Electrical Problems

[Doug P]

I got into my 04 3500 tonight and none of the interior lights worked No dome light or dash lights, also the gauges were dead and no turn signals. The really puzzling part was the headlights and driving lights come on when the ignition is turned on and the light switch is off. The truck starts fine and the stereo and compass seem to be working. What Happened any help would be appreciated

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome to TDR Doug. Check fuses and relays is the first place to start.

 

[Doug P]

I checked there first they all tested good after that though I am at a loss

 

[rbattelle]

The instrument cluster wiring diagrams will be key to figuring this out. My knee-jerk reaction is to blame the front control module, but that might be hasty.

Do the door locks work normally? Does the center high-mount stop light work?

Ryan

 

[Andersonville]

Might be time for new batteries. When the interior lights go out quick after you open the door,the batteries are about done. The lights should stay on for about 5 seconds.

 

[Doug P]

the locks dont work with the remote. I will have to check the center mount brake light

 

[Doug P]

OK so when I got home last night I went out to check to see if the door locks and the third brake light were working and when I opened the door everything was working normally. I know that there is still something wrong I just don't know what.

 

[rbattelle]

Strange behavior like this usually seems to be either a ground problem or a front control module problem.

There are two ways to proceed. You can do it "right", and work through the wiring diagrams looking for the problem. Or, you can do it "fast" and simply replace the FCM. No guarantees that would work, however.

Ryan

 

[Riverboy]

Is there another place to look for grounds for these issues besides the batteries that are grounded to the fenders? I am having some strange issues too. Like my wipers/turn signals just go out after about 10 mins on the road. I messed with a few fuses and that seem to fix it for the next time I drive, but now nothing.

 

[JKeith]

Doug P; Let us know what you find. many of us seam to have grimlins.

 

[Doug P]

Will do I did some more digging on another website (I know I know) that was discussing corrosion issues in the power distribution module (fusebox). They were discussing random electrical issues that were intermitant. It kind of sounds like the same issue in general stuff like lights going on and off, same with the windshield wipers and instrument clusters. So I am going to start digging and testing I'll let you know what I find.

 

[Riverboy]

Doug P, I got the same issues going on with my new to me truck. Blinkers/wipers and overhead Console not working. I have a thread on here too and the guys have been very informative. . I have a 06 CTD and looks like I will be headed to the dealer to get my TIPM flashed/reset.

 

[UBKruzin]

I would check the instrument cluster for a loose connections. It can be a slight pain to get out but much easier than tracking down a bad ground. I had noticed while replacing a couple of burned out cluster lights last month that when the connectors were unplugged and the ignition was on the truck headlight were illuminated. Good luck in chasing down that demon!

 

[sag2]

The headlights come on for safety if the cluster does not see the head light switch. Very good chance one of the connectors at the back of the cluster is loose.

 

[Radshooter]

The last time we pulled out with our big fiver, none of my dash or guage lights were working. Since it was daylight I didn't worry until we stopped for lunch. All fuses and connections were good. Turns out I had hit the dashlight dimmer and rolled it all the way to "off". After I figured that out, all was great.

 

[Riverboy]

Everything came back to life on my truck. Took it to the dealer and paid the diag. fee of $80. Turns out I had a loose connection on the pwr pedals and apparently something in the overhead trip monitor. They tried to talk me into spending $1500 on a new TIPM and a new overhead moduale. But with a little wire tracing the tech got everything back to life so why replace the moduale if it isn't broke. Very Happy Camper for now.

 

[Doug P]

I haven't had a lot of time to work on it as works been crazy. However I did cycle the key on and off three times and I got error code p 1652. However I also haven't had any issues with the truck since the original one.

 

[TWenske]

I am working on a 05 with the same problem, headlights come on with key, code 1652, wipers don't work, horn don't work, turn signals and all gauges do not work. Tried a new front control module and still messed up. Help!!!#@$%!

 

[Riverboy]

My blinkers still occasionally stay on, and the trick I have used and seems to work is to adjust the steering wheel up and down a couple of times and this seems to fix the problem. I just now noticed lateley that sometimes my headlights stay on even after I have turned them off inside the cab. Try adjusting the steering wheel and see if this helps

 

[seafish]

My blinkers still occasionally stay on, and the trick I have used and seems to work is to adjust the steering wheel up and down a couple of times and this seems to fix the problem. I just now noticed lateley that sometimes my headlights stay on even after I have turned them off inside the cab. Try adjusting the steering wheel and see if this helps

I think that means the multifunction switch connector might be loose, OR WORSE, on some 3rd gens, the steering adjustment would pinch the multifinction switch wiring harness and cause damage to the wires.



IIRC, one or two owners even had cab fires start because of a wiring short in the switch wiring harness that they felt was caused by the steering wheel adjustment pinching the wiring harness. #@$%! I do NOT want to be alarmist, but I would take a GOOD look at that harness where it travels next to or through the steering column. Let us know what you find.