Ignition short, will not start among other issues after installing remote start

Tiny
TLPITCH81
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
My son thought it would be a good idea to install a remote starter to his truck. In looking for a +12v on the ignition we shorted the hot wire to ground. So he asked me to help- I hate automotive electrical issues!

Now the truck will not crank, no lights or activity on instrument cluster (even odometer doesn't show anything). I've read on this site that the instrument cluster controls some of the truck, which might explain my symptoms below. I checked the hot wire that he shorted out, but I'm not getting any power readings on my meter on that wire. Maybe the problem is before this wire?

It's now getting dark and I've had to throw in the towel for today.

What is not working:
Instrument cluster
Turn signals
Passenger airbag off control/light
Dome light
Radio
Reverse lights
Cigarette/accessory plug

What is working:
Head Lights
Hazard/flashers
Starter relay clicks when attempting to crank
Fan blower motor
Beeping when key in ignition and door open
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 3:53 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,742 POSTS
When so many things aren't working, it's easiest to just pick one circuit and concentrate on that. I picked the cigarette lighter circuit. If you follow the first diagram up to where it shows "Run-ACC A31" as the feed circuit, then it is continued on the next diagram coming out of the ignition switch. That section of the switch is fed from the Power Distribution Center on fuse # 10, a large 50-amp fuse. Check that fuse first, then tell me what you find.
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Monday, October 21st, 2019 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
TLPITCH81
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I was poking around before it got dark tonight and discovered there is no power on the red wire- which from what I can tell is the 50 amp breaker you mentioned. I was pouring over the wiring schematic and concluded exactly what you proposed. Yesterday I put an ohm meter on that fuse and got a good connection, but I will inspect it again.

One clarification, the dome light is not impacted by this. I didn’t realize it was turned off at the head lamp switch.

Thank you
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Monday, October 21st, 2019 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,742 POSTS
Please keep me posted on your progress.
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Monday, October 21st, 2019 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
TLPITCH81
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The fuse you circled (#10) was the culprit! So glad that was a cheap fix!

I checked this fuse initially with an ohm meter, but it checked good. I decided to go back and check it again, it still checked okay but I noticed there was a rattle inside. I took another 50a fuse (I think #1) and swapped them. Instrument cluster came on. Ran to the store and bought a new one, and now we're back online.

Hopefully he learned his lesson. Thank you!

Thank you!
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,742 POSTS
Dandy. Happy to hear you solved it. Hope you'll come back and see us again.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 7:32 PM

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