2002 RAM 1500 - Electrical? No power, flashing red cluster light, no remote, etc.

I'm trying to chase down an issue with my truck. Everything, except the radio, seems to work when the key is on. However, when the key is off it is like there is no power at all except for the flashing red light in the instrument cluster. There are no lights, remote locks don't work, etc. I have swapped the ignition module and fuse #51 so far. Anyone have any idea where I go next?

I did notice the radio / clock flicker on an off a couple of times when I was driving down the highway last week, but it didn't stay on.

Frustration is setting in.

The Bus connector behind the e-brake connector. May have worked it's self loose, there's a bolt through the middle of it, plastic cover on the front, dozens of wires coming from it. FYI: There was a recall on this connector!

Welcome to DT!

If the problem isn't the bus connection at the firewall, update the thread OK?

Way to go and help out the newbie! Wonder if he comes back? With that type of help, why wouldn't he? Oh.. cause he doesn't want to have the mod bug bite him in the wallet!

Hi guys,

I removed the bus connection and reconnected it. It's all tight, but the problem is still there.

More ideas?

OK, maybe the computer thinks you have the factory security system. That's should be what that LED light on the dash is all about. You can try removing the Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse for a few minutes. Its should be mounted in a fuse holder that on the side of the fuse box under the hood. That should reset the security system. If that doesn't help, I believe the battery has a short or is just plain bad.

Originally Posted by dmcelhannon

OK, maybe the computer thinks you have the factory security system. That's should be what that LED light on the dash is all about. You can try removing the Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse for a few minutes. Its should be mounted in a fuse holder that on the side of the fuse box under the hood. That should reset the security system. If that doesn't help, I believe the battery has a short or is just plain bad.

Thanks for the input.
I have had that fuse out and I have also had the battery disconnected for at least 30 minutes when I replaced the ignition switch. Shouldn't that be enough to reset the computer?
The truck starts and drives and most things work when it is running (except the radio). As soon as I turn the key off then everything is powerless (no dome lights, nothing). Just a flashing (and clicking) red light.

Hey all. This is my first post. I have the exact thing happening to my truck. I've tried everything and anything. It looks like it could b the instrument cluster. I've been looking for a cheap one just in case its not it. please let me know if you find anything.

Originally Posted by Stangman

Thanks for the input.
I have had that fuse out and I have also had the battery disconnected for at least 30 minutes when I replaced the ignition switch. Shouldn't that be enough to reset the computer?
The truck starts and drives and most things work when it is running (except the radio). As soon as I turn the key off then everything is powerless (no dome lights, nothing). Just a flashing (and clicking) red light.

Yes, the 30-minutes is more than enough time. I hate to say it but you may have take it to the dealer and let them hook it up to see what's going on.

Originally Posted by Cuzbum

Hey all. This is my first post. I have the exact thing happening to my truck. I've tried everything and anything. It looks like it could b the instrument cluster. I've been looking for a cheap one just in case its not it. please let me know if you find anything.

I'd send a PM to one of the members that has helped me in the past - PCP.

That said, the only problem with changing out the cluster is the cost. When I first got my truck, I wanted the cluster with the numbers on gauges instead of the C-H, E-F, and the L-H letters. I was told I wound have to buy a new cluster and leave my truck at the dealer while they removed the old cluster. Once the old cluster was out, they would park the truck in the back and send both dash cluster into the manufacture. The manufacture would take the setting from the old cluster and then add them to the new one. I was also told, I couldn't drive the truck and it had to stay at the dealer the whole time. After the dealer receive the new cluster, install it, and then they made sure it worked correctly before letting me having the truck back. At no time would I have both clusters in hand. It would be the old or new one, period. And if you swap the gauge cluster, you could have problems with it because the mileage is stored on both the cluster and ECM/PCM. If they don't match, you could have problems as well. This is what I was told and a few members have been told the same thing.

One more piece to this puzzle that I forgot to add. When I turn the key off, everything goes off except if I leave the headlights on. They will stay on and don't go out unless I turn the key back on, turn off the light switch, and then turn off the key.

I figured it out and it wasnt that hard after finding out what to look for. didnt cost me anything but time. My 2002 Dodge Ram has the 5.9 litre also has 423,800 km on her and still going strong. She deserved the time I spent on her. Let me know if you need help. Also if you turn truck off with brake pedal on will brake lights stay on for about 30 seconds.