So I just picked up a 2004 Hemi 1500 Ram the other day, and on the way home noticed the cruise would not come on. All the radio functions on steering wheel work (super fancy stuff there). When I got home and parked it, I hit the cruise "on" button, and it said "Cruise"! Figured it was the button.

Go to leave today, and it was working when parked. Started driving, wouldn't work. Stopped and slowly turned wheel while hitting button, it works all the way back and forth when parked, so I assume it's not the button or clockspring. Turned it "on" and started going. As soon as I hit 5 mph, it turns off and will NOT come on at any speed over 5 mph.

I've done some searching, and I noticed tire size changes can cause this if they aren't programmed into the modules. A friend mentioned I have '06-'09 20" rims on it. I have no idea what came stock on these, and didn't see anything. Does anybody know what OEM tire/rim size is on a 2004 SLT Hemi ram?

Also found some threads talking about the ABS sensors. Previous owner said it had wheel bearings replaced semi-recently. I'll have to check the sensors to make sure they are plugged in. Have no CEL's or any lights on and everything else works, but I'll hook up my scanner if I can find it to see if it says anything since apparently not every code trips the light. I'm leaning towards a messed up ABS sensor since it kicks off right at 5 mph, which I believe is when the ABS starts to work.

Called previous owner to ask and they came with the truck (he was 2nd owner) and the "cruise always worked for him". Not sure if I believe that, it doesn't really bother me since it's probably (hopefully) an easy fix, just wish he'd tell me that it never worked or he had it looked at but whatever.

Also, it just hit 85k today. I plan on replacing the shocks (look original), all the fluids, and serpentine belt, along with yanking the Tornado thing off. How do I determine if I have the LSD rear diff? Popping off the cover seems to be an easy way, but is there another way?

Anything else I should do at 85k?

Thanks. If I missed a sticky/FAQ, please let me know. I looked but may have missed something.

 

replace the wheel hub assembly with ABS sensor in it on likely the front left wheel.

 

Yep concur, mine was no operational when I bought it. It was the sensor which was indeed in the left front wheel of my 04 Ram.

 

Wow those are pricey SOB's.

Recommend dealer item or do aftermarket ones work fine? I plan to keep the truck for a while. They look like they include the bearings, correct? Previous owner said he just had bearings replaced, maybe the part is still under warranty if it's the same part.

 

You can buy them off ebay for around 100+/- last i checked

 

Yeah but what's the quality of them? I don't wanna have to do it again next year. I got the truck mainly to haul my cars to the track, which is mostly highway so I'd like the cruise to work for a few years at least.

 

You can not just replace the wheel bearings,you must replace the hub and bearings on these trucks.

Your factory installed wheel size should be on your door sticker.

Look in your glove compartment for the line sticker,rear end will be listed there.

 

I've noticed that, once I check to see if it is in fact the ABS sensor causing it, I'll see if there's a warranty on the set the previous owner had installed since he said he had the bearings done.

Thanks for the info! Didn't think to check the door stickers.

 

Finally got around to looking at this, turns out the front driver's ABS sensor plug wasn't fully seated. Dude must have plugged it in with the red tang slid over into the locked position. It came right unplugged so I plugged it in properly, took it for a test drive and it worked. 10 second repair, just took 3 months to go investigate.

 

Good for you. Better than a new hub assy.