2004 dodge ram 5.7 hemi.

I have a problem with my INSTRUMENT CLUSTER illumination lamps. They don’t work. (cab is completely dark inside) Sometimes they will come on but not long after they will go off and stay off. I notice if when they are on and I give the dash a little slap they go off. (Telling me the problem most likely inside not out side on fuze box)
I have checked all fuses. Wiggled the wires around. Removed the cluster and checked all the connections. With no luck.
Also out are the dash lights around the climate controls and blinkers work out side but dont show they are blinking on the cluster)
Also the key buzzer works some days and not others .

I also had the water in fuze box problem well known for this model/year but I did a repair on it and sealed the circuit board which fixed that problem I was having with the parking lights out but the cluster problem started about a year after I did that.

So basically I’m afraid if I replace the cluster which is not cheap and it’s the power distribution center/fuze box I would waste $500.oo or whatever it costs.

Can someone please give me some ideas on what I can do.

Also if I get a used cluster off EBay will it work on my truck or will it make my computer go crazy.


dash cluster diagnostic test gives codes
67 All door unlock out put circuit shorted to ground or voltage

26 Panel illumination output circuit shorted or open

 

If you had water one the fuse box, did you check it for any corrosion as that could cause some of your issues.

You can get a cluster off ebay but it will need to be programmed for your VIN.

You might want to find and download the service manuals (see forum FAQs) and go through the schematics to find your issue

 

If you had water one the fuse box, did you check it for any corrosion as that could cause some of your issues.

You can get a cluster off ebay but it will need to be programmed for your VIN.

You might want to find and download the service manuals (see forum FAQs) and go through the schematics to find your issue

 

Yes I had water inside the fuze box but I disassembled it, cleaned off all the rust/corrosion and sprayed clear lacquer over the board to protect it from future corrosion.
My parking lights came back on after that and have worked ever since.

Too program the new cluster what do I do send it in someware? What is the normal charge ?

By the way thanks for the repair manual!! I have been looking for a 2004 for couple of years

 

yeah, a new cluster needs to be programmed to match your Vin options. Also, you need to have the speedo corrected. This is all done by the Dealer with the Starscan tool. You CANNOT do it yourself. You CANNOT re-program a used cluster either as they are not made or allowed to do that. I know, they sell them all over Ebay used, but problem is a dealer won't even touch them because they are a vehicle specific item only and once they are programmed, that's it since they are an automatic configuring device.

 

Ok I see. But there are companies that sell them new on line.
Would it be feasible to purchase one on line, take it to the dealer and have them program it?
also are there companies that I can send it too for repair instead?

My dash lights around the climate controls are also out could that be caused from a cluster problem?



I was suprized to find out the truck still runs with the cluster removed and I'm real tempted to remove that annoying buzzer now that i found it soldered on the cluster board,

Thanks for your time too!

 

I apolagise for dragging this thread back up again but I have read from a few sources that replacing with a used cluster will work fine the only problem is the milage differences could be a problem if you sell the vehicle and the dealer does a daiganostic and the miles come up different.
Does anyone know if this is true?
Here is one example on youtube.. I realize this guy doesn’t know what hes doing just an example. below
Thanks again
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=pyfXRV...eature=related

 

I THINK it would work. Aside from the mileage mismatch, you may get a CEL or MIL for VIN mismatch.

 

Correct me if I am wrong...I might be. The other dodge vehicles I have owned (Intrepid), I swapped out the gauges with Chrysler Concord gauge no problem. Milage was stored on the PCM. No lights no error codes no nothing. I would think it would be safe to assume it should be the same deal as long as you pulled a cluster from the same year or generation timeframe (3rd gen...etc) with the same options or close to what you already have. Keep us informed because I wanted to get a different cluster for a modification. Good luck.

 

I'll let you guys know. for only $50.00 on Ebay its worth the chance.