NO backlit display for: P, R, N, D

[TGVET]

The range selector mode indicator was not displaying correctly while in D. If I moved the shift lever slightly to N the D would indicate otherwise, while in drive it would not be indicated. All other positions were lit and displaying OK. Research pointed to a bad TRS aka Neutral Safety Switch.

Another thing that pointed to the TRS while in drive would intermittently not shift properly to OD or while at 50+ MPH inadvertently bump out of OD at which point I would shift to N and back to D to recover overdrive.

Took it to a trans shop that previously worked on it to diagnose with a DRB-II. The tech was moving the shift lever from P to 1st through the range and back again to observe what I was experiencing. He was not being gentle about it. My first thought was, "take it easy".. I never shifted like he was doing, and in hindsight, I should have said something. He thought there was a little bit of "play" in the lever. At 476,000 miles, probably so after all, it's not a new truck. His thoughts were also a bad TRS.

Shortly after I drove away all backlit indications went dark including no audible or visual turn signal blinking, odometer, fuel level, trouble indications. Turn signals work, just no audible or visual display. I called the trans shop shortly afterwards leaving a message with the owner. I never heard back.

I changed the TRS in hopes that it would solve the issues. It shifts and runs OK now however, I have no backlit display showing as I should. The rest of the console gauges display OK i.e. fuel level, Temp, Oil, Battery.

Anyone ever had this problem or, know what the solution is to correct it?

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Shot in the dark, but have you considered the cluster itself being at fault? You don't have any warning lights or chimes and it shifts as it should.

There is away to do a cluster function test and pull codes but I don't remember if it covers lights besides the warning and stepper motors for the gauges. FWIW I have 250K on my 03 and I don't have back lights past 50mph on my speedo everything else being nominal in operation on my gauge cluster.

Nearly half a million with "Chrysler Electronics" is pretty impressive.

 

[TGVET]

I did have my cluster "rebuilt" back in mid 2022 at Tacoma Speedometer as the gauges and back lights stopped. Got it back like brand new. Nice and bright.
Today, I called a very well known and long time diesel shop and spoke with the owner. He basically said the same thing about the cluster and taking to a repair shop NOT the one I had previously for his own experienced reasons. I just find it very coincidental that it stopped working within an hour or so after the transmission tech got done shifting it through the range Park to Low quite abruptly.
So next step is to take it to my local shop and DRB it to see what codes.

FWIW, I was told that the 05 & 06 were "plagued" with electrical issues, and I have had my share of them. All 4 doors wiring harnesses replaced. HVAC blend doors broke nearly 10 years ago and all I have is face vents. Many other issues as one would expect for a daily of 18 years now. I would never buy a new one though at over twice what I paid for mine. $34,500.00

Thanks for your input.

 

[p-Bar]

Yeah 05,06's had problems with cold solder joints. You have done pretty well with the old gal. I had gotten rid of my 04.5 with 220k . Never replaced injectors, biggest cost was built trans. Good luck