Update To Key Won't Go To Off Position

[MJWenrich]

Re: my earlier post that the key (or what passes for a key now) would not go to off, leaving the position in *** and the power on but the engine off, I went to a dealer about 55 miles from me and had some of the TSB flashes done, a test drive to show the lag in the throttle response and hopefully to get the key problem repaired. According to the service manager, there were no codes stored showing there had been a problem and they could not do anything about it. Also, the dealership in Glendale did not document the problem in their computers so nothing was there to indicate the part needed. Asked what I could do and was told to have the truck towed in the next time it happened. So I get to drive the truck, knowing it will fail again, and knowing I am going to lose the use of the truck for several days/weeks. I will update again with the part repaired after I go thru all this.

The updates performed did nothing to help the dead pedal so I guess it's time to try BD Diesel's solution. I'm driving the 2004.5 more these days if I go places that I would have to walk away from my 2014 truck leaving the key inside and the power on. Real nice!!!!!! Actually, maybe I should leave the key inside. It might go away.

Disgruntled Mike

 

[Doubleclutch]

Mike, Mike, Mike... Missed you at MM this year! The BD pedal fixer is a keeper, and will probably be the only relief in that direction- nothing coming from Ram. Joe D. installed one at MM, and never took it off. I'm getting one too. Is there an interlock that will not allow the key to go to "off", such as not being in Park, etc? Sure sorry to hear about your grief, and hope YOU can figure out a fix. Its gong to be something silly that isn't seen by a computer.
Greg

 

[sag2]

I asked one of the Star guys about it today since I don't have access to any information any longer. As silly as it sounded to tow it in they are looking for truck with this condition before anyone messes with it, so yes, have it towed in and don't let anyone touch it until they contact their Technical Advisor and let him know Tim (he is one of the best electrical guys you will ever find) at Star is interested in it. It sounded like the gated park switch was not showing park position but this is a very rare failure mode to not get the key to the lock position.
I'm assuming you are taking it to Madera?

 

[MJWenrich]

Thanks for the info Greg and Sag. Greg, I will purchase the BD device but I am concerned about warranty while the switch is a problem. I understand the device is easy to install/remove so if I have to have the truck towed, I could remove it. But if RAM can see it was there and deny service, that would/could be a problem. Would like to have gone to MM but every year the wife has an event on the same weekend. Last year, we arranged dog/house sitting so I could go. Next year will be my turn again to attend MM. It's called compromise I think.

Sag, yes I am going to Madera. Razzari in Merced is closer but I have had poor service there on the 04.5 and do not trust them. And thanks to you for asking about this. Service at Merced indicated they had heard of this problem with other models but not the trucks. The Glendale, Ca. mechanic seemed to know what part to throw at it but the part was not available for days and I could not remain there. Unfortunately, they did not document the part. Tim could likely trace that down by contacting the mechanic there.

Certainly surprised me that an electrical problem would keep the switch from going to off. I suspected something mechanical, maybe in the steering column. If I get this repaired I will update. I am going to L.A. again in a week and need the truck. I figure I will take the necessary metric tools with me to disconnect the battery if it occurs there. Otherwise, if the 14 happens to be in the shop I can take the older truck.