Hey All, I am wrapping up a heater core replacment in my 2002 Dakota. The HVAC box is back in, dash is mounted back in place, and I have a harness dangling to the right of the steering column. I have no clue where this goes, as i did not take it off when i pulled the dash back. Anyone have any idea what i am looking at and where it goes?

 

It's been a while since I did my 5 speed conversion , but I think that connects somewhere by the column shifter. I could be wrong.

You can download the FSM here maybe it will help you figure out what that is.: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-download.html

 

nothing I recognize. What color wires go into it?

 

OK so I did some Googlin' and searched the number printed on the part in the picture and it led me here: https://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=206188 They ID'd the part as The brake-transmission solenoid interlock: I couldn't find anything in the FSM about it, but it essentially keeps the transmission shift lever from being moved unless you have your foot on the brake. I googled BTSI for Dodge dakota and found the description below, but it is for a Chrysler van, not the Dakota. I figure that the systems will be similar between the two models. It should mount somewhere around the base of the shift lever and it activates the lock pin that locks your shift lever.

SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION
The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock system
consists of an electro-magnetic solenoid mounted to
the steering column (Fig. 267). The solenoid's plunger
consists of an integrated hook, which operates the
shift lever pawl (part of shift lever assembly), and a
plunger return spring (Fig. 268). The solenoid also
has an integrated bracket, which facilitates fastening
to the steering column.

OPERATION
The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
Solenoid prevents the transmission shift lever from
being moved out of PARK (P) unless the brake pedal
is applied. The BTSI solenoid is hardwired to and
controlled by the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
Battery voltage is applied to one side of the solenoid
with the ignition key is in either the OFF, ON/RUN,
or START positions (Fig. 269). The ground side of the
solenoid is controlled by a driver within the IPM. It
relies on voltage supplied from the stop lamp switch
to the stop lamp sense circuit within the IPM to tell
when the brake pedal is depressed. When the brake
pedal is depressed, the ground circuit opens, de-ener-
gizing the solenoid. When the brake pedal is
released, the ground circuit is closed, energizing the
solenoid.
When the ignition key is in either the OFF,
ON/RUN, or START positions, the BTSI solenoid is
energized, and the solenoid plunger hook pulls the
shift lever pawl into position, prohibiting the shift
lever from moving out of PARK (P) (Fig. 270). When
the brake pedal is depressed, the ground circuit
opens, de-energizing the solenoid. This moves the
gearshift lever pawl out of the way (Fig. 271), allow-
ing the shift lever to be moved into any gear position.
A conventional mechanical interlock system is also
used. This system manually prohibits shifter move-
ment when the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC positions. Solenoid operation is not required in
these key positions.

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove instrument panel lower shroud (Fig.
296).
(3) Remove knee bolster (Fig. 297).
(4) Remove steering column lower shroud.
(5) Disconnect brake/transmission shift interlock
(BTSI) solenoid connector (Fig. 298).
(6) Remove two (2) solenoid-to-column screws (Fig.
299).
(7) Remove solenoid.

INSTALLATION
(1) Place interlock solenoid into position ensuring
hook on end of solenoid plunger engages gearshift
lever pawl pin. Install and tighten screws (Fig. 300).
(2) Verify gearshift lever is in PARK (P) and con-
nect solenoid connector (Fig. 301).
(3) Install steering column lower shroud.
(4) Install knee bolster (Fig. 302).
(5) Install instrument panel lower silencer (Fig.
303).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
(7) Verify proper shift interlock system operation.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID -
OPERATION)

 

Mine doesn't have that....(2001) I could drop it out of park without my foot on the brake, and when I took everything off the column for the powerglide swap, I never saw such a thing.

 

I remembered it from when I swapped in my nv3500. The mounting tabs for it broke and it came out attached to the shift cable. I didn't know what it was and just crossed my fingers that I didn't need it anymore.

 

EDIT: FOUND IT!
it looks like BTSI was added in 2002. Here it is in the 2003 FSM;








I registered with that ram site above so I could look at the images posted and it is the same part and part #. It definitely looks like a solenoid, the center pin on the metallic side looks like it pops out. But now that I think about it, I don't remember needing to step on the brake to shift from park when my truck was an auto.. I haven't been able to find the part number in any of the mopar parts sites either..Mystery.