Hello all.. first post besides the welcome!

1998 Dodge Ram 1500
Engine: 5.9l
Trans: 4sp auto
Body: Ex. Cab

Figured I would start with the most irritating problem first. I need to adjust the shift indicator for one. When I take the keys out of the ignition with the ignition in the off position the radio will not shut off.. the blinker relay keeps clicking and one of the relays under the dash will keep clicking. After about a minute the relays will stop clicking and the time on the radio will stay on. I can turn on the radio but it will cut in and out.. the blinkers will work all with the ignition off and the key out. I don't wanna keep unhooking the battery if I have to sit more than an hour lol. I have no idea what the previous owner did but its not right.. I am currently looking for wires to the PDC and fuse box that are not right.. any suggestions on where the problem might lie before I tare the whole dash apart?

 

make sure the ignition switch is adjusted properly.

Welcome to DF.

 

Remove the covers from around the steering column, and make sure you have no damaged wires in there. This is a common problem if you have tilt a wheel.


And the shift cable is adjusted with this white plastic screw on the steering column.

 

I will check carefully for the broken/rubbed wires.
I can adust the ignition switch?
I dunno if the indicator is the problem now that im looking at it. Its hard to put the lever into park.. and i cannot put it into 1st from what i can tell.. I know some transmissions will shift into second even tho you are in 1st to try and keep the tranny from overheating.

 

I don't know about adjusting the ignition switch( I think that Dude is smoking something), but you should get underneath and make sure all of the linkage is not ,broken,bent,missing bushings/clips. etc.... I am referring to the shift linkage of course.

 

currently taking it apart.. wondering if the shifter and wiring problem are related. Like a wire stuck on the lever.. will post back

new to the dodge world.. please bear with me lol! Worked on 90% chevys my whole life.

 

The linkage I'm talking about is under the truck. Inspect it from where it attaches to the tranny, all the way to steering column by the brake booster. Don't run yourself over btw.

 

I have a few hours to get to the bottom of the ignition problem. I will get to the shifter later.. Right now I have the electric ignition module unhooked.. both the thicker connection and the smaller connection.. and when I hook up the battery the clock on the radio is on.. I can use the wipers.. and anything else electronic in the truck.. Its not shutting the power off to the truck anywhere. I dont see any broken wires and the "wiggle' test changes nothing. Any ideas would be appreciated!

 

Ever get any resolution to this problem? Sounds a lot like my issue I'm having.