Jeepwalker
Senior Member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2017
- Posts
- 3,240
- Reaction score
- 3,470
- Location
- WI
- Ram Year
- 2012 Reg Cab, 4x4
- Engine
- 5.7 Hemi
It's been known (by other users) that the compartment can fill partially up with water. Probably entering from the sides of the rack. Even though the board is usually covered (protected) with a plastic coating (which this one doesn't seem to be very thick)... plastic coatings aren't 100% and water could still damage where pinholes exist, or where there wasn't full coverage. Which is why I suggested right away to look at the circuit board.
Most electronic failures are bad solder joints, dried or popped electrolytic capacitors, or another physical issue. Component failure makes up a low percentage of electronic failures.
Electronic failures are well-established:
If you look at the first chart below, Circuit board/Capacitors & solder joints & connectors (all easily testable and usually detectible by eye), make up almost 3/4 of electronic failure points.
The second chart on the Rt. shows why it's probably a terrible idea to put a circuit board down on the rack in a tightly enclosed housing. Heat/cool cycles in a tightly covered housing. Temperature/Vibration & Humidity which could all be present represent the bulk of normal electronic failures. Have mercy on the Ram owners who make frequent water crossings!!
You can google this. That's why NASA and the military rigorously test various hardware before putting it to use. If it can survive shock and keep the temp the same (hopefully not high), and keep moisture out, you can eliminate a lot of common failures. And use high quality capacitors (they also dry out and overheat in high temps ...so don't overheat!)
,
Most electronic failures are bad solder joints, dried or popped electrolytic capacitors, or another physical issue. Component failure makes up a low percentage of electronic failures.
Electronic failures are well-established:
If you look at the first chart below, Circuit board/Capacitors & solder joints & connectors (all easily testable and usually detectible by eye), make up almost 3/4 of electronic failure points.
The second chart on the Rt. shows why it's probably a terrible idea to put a circuit board down on the rack in a tightly enclosed housing. Heat/cool cycles in a tightly covered housing. Temperature/Vibration & Humidity which could all be present represent the bulk of normal electronic failures. Have mercy on the Ram owners who make frequent water crossings!!
You can google this. That's why NASA and the military rigorously test various hardware before putting it to use. If it can survive shock and keep the temp the same (hopefully not high), and keep moisture out, you can eliminate a lot of common failures. And use high quality capacitors (they also dry out and overheat in high temps ...so don't overheat!)
,
Last edited: