Hey guys, my 91 Ram 2500 isn't starting. I travel outta town for work for living as a remodeler. When I left for my last trip my brake lights were on (tailights and third light) but the switch was off, my boss let me know when I left. I guess their was a short or something... I got back yesterday and the battery was dead so I replaced with an optima battery. Still won't start... And for some reason my trailer brake modular controller started working(red light came on, and I can't even get to turn off now), it has never worked before and my Over dive light was. That was when the key was turned to the on postion. Also my guages (battery, oil, fuel, and temp wouldn't jump to normal like they are supposed to when the key is on the ON position. The needles just stay on the way down to the left. Could this be some kind of electrical problem? Since I have owned this truck these are the only problems it has had before...like fuses blowing out all the time, brake lights going out, losing my turn signals, power outlets ect.. So another electrical problem or somethis else? Anyone have any ideas? By the this truck has a prior history of snow plowing and there is lots of rust on the undercarriage.

 

97 Ram 3/4 HD 4x4 5.9L V8 Auto with O/D ext cab short bed in BLACK model; not 91 sorry.

 

you had at least 1 bad ground, maybe more check your engine to frame ground.

 

vehicle is stock-no remote starter, aftermarket alarm?
trailer module is OEM or aftermarket?
Always have key in pocket when changing battery NEVER key in IGN!!
I wwil llook at a wiring dia if you would look at items below
some may sound stupid but got to ask


as mentioned -ck and recheck the baqttery connections remember the cable has two ends-

battery is new ? is it charged? try jumping
lets ck fuses- cab and underhood -
how about headlights radio all working?
inspect the trailer harness - if a T plug in type remove for testing.
confirm in Park try starting in Neutral

 

Yes vehicle is is stock besides Hypertech chip and Flowmaster exhaust. No remote starter or alarm system. The battery is brand new. Connnection are good and tight. My headlights and radio work perfect. Checked all fuses and relays. Also tried starting in nuetral. Trailer module is aftermarket, Tekonsha. The engine will turn over slowly when trying to start but won't crank.

 

turning over slowly?....sounds like battery..new does not mean good..or charged.....have you tried to jump?

if the stuck brake lights drained the old battery the new one will also drain.

 

Well, I got it going again. Turns out there was a bad 120 amp alternator fuse outta the relay box. Replaced and fired right up. However am I still having problems with fuses blowing in my panel. All are working except for the wipers going out today. Why do I keep getting random fuse blow outs? I have lost turn signals, hazards, rear back up light, horn, cigar lighter, power outlet, and one or two others. All my lights and everything else is functioning. My turn signals blink really fast! WHY?

 

Sounds like the PDC (black box under the hood ) has corrosion and /or the connector running through the firewall.. Remove all the relays and fuses one at a time and check them. Also check the fuses by the door jamb and make sure sure your not getting water in there when it rains or gets wet from washing.

 

also like has been stated dont just check your batt connections check your neg cable grounds