Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Electrical help!

[AlSmith]

My 96 Dodge 2500 TD, which is basically stock, suddenly had several dash lights come on, the air bag, ABS, and brake lights came on. Then I noticed my a/c fan, power windows and auto dimming rear view mirror stopped working. I cannot find a blown fuse. Does anyone know of a common ground or circuit breaker that may cause this? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[AlSmith]

??? Asked a mechanic???

I asked a mechanic the question above and he said to check the central or body timing control module. Does anybody know what this is? He also said to check a 33 pin connector under the drivers dash for broken wires. Could that be possible? Any help is appreciated.

 

[SFPADGETT]

you may have two different issues. the 6 gauge red wire from the battery to the power dist. center under the hood is the only common wire. Fuse 2 (40 amp) will control the blower motor and power windows, fuse 2 and 3 (40 amp) controls the Airbag, fuse 5 (40amp) controls the ABS / Brake light. A factory service manual will greatly help in trouble shooting. Check the ABS relay in the PDC also

 

[AlSmith]

I appreciate your response. I'll check those areas out today. Also, I spoke with a customer in N. C. yesterday afternoon and he said to check to see if I had a bad cell in one of the batteries. Could that cause a problem like this?

 

[SFPADGETT]

I don't think that a bad cell in a battery would cause such a limited problem. My past exp is that a bad cell--truck doesnt start (or is very diffucult) and it kills the good battery very quickly

 

[Dave M]

On my 97 the tach didn't work and alternator quit working along with MIL light on etc and it was my crank position senser but if tach is working then it sounds like a wiring issue as suggested.

 

[AlSmith]

I finally hit paydirt! Going down the road this morning, I noticed a tiny wire protruding from under the steering wheel. When I got home this afternoon, I removed the knee board and the steering column cover and there were two wires broken off at a multi wire junction, about 8 wires, on the right side just behind the steering wheel. This junction plugs into a receiver about three inches long. I pushed the pins out and reattached the wires, plugged it back together and everything works perfectly! It was a pretty easy fix, but, all the wires alongside the steering column are showing wear. It looks like the wear comes from the tilt steering wheel. I may be searching for a new wiring harness before

long. I found where the dealer had fixed a couple problems back when the truck was still in warranty. Sadly, they used the blue wire clips that are good for a quick repair but will eventually fail. Thanks to all those that sent in ideas. This was the strangest thing I've had happen so far to my Dodge.