While driving my dash cluster lights went out, gauges dropped and the security light came on. P/L not working. My headlights and brake lights work, no turn signals. Alternator is good, battery check was good. What is the problem? I'm desperately for help. Mechanic says I need a new dash cluster ($900). Is this really the problem? It was working just fine then suddenly it all went out. Truck drives just fine. 2002 Ram 1500 100k.

 

I had this happen almost a year ago and they replaced my PCM to correct the problem.....sorry that isn't a whole lot of help. Has it been hooked up to diagnostics yet?

 

They say yes, and told me I needed a new dash cluster. Honestly I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, but again, I'm not well versed in the electrical side of engines.

 

The dash cluster on these trucks runs a great deal of things. They're beyond the days of simply displaying a few readings.

I love the tech of these trucks but some systems seem needlessly complicated.

 

If you need a cluster seems like a local pick n pull would be a better bet.. Local yard here sells clusters for 15 bucks...

 

Thanks guy. I'm going over to try a quick check before I give the go ahead to replace the cluster. Someone else told me the system may be in "lockdown" since the red security light is on. Taking the connections off of the battery and draining the system to re-set. It may not be the answer, but if it is, cheap fix for now. If not, I'll be checking my local yard to pick up one much cheaper then the cash they want to charge.