Instrument cluster gauge lights stopped working?

Tiny
JEEP769
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 147,000 MILES
I have the truck listed above 1500 SLT. All of a sudden, I have no lights on my speedometer or anything on the instrument cluster. I have the odometer and all the dummy lights and such those work and also my air conditioning knob lights do not work as well I tried taking the light switch out and cleaning it and making sure the contacts, we're still making contact on the circuit board and it looks as though they are. So, I don't know what else to check I've checked all the fuses and the relays I've switched around and nothing they did start working for about a week or so until I washed it again and now, they don't work again so I don't know if I got water on one of the contacts somewhere? I don't know how that would have been possible any info would be helpful thanks.
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Saturday, December 17th, 2022 AT 2:53 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If I had to guess, I would say there is a connection issue at the TIPM (totally integrated power module). These are under the hood/power distribution center.

What happens is this. The TIPM has several different connectors. Each connector has multiple pins. What happens is because there are so many pins in each connector, they are very small and can break easily or corrode and fail.

At the connector behind the cluster, I need you to check two different wires for power when it isn't working. I need you to check if power is present at the wires when the cluster lights aren't working. If there is, then suspect either the cluster or the dimmer switch. If there is no power, then we need to go to the TIPM and see what the pin looks like that sends power to the cluster.

I attached the wiring schematic below, so you have a reference. Note that power is sent to the cluster via fuse 20 (TIPM). It is identified in the schematic as the integrated power module. It is sent via 2 red wires to cluster connector 1, pins 1 and 14. That is where I need you to check. The connector at the TIPM is C1 pin 12. Don't worry about that yet.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, December 18th, 2022 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
JEEP769
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
Well, I tested the red wires into the instrument cluster, and they had power running into them. The only thing with the instrument cluster being bad is the lights on the heating switch to adjust my heat control doesn't work either with the dimmer and that's not part of the instrument cluster, correct? So, I don't understand my overhead console dims and so does my odometer just not the gauges or the heater switch. Any more info would be helpful or which direction to try next thanks
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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If you are referring to the backlighting, that can be affected. Power from the orange wire with a yellow tracer from the cluster sends power to the AC heater control. See pic 2 above. So, if you have power, chances are it is the cluster.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 3:57 PM
Tiny
JEEP769
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
Sorry it took so long to reply I got it figured out. I ended up switching the whole fuse box and the integrated power module on the side of it and everything works now so far no problems thanks for your help and sorry it took so long to reply but I've had one after another thing going bad on this Dodge ram truck. I would definitely not recommend buying one to anyone. Any review that I have a chance to put out there I put a bad review for it, LOL. Anyways take care and thank you for your time.
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Saturday, March 9th, 2024 AT 9:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update, and no problem with any delay. LOL The power modules are certainly a weak link. It made it 22 years which is better than most.

Regardless, I'm glad to know it's repaired. Take care of yourself and feel free to come back any time in the future.

Joe
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:09 PM

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