Hi all,

I recently acquired a 2000 dak SLT quad cab. It runs well and doesn't need a y major repairs, but it does have a few quirks that I would like to figure out.

One of these quirks regards the overhead trip computer. It seems like a neat feature but at the moment is not working. Not sure if it is dead, not getting power or what. I also have the home link buttons (for opening garage, super handy a I only go in an out through the garage!) but they are working fine.

Everything else seems to work fine in the interior, apart from the overhead lights. They turn on when the door is open, door unlocked or when using the dimmer switch, but when pushed individually they do not come on.

Any ideas for these minor issues? Neither are detrimental to overall vehicle operation, but would be nice to have working. Haven't picked up a Haynes manual yet to check wiring.

 

On the console, have you pressed the step button? It can be turned off.

The dome/map lights use the same fuse and bulbs but different grounds. When in dome they use the dome light switch.

IIRC Homelink didn't become available until 2001. I have a "garage door opener" mount in my console and it's not a listed option in the 2000 brochure. It's not in the FSM either.

Someone may have put in a later model console and that explains why it won't work too. '01 and up use a different computer bus than previous years.

 

Oh perhaps I used the wrong terminology for it. I did try holding each button for the trip computer, I will try again.

I'm going to pickup a manual tonight. Thanks for the tip.

 

I'm probably not explaining how the garage door opener thing works.

You actually mount your existing garage door opener remote in the console using velcro. It comes with spacers that you position to press the button on the opener when you tap the cover. It isn't wired into the console in any way and you can take the remote out if you want.

 

I am fairly certain it is an integrated piece. I have a Cirrus (also a 2000) which also has the garage remote built-in. Anyways, I will double check all this. Could be that I missed the compartment that the remote goes in, or maybe someone added in the console later after purchase. Or, option #3 could be a Canadian exclusive feature.

No Haynes manuals in stock in my area, so I ordered one. Guess I'll be getting it next week.

As always, thanks for the tips!

 

I installed mine and after I ripped out my dash to do the heater core it hasn't worked since. The dimming of it doesn't work and the only thing that does is the Compass and Temp which are seperate from the others. I am guessing I ripped a connection loose trying to force the dash back into place so maybe start there just looking around under the dash for loose wires or bad connections. That is my plan when the weather gets nicer right now I don't drive it enough to care since it is so cold still.

 

So I had a closer look, and by closer I mean I took the overhead console down. Snapped a few pics as well. I checked the wiring, it looked fine. There are 3 wires going into the trip computer (all black). One is a ground, the other 2 I am not yet sure of. Out of the 2 non grounds, one passed a continuity check whereas the other did not. I'll have to do further research to find out exactly what wire is what. Anyways, if at the end of the day I can't get it to work, oh well. It is just a neat feature.

My next quirk, and one that is probably more worthwhile of fixing is the tailgate. After opening the tailgate, it does not latch closed unless I manually press the striker at the side. I have to press it down, then I can close the gate and it latches. I did some reading and it seems this can happen when it is cold out (and it is), but the general consensus is to lube it. First I used some lock de-icer, then some all-purpose white lithium grease. Unfortunately, it didn't help. Any ideas? Pictures below.

Pics (not enough attachment space so I uploaded them to my own site)
Overhead console: http://www.fiveohinfo.com/img/z0tmM1.jpg
Trip computer wires: http://www.fiveohinfo.com/img/o0sHU0q.jpg
Tailgate striker: http://www.fiveohinfo.com/img/kPfGzcTQcdJk.jpg
http://www.fiveohinfo.com/img/b12R1ZU.jpg

 

It's obvious someone added your trip computer. It didn't come from Dodge with electrical tape. Check the connections. If you can get the part number off of the trip computer maybe we can look it up.

I had trouble with my tailgate latching too. If you take off the handle, you'll likely find the linkage all gummed up with dust and other garbage. I cleaned them, lubricated the handle, and all is well.

 

I think I had a DIY thread on here with some good info, I'll try to look for it.

 

Not sure if this will help since I just scanned through it and I also can't see if there are pics (I think there are) since I am at work a lot of them are blocked. I forget a lot about how I hooked it up since it was so long ago but I'll do my best to help you out.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...d-console.html