ... . 0. 5 Hrs.

Failure Code: FM - Flash Module

 

[cummins_crewcab]

Excellent! I also have the chime on start up as well. Also have seen the trans temp light come on just for a flash and my truck is a stick... Only did that once though. But the biggest thing I get is a "bulb out" chime and light constantly at night. The light stays on for a split second only but the chime is ding ding ding ding ding, drives me nuts. Sometimes it will go for 10 minutes. I'm assuming this reflash will cure all of this? Thanks for all the great info. Oh, I'm going to have to pay for this aren't I? Since the waranty is gone?

 

[EErmert]

Check Gauges

Have had the "Check Gauges" lite on from day 3... Dealer and me are having fight over TSB for cluch, so nothing done... yet, how ever, d/c say's I pay for cluch, it's out of warrenty ! This is an '03 HO 6sp swb, srw. I'll be taking the truck in for all warrenty work asap, it's only got 26. 6k...

Eric near Memphis

 

[SRadke]

Mine's been flashing since day 1. No other problems really, no chime. I ignore the light. It's rarely even noticed unless it's dark.



-Scott