The key dance only works on 94-97. After that you need to push in the trip meter button or something.
http://dodgeram.info/Engine-Gas/OBDI/pcm_fault_code.htm

 

I think that's just a cluster test.

 

No! It's the pcm codes. Mopar has been doing this since the 80's. There are some vehicles it doesn't work on.

 

It's the diagnostic codes for the cluster. Check page 8E-13 in the 98 service manual. "Self Diagnostic Test".

 

HeyYou...thats great. Cracks me up when somebody says no!, then somebody like you gives them the page number and what book.

Gotta say, not much is working. Im hoping rock auto stays true to the fast shipping i normally get and Ill have my truck running I assume by tomarrow evening or Thursday if the CPS is the problem. Otherwise, at least I tried...Might just give up at that point and find a diesel to put in it. My fuel mileage has dropped from 8-9 to less than 6.5 now. A economy tuned diesel will get me 20 even if its worn out. At least thats what some guys around here are getting with there 5.9 L.

 

Does your battery have a good charge on it??

 

Yea. I hooked it up to a running truck as well just to ensure I was getting full volts. I was turning over plenty fast though, so i dont know why it would make a difference.

 

Electrical systems on these trucks can be 'funny', if they don't get the voltage they expect.

Were you experiencing any of these issues before you swapped out the radio?

 

I see...no I wasn't. The radio thing was just the start of everything really. Its been like that for year. After I hit the deer, otherstuff started to go wrong.

One thing that I forgot to mention is that I have (before the radio even) had trouble with the truck backfiring and acting like its about to die if I pressed on the throttle to hard. Usually only underload such as taking off. Could that have been a indicator of the CPS? Its hard to tell.

 

Likely CPS. They have some truly interesting failure modes....

Think I would have a long, hard, look at my radio wiring, and see if something in there isn't wonky. (yes, that is a technical term.)

When you hit the deer, did it blow your airbag?