Electricity Hates Me!

[DieselBuzz]

Ok, it died just down the road from home and I got towed back(by another Ram luckly!). I turn the key, no starting lights, radio, PW or PDLs. My best guess is the ignition switch. What's the best way to check it and how would do you replace it. Thanks for any help.

Art

 

[cerberusiam]

Not neccessarily igniton switch. A burned fusable link would be my first guess. Exact same thing happened to mine. There is a bundle of the fusable links on the drivers side fender well. Satrt by testing the firewall side of each link to verify that power is getting thru and go from there. Good luck.

 

[Greenleaf]

Yah, and please be sure to use a DVOM to test for power[voltage], not a test light. A test light will show that you have power. It will function with considerable resistance [a bad connection], while the DVOM will TELL YOU what,s what.



Hope you get it!



Scott

 

[DieselBuzz]

Update:

I found the fusible link that was blown. The one that goes to the ignition switch. Off of that is one lead that goes to the starter relay and one that goes to the "Single board engine controller"(the computer box in the fender behind the battery). This is the lead that is grounded and blew the link.

Do I go to a junk yard and get a different controller? Are gasser ones the same? Can I run without it until I get another? It seems from the manual that there are a number of things that it controls and other sources of power going to it. I'm leaning towards disconnecting it and repairing the link until I can find another controller. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks,

Art

 

[DieselBuzz]

IT WAS THE COMPUTER!

I found the melted part of the fusible link wire and went around it. Then I clipped the power line to the computer and I was back in business! What's not working? the speedo, the tach, wait to start and ABS lights. Can I live without them until I get a replacement? you bet. Now it's off to the yards.

Art

 

[farmall]

You don't know it yet, because you are not needing it in the summer. But the intake heater will not work either. Also, better get a voltage regulator on there as your computer controls the output of your alternator.



By the way, I got a new one at Autozone for my 92'. It was in the neighborhood of $180. 00 compared to the almost $800 the dealer wanted.



Bill

 

[DieselBuzz]

Thanks FarmAll,

I did notice that my amp meter was dropping on my 280 mile trip yesterday. She's on the charger right now.

Thanks for the Auto Zone tip. The nearest junk yard up here wanted 150 for a used one, if they had it. Better get the new one. I guess I'm lucky it happened this summer instead of that cold last winter! It's always nice to talk with someone that has been there and done that.

Thanks Again

Art