I have a 2004 dodge ram 1500 slt with the 5.7 Hemi. Im having a problem and im stumped. When I turn my truck off and take the key out of the ignition, its like its in auxillary. My radio and everything still get power to them and when I open my door, the chime goes off and it wont honk when I try to lock it with the remote. I figure it’s a short somewhere but not sure where. Before I start tearing my truck apart or pay a bunch of money for a shop to find it, could anyone help guide me into some areas to start looking or what other ideas it might be. I’d really appreciate it. thanks

 

Could be the ignition switch itself. It isn't a short, though. Shorts blow fuses. Can you fiddle with the ignition and get it to cooperate?

 

ive kinda shook the keys in the ignition and it stopped for a few seconds until i took the keys out and opened the door and the chime was going on and off then eventually just stayed on again.

 

I know this sounds strange, but when it does that, rotate your key back until it's in the accessory position, then come back forward until you feel the click, then take the key out and see what it does.

My cylinder has failed, and I can take the key out in any position (including running). The switch works, the cylinder is just messed up. If that doesn't do it, you may have to replace your ignition switch (behind the cylinder, it's what connects all those different positions to wires that output places).

 

My vote is the ign switch also

 

I tried that and it turns my radio off but my door alarm still chimes and everything else still continues to get power.

 

If things are still getting power that normally do not then your ignition switch is not cutting the power when in the off position and therefore is the problem

 

What Weedahoe said. Bad ignition switch. $300 including dealer installation, or about $120 and you do it yourself if you have a long #10 torx handle bit (the holes in the steering column for those screws underneath require a long skinny handle, about 4 inches or so long before you contact the screw).

 

P/N LS1144 @ Autozone is $28

http://tinyurl.com/plr5j8b

 

Make sure you disconnect the battery, so you don't trigger the air bag. Let it sit at least two minutes. You'll need a steering wheel puller too, probably.