I have some weird electrical problems going on in my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L. There is no speedo or radio, and when I push the clutch in, it sounds like the starter cranks (no good!). I thought perhaps it was just conductive gunk on top of the battery but I cleaned it off to no avail. Any quick tips on connections to check before I take it to a shop? Thanks!

 

Man!!! That is strange. My only guess would be have your alternator checked. Sometimes when the alternator goes it makes all of your electrical items go wild! Good luck with that.

 

Sounds more like a problem with the switch that keeps you from cranking the motor with the clutch engaged.

 

Wow, such a simple problem! SmokinCummins over at dodgetruckworld helped me out with:
"Your switch is not going back to the run position. When the key is in the start position, certain things are shut off (radio etc.) When you let off the key, the switch is hanging in the start position instead of returning to the run position. The clutch is disabling the starter when you release it, but letting the starter engauge when you push the clutch down."

Sure enough, it was the matter of a millimeter or so of the key not quite returning to the 'on' position. I'm going to try a squirt of the 2-in-1 cleaner/lubricant we use at the bicycle shop in there, see if it completely fixes it.