hello everyone, i'm new to this and have an interesting issue. while driving home my headlights and console lights would flash/flicker, i pulled over, noticed nothing out of the ordinary, continued to drive, problem kept happening. finally it turned off for a second, then came back on ad everything was fine, or so i thought. once i got home, i turned off the truck, and the lights stayed on. nothing i did would turn them off. additionally, the door locks wouldn't work, or the over head lights wouldn't work. i disconnected the battery, reconnected the battery, and now it seems everything is fine. any advise? i can't beleive that doing that to the battery would permanently fix the problem. i truly appreiciate all suggestions.

 

BCM = body control module.

 

Actually I'm having the same problem. And no disconnecting the battery will not fix it. It will happen again. What powertrain do you have?

rt - do you know how to go about fixing these. Is it something I can do without having to take it to the f-ing dealer?

 

It is probably a bad Central Timer Module. All the functions you are having problems with are controlled by the CTM. Disconnecting the battery may get them to work again but sooner or later the CTM will fail for good. It's best to have it replaced with a new one at the dealer, so they can program it and the features on your truck to the new CTM. They have to re-program the keyless entry remotes too, if you have keyless. It should cost about $300.00.

Jimmy

 

so its the bcm or ctm? or is that the same thing?

 

Yes, CTM and BCM are both the same part. Dodge Parts department calls it a Central Timer Module though.

Jimmy

 

my friend's 02 4.7 would do the same exact thing, and it would act up if it was raining or alot of moisture in the air. it turned out being the CTM. id say thats what your problem is.

 

ok, well at least i have that figured out. so from what i gather its around 300, is it something i can replace or do i need to take it to the dealership? the last time i was there i needed to order a taillight lens, it was 94 dollars! i went on line and had it shipped to me for less than 40...

 

well, from what i understand, the CTM has to be programmed in order for it to work properly. i dont know if any shop can do that or if it can only be done at a dealer. in my friend's case, the dealer did it, and it wouldve been like 400$, but he had an extended warranty from one of those private warranty companies and he only ended up having to pay like 80$.

 

CTM really needs to be done at the dealer. They use your VIN to order the correct CTM, there are 2 different CTM models, one for trucks with less options and one for loaded options on Dakota's like the SLT. Plus you have to have the dealer DRB tool to program the new CTM to your truck and input the VIN and other info. Also if you have keyless entry, they have to use the DRB to program your original remote controls to the new CTM, because the keyless entry is part of the CTM circuitry.

If your Dakota is a basic truck without keyless, power locks and windows and all that, you might be able to get the basic part at the dealer or at a junk yard from a donor truck with the same options as your own and plug it in and get it to work without entering the programming. With a part as integral and sensitive as the CTM is though, I would say just have it done at the dealer with a new CTM. That way you know it will work and if it doesn't then it's on the dealer to make it right or fix it. The CTM is located in the driver's kick panel.

Jimmy