I have a 2004 Durango Limited 5.7. Today I noticed all the warning lights flickering randomly along with the radio and heater. The speedometer and tachometer were also bouncing to zero and back up. Sometimes they would just sit on zero for a few seconds while other it bounced back right back up to what I was doing. Please Help. Let me know if you need anymore information.


Thanks You

 

I forgot to add that the head lights are doing the same thing unless you have them in the on position

 

Moved to the correct section. Check all your battery connections and grounds. Have you had the battery tested?

 

Never heard of it being a problem in the Durango, BUT the condition you describe did happen in the previous generation Ram and older Jeep Cherokee. The problem was poor connection of the gauge cluster to the "floating sockets" in the gauge carrier...they released TSB's on those that were mainly replacing the connectors. Since yours is a 2004 it might've already been pulled out for the TSB they released way back to remove a capacitor and not reseated well. My '98 Cherokee did this and after a couple of tries cleaning everything the fix was removing the connectors from their clip-in holders, moving them to the front of the holder (thus closer to the gauge housing), and reinstalling the housing so the connectors plugged together further/better.

I DO NOT KNOW if the connection method is still the same as I've seen reference to some later Ram's having clip on connectors. I think those have to be removed/installed without seeing them as the cluster can only be pulled out a little with them connected. It's worth investigating the connectors though since your symptoms are eerily similar to the problem on the older ones.

 

There was a recall on the cluster for that model. But, be prepared....the replacements fail quite a bit too. Also check for water intrusion into the interior junction block behind the left kick panel.


2 big trouble areas.

 

Right on, it was water in the kick panel from where I had it detailed. It hasn't done it for days since I dried it out. I can't find any naked wires. Any thoughts on this, should I search any further?

 

If you have a sunroof, get the drains cleaned out and checked. I see both types of junction blocks get water in them, but the kick panel type is in the worst spot. If the drains are OK, you may need a more in depth water test.

Don't pay a regular shop or dealer to do it. There are operations who specialize ONLY in water leaks. They're usually mobile. Some body shops have people JUST for water leaks also.

 

Have the same problem on my 2007 Dodge Durango. Started after having the A/C cannister replaced, meaning the whole dashboard had been taken apart. Have had 4 mechanics look at it and none of them have been able to diagnose the problem, then again, none have taken the dash back apart. Should mention here in Kuwait and the mechanics here learn for the most part through trial and error. I have one Syrian guy I see that is pretty good, but currently on vacation. The dealerships here rip you off, charge an arm, leg, and had to get anything done.

 

We're always a keystroke away