This sounds like a communications failure with the cluster. Scan for codes and pay close attention to any codes that start with a U. Could also be a fault in the BCM or other modules.

Start with a scan for codes.

 

Which sensor does the PCM use to tell the speedometer what to display? My guess would be either a sensor on the rear diff, or one of the wheel speed sensors.......

 

I think its PCM issues.

 

Dustin did you get it figured out ? I have the same issue with my 04 durango 5.7 .Also i have no brake lights plus all your issues that you have .Thanks 4 letting me know what you found out .

 

As crazy this sounds, there are 8 main grounding points in this vehicle. Clean those, and check the grounding wire from the frame to the exhaust (or was it the transmission??? either way...) which is located passenger side kind of between the doors on the underside. I spent 7 years figuring this thing out, and it solved all of my electrical problems. You will want to reset the computer also so as to restore it to pre-shorting status. Unhooking the battery overnight is the best I've found.
I first noticed the grounding wire on the frame being shot. I replaced that and it made a difference, but not completely. That's where I got the idea I had other grounding issues. Years later, and as the problem grew slowly worse, the smartest mechanic I know said, "Well, if you are really sure it is a grounding issue, try cleaning the 8 main grounding points." When I asked my local mechanic (the one I know is across the country) to do it, he said Ok, but insisted it wouldn't work.
Well, it did!!!! And, everyone in the industry I have told since has been totally shocked to hear my solve.

 

See my reply to his post. It's a freaking grounding issue, which shorts out the computers/modules. It took me 7 years to finally figure it out. Must reset computers after you clean the 8 main grounds and check the frame to exhaust ground. Feel free to contact me via email...

 

Hello I am hoping u can help me out ? This issue been going on for 2 months now on my 04 durango 5.7 .1 st thing i pulled a trailor for the frist time i ever used my durango to pull anything it has a factory tow pak & plug on it .after i got home & was going to go to store it started & could not get the shifter out of park gear ,no brake light .no turn signals ,The ABS light ,Engine light ,Brake light lights came on in the cluster ..So then i sprayed WD 40 on the shifter slide plate & got that to come out of park gear .So i check all fuses & Relay & the rear bulbs the center bulb was burned real bad the rest looked great butb i replaced them anyway .Still nothing .So i replaced the Brake switch that got no where still nothing .So i looked at the kick panel fuse holder & the C1 Thur C5 plugs and the fuse box holder & found alot of corrosion inthe plugs & in the fuse plugs inside that fuse box .So i cleaned them up with 91 percent alcohol use a can Air to dry it out .Also i had taken the dash cluster out due to i had some bad light so i replaced them & replaced the needles & recalibrated it .Well i got all my lights to work except the center one But now my dash cluster does not read right & its like the speed does not go smooth it like jumps it read right after 20 mph but its not smooth The tac dont move & the gas & temp working ok .This has drove me nuts .. Its got issue some place but i am out of ideal , Also i pulled codes right after i replaced the brake switch & pulled 2 U codes i had never pulled a U code before 1 was saying something about the ABS system .So i cleared them codes & so far they have not came back & all the lights went out in the cluster .Thank God .You got any ideal about the dash cluster .Thanks for any help .About ready to burn it . HaHa

 

Like I said, there are 8 main grounding points on the frame (my mechanic did it, I don't know where they are). I cleaned them and the shorting of the system ended. I also had to replace the ground wire from the exhaust to the frame (or was it the tranny to frame??? There is only one by the rear passenger door... All bs electrical problems were solved.

 

Thanks for the help .I will check all the ground wires tomorrow & clean them all up & pray you are right >And get this nightmare behind me ok. If i have anymore question or changes i will tell you .Again Thank you ..