00DakDan - I took out the cluster this morning, cleaned the contacts, blew out all the dust, and checked for any hairline cracks on the board, then put it all back together. Nothing changed, other than the cluster looked a lot better. Guess I'll start checking the modules and connections as you suggested.

 

My problem seems to have corrected itself somewhat. I threatened to take it to a dealership, so I started it and everything seemed to work normally. I took it for a 2 mile test drive and everything still seems to be functioning normally. When I got back I ran the cluster test again. This time I only got the 950 and 999 codes. This is strange since my truck doesn't have ABS brakes. Is this normal for a truck not equipped with ABS?

 

I'm not sure about the 950 code.

Do you have rear wheel antilocks on your '97? If so, then I would expect the light. If you have NO antilocks, then the controller for the brakes wouldn't be there so that may explain the code.

Maybe the cleaning you gave it helped. Good luck.

 

I have given up...took the truck to the "Stealership" this afternoon to have it scanned. Everything I have checked seemed to be normal. I went so far as to replace the ECU (under warranty) without change. On my way to the dealership everything began working properly, then about halfway there all quit again and stayed off until I got there (about 10 mi.). We'll see what they are able to tell me tomorrow for my $79.95.

 

Sometimes that's what you have to do. They have the tools to "talk" to the truck.

Keep us posted.

 

Well...got the truck back from the Dealer this afternoon and guess what? They told me I had a bad connection, broken wire, or module going bad. DUH!!! and I paid $80 for all that wisdom! Guess I shouldn't have expected much more. They wanted another $225 to pull the dash apart to check further.

 

Glad to see they narrowed it right down.

Don't know what to say Ol'.

 

Would like to know if the issue was found. I have an 04 that is doing the same exact thing. It appears several of the relays aren't getting the control voltage needed for the coils to pullin the relay. I've replaced the PCM with a new programmed one, the transmission control solenoid, and the ignition module. I have power to the PCM on the red wire. I have tried plugging in two scanners, one that I have always used in the past to clear O2 sensor faults, and neither one communicates with the truck. I checked the wiring in the DLC and everything is good there as well.
Everything the initiator of this thread had are the same exact issues. I can crank the started by jumping 30 to 87 but the fuel pump relay isn't pulling in either. I'm sure this is a simple stupid fix, but I still haven't found it yet even after talking with a certified Dodge Technician on Just Answer.

 

I had a similar problem on my 1997 dakota when I unplugged the yellow airbag fuses the truck acted normal except the air bag light stays on because I pulled the fuses.