Instrument Cluster Failure Solution
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Instrument Cluster Failure Solution
Problem/Symptoms:
My 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 (V-10) suddenly lost operation of all of its instruments. The cluster illumination lights worked fine. The red indicator lights worked OK too. The cluster passed its internal test, but DID flash a series of 6 bus failure codes (900, 910, etc.) on the odometer readout. Airbag light was illuminated as was the ABS light and the Low Fuel light (along with an occasional Low Fuel Warning chime). No other symptoms were noticed. The truck ran fine otherwise.
Process/Diagnosis:
I followed the diagnostic tests recommended in the service manual. Checked all the recommended fuses in the interior Junction Block. Found no problems with the B+ or GND connections to the cluster. Test procedure finally recommended replacement of the instrument cluster.
Took the truck to the friendly neighborhood Dodge dealer. They said I needed a new instrument cluster too (for about $1200!!).
Doh!
On a hunch, I took the truck to Speedometer Service Company, Inc. in nearby Roswell, GA. I told them what I had done thus far to troubleshoot the problem. I left the truck with them (with the cluster still disassembled).
Solution/Repair :
They checked the cluster and found NO PROBLEM! Even though I told them I had already checked the fuses, they DID find a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (under the hood) that had FAILED. Apparently this 10 Amp fuse (marked DRL on my truck) affects cluster operation. A new one fixed the problem pronto. The fuse is the 6th one up from the bottom on the left hand side of the Power Distribution Center.
PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER: Dodge manual/documentation lables this as a SPARE FUSE!! Obviously it was NOT!! Go figure.
Lessons Learned:
* When you have an electrical problem of ANY kind, ALWAYS Check ALL the fuses even if it seems completely unreasonable to do so (including the spares). Undocumented feeds may exist.
* Sometimes the manuals do not accurately describe your truck's electrical configuration. Double check connections and feeds to the problem area against the circuit diagrams.
* BTW: Dodge DOES a pretty good job of documenting their vehicles.
* A second pair of educated eyes on the problem generally helps.
* A Chrysler DRB III (digital readout box) would sure have been nice to have (but was ultimately unnecessary for this problem). Someone needs to develop a PC-based DRB III "sniffer" that is reasonably priced.
* Speedometer Service Co. is a fine group of people who really know their stuff! They even reassembled the cluster bezel for me. Total bill = $65. Woo Hoo!!
* Did I say ALWAYS check ALL THE FUSES?
* ALWAYS CHECK ALL THE FUSES!!
Hope this helps.
Chuck Adams
cfadams@hotmail.com
Dunwoody, GA
My 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 (V-10) suddenly lost operation of all of its instruments. The cluster illumination lights worked fine. The red indicator lights worked OK too. The cluster passed its internal test, but DID flash a series of 6 bus failure codes (900, 910, etc.) on the odometer readout. Airbag light was illuminated as was the ABS light and the Low Fuel light (along with an occasional Low Fuel Warning chime). No other symptoms were noticed. The truck ran fine otherwise.
Process/Diagnosis:
I followed the diagnostic tests recommended in the service manual. Checked all the recommended fuses in the interior Junction Block. Found no problems with the B+ or GND connections to the cluster. Test procedure finally recommended replacement of the instrument cluster.
Took the truck to the friendly neighborhood Dodge dealer. They said I needed a new instrument cluster too (for about $1200!!).
Doh!
On a hunch, I took the truck to Speedometer Service Company, Inc. in nearby Roswell, GA. I told them what I had done thus far to troubleshoot the problem. I left the truck with them (with the cluster still disassembled).
Solution/Repair :
They checked the cluster and found NO PROBLEM! Even though I told them I had already checked the fuses, they DID find a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (under the hood) that had FAILED. Apparently this 10 Amp fuse (marked DRL on my truck) affects cluster operation. A new one fixed the problem pronto. The fuse is the 6th one up from the bottom on the left hand side of the Power Distribution Center.
PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER: Dodge manual/documentation lables this as a SPARE FUSE!! Obviously it was NOT!! Go figure.
Lessons Learned:
* When you have an electrical problem of ANY kind, ALWAYS Check ALL the fuses even if it seems completely unreasonable to do so (including the spares). Undocumented feeds may exist.
* Sometimes the manuals do not accurately describe your truck's electrical configuration. Double check connections and feeds to the problem area against the circuit diagrams.
* BTW: Dodge DOES a pretty good job of documenting their vehicles.
* A second pair of educated eyes on the problem generally helps.
* A Chrysler DRB III (digital readout box) would sure have been nice to have (but was ultimately unnecessary for this problem). Someone needs to develop a PC-based DRB III "sniffer" that is reasonably priced.
* Speedometer Service Co. is a fine group of people who really know their stuff! They even reassembled the cluster bezel for me. Total bill = $65. Woo Hoo!!
* Did I say ALWAYS check ALL THE FUSES?
* ALWAYS CHECK ALL THE FUSES!!
Hope this helps.
Chuck Adams
cfadams@hotmail.com
Dunwoody, GA
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Instrument Cluster Failure Solution
Our Dodge Ram '03 hemi just did the same thing...started with the abs/brake lights...then to the speedometer and then tonight the whole dash (gas, temp, etc.).
Thanks for the info.......!
Thanks for the info.......!
