Hi everyone, my dad has a 2001 4.7l dakota and the problem he is having is when the ignition is turned on and you turn the headlights on all the lights flash constantly. Since this has started the door locks won't automatically lock after 15 mph either. The other strange thing is if he pushes the buttons on his key fob while the lights are flashing it makes the lights either flash faster or slower. Any and all input will be much appriciated. Thank you for your time.

Thanks,
Joe

 

Have you checked all the proper fuses and wiring?

 

CTM definately. Its located behind the drivers side kick panel. Sometimes it will lock up and if you unplug it, let it sit for awhile and plug it back up it will fix it. It may or may not be permanent however.

 

what he said. same thing happened to me last year. unfortunately your only source of replacement will be the dealer.

 

I don't know what it is about the later model 2nd gens that make the CTM's bad. PCI bus and CTM don't get along I think haha. Good thing I have the ol trust CCD

 

its partly due to the fact that it is in a bad location and there is a possibility that water can find it, at least more easily than if it were mounted someplace safer.

 

Well, when DC changed Dakota's data bus from CCD to PCI in 2001, they started having CTM issues. Odd I guess..

 

Definitely change the CTM or Central Timer Module. If you have a wrecking yard nearby and they have Dakotas, go hit it up. Will be cheaper than dealer for sure. I had the same issue with my 2003 and I happened across one from a quad cab in the wrecking yard.....works perfectly, no more issues.

 

I have been searching for a resolution to my headlights and interior light and dash lights flashing from normal to dim rapidly now for almost six months and finally found the issue with my 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Desiel. I took it to the dealership for another issue and had them check the flickering issue as well and I was told Both batteries were borderline bad, when I replaced them the flicker stop completly. The both measured less than 11 volts fully charged and were less than a year old. Go figure. Hope this helps somebody else...