2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Radio, power mirrors, radio, inside lights, all stopped working!

[paulsmith]

2001 Dodge 3500 6 speed HO



Last night, The truck batterys were dead. We jumped it, then noticed the inside lights in the ceiling console light switch broke. We felt is getting hot yesterday (hot to the touch)



I disconnected those lights, but the other inside lights still worked for a few minutes.



Then a while later, everything else quit



I have looked for a fuse blown... . nothing so far.



When I turn the switch to turn on the inside lights (dash dimmer) I hear the relay in the dash "click" but the lights done come on...



Radio wont power up.



My driver today tells me the power outside mirrors dont work.



And he just called to tell me that when he operates the turn signals, the trailer brake controller is applying the trailer brakes (he just hooked to the trailer)



Some one with a shop manual, what circuit is this? Perhaps a full time hot? Has the computer Fried?



This truck has cost me over $20,000 in maintenance repairs over the last 18 months... I think it is cursed...

 

[charlessmith]

The first thing I'd look at - real close - is the socket you plug the fuse into. This is over on the left side of the dash. Those are very wimpy and will burn up with just a little extra load put through them.

Look at the slots where the fuse blades go into the fuse box, then try wiggling the fuse
around sideways and see it it makes intermittent contact. If it just makes intermittent contact, it's fried. You need to get under the dash and wire in a Radio Shack in line "plug in" fuse holder. Then, figure what was drawing the extra load.

Just running the tail & marker lights of a 5th wheel trailer or slide in camper off of the truck's tail light wire (that runs along the left side frame) is enough to fry this fuse holder. There is another wire to use there, that's powered by a relay.

 

[paulsmith]

No, I have relays and circuit breakers for the trailer wiring. This is the Interior lights. the only fuse I se is a 5 amp "Illum" which I assume is the interior lights. (which do not work)

Problem is, it seems this circuit is affecting the cab lights inside, the outside mirrors, and the radio... . I dont think this is the same fuse... . That is why I am think a control voltage circuit that provides voltage to relays... .


Paul

 

[FourBarR]

There is a fuse cLLED IOD inthe driver side fuse panel ,I dont have my wiring diagrams handy but in the past people have overlooked this fuse. as I remember it has a cover of some kind over it. Hope this helps .

 

[paulsmith]

Bingo, Success, Eureka!


What the Heck is I. O. D fuse? And why is inside a black plastic "DO NOT REMOVE OR YOUR TRUCK MIGHT EXPLODE" cage over it? Just like the air bag fuses, but black instead of yellow. I was afraid to pull it. and You have to open the "cage" to get the fuse out...

What ever I O D means, it works all those items and more, and a small short in the map light switch on the overhead console blew it, and caused us to tow a trailer in the rain with out trailer brakes today!

Thank you! Thank you Thank you, I have once again paid for my subscription to TDR!