Hello Everyone, I have a 2002 dodge ram 1500 4x4 crew cab that I just bought. I went to run up to the store and found out I have no dash lights or lights on the heater controls. I checked the fuses and there good, replaced the switch and still nothing. The lights on the overhead bottoms light up when the lights are turned on. I pulled the insterment cluster out and checked the light bulbs and they looked good. Any help would be appreciated, really dont want to take it to the dealer.

 

Did you make sure that the dial that dims them is all the way up?

 

I have adjusted it many times from dim to bright

 

Check your relays, I'm not sure if they have one for the dash lights, but it's a good first step. You might have a bad switch. Pop apart the whole switch and see if you can access the dimmer through there. It could just be dirty leads. Or you might need a new one. If your fuse is for sure good then it would be at the switch.

 

Does your Gear Selector and odometer light up when the truck is running and the headlight switch is turned off?

And when your headlight switch is turned on do any of the gauges or odometer or anything on in the instrument cluster light up?

I don't think there is a fuse for the instrument cluster... but it's raining and I'm not about to go outside and check to be sure right now lol.

Oh, also perform an IC self test - key in ignition (off position), press and hold in the trip odometer button, rotate the key to the run position (don't start the engine), let go of the trip odo button and the entire Instrument Cluster will light up and all the gauges will perform a full sweeping motion. That's an integral test to the IC and confirms if it's fully functional or not.

 

Thanks for the info so far guys. I just scanned my truck and it's coming up with a p0601 code short in the PCM I'm wondering if that also controls the inlumination of the clust and heater controls. I have double checked the fuses and switch and lights in the cluster and all seem fine. I also notice I have no cruse control also.

 

The gear selector and odometer light up with lights off and when you turn the lights on they dim with the dimmer and I ran the self test it comes up with two number codes

 

Did all the gauges and warning lights come on during the self test? If they did, then you'll have to do some research into that PCM code you have to see if that's what's effecting your cluster lights.

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Is this the only problem your having with your truck, I just did a search for P0601 codes on here and every one that had it had to replace the PCM, but I didn't see to many of them mention the problems they had before (like hard starting, rough idle, etc...)

 

Basically that means that there is an interal fault in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). There have been many reported PCM failures on Chrysler/Dodge products although it is possible for this to happen on any vehicle. In Dodge/Chrysler products, a P0601 trouble code means that a serial communication failed inside the computer at least 6 times.

Symptoms

Likely, no symptoms will be discernible to the driver, other than the illuminated Check Engine Light. Typically the engine runs fine, gauges work, etc.

Causes

A code P0601 in most cases means the PCM has gone bad. This is possibly due to a short-circuit inside the PCM. Or, if you disconnect the wires/connector from the PCM while the battery is still connected, that may also cause this code.

Possible Solutions

With a P0601 OBD-II trouble code, the most common fix is to replace and reprogram the PCM. In a few cases the dealer may be able to reflash the PCM and get it working. But more than likely the PCM will need to be replaced and reprogrammed (we recommend you take it to a dealership for this). The good news is it *may* be covered under your emmissions warranty. So even if you're out of bumper-to-bumper warranty or powertrain warranty, check your warranty guide or dealer to see if this is covered.

Other people have reported that they cleared the code only for it to return again and again. Keep in mind that most shops can replace the PCM but not all can program it.

 

@Caseys-dodge so I read your quote below on the light and odometer issue what if I'm having the complete opposite issue. My original key got stuck in the ignition cylinder and after several times of wiggling and stuff I was able to pull it out I went to the salvage yard and found one that worked with my original key so I pulled it and installed that one in my truck I can turn my truck off and all my lights will cut off on my odometer and interior but the shifter Select lights and the odometer lights rapido light go off as well I've checked my dimmer switch as well it's good and connectors are clean it's almost like there's a issue with the steering column or something I can turn the key to acc and then to start with no problem



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