Dashboard cycles through warnings and truck loses driving ability

[NorthernJMF]

Hi Guys.

I have a strange problem with my truck. the dashboard starts cycling through multiple warnings, controls stop working, transmission stays in one gear, power steering stops, guages stop working, screen will turn off and on and if I stop truck won't go into reverse and windshield wipers will just turn. If I turn off the engine, it will not restart until I unhook the battery for 10 to 15 minutes. the truck is a 2014 outdoorsman with v6 gas engine and 150,000 miles.

The dash cluster will start showing:

1.oil pressure low, traction control out of service,
2. service shifter
2. service 4WD
4. service air bags
5. service electronic throttle control
6. service transmission continue in drive do not shift or turn engine off


For the last couple months, the Serive 4WD light started coming on and off. Then, the above started a few weeks ago. A dealership looked at it yesterday while it was malfunctioning but said they system is not showing any error codes. They had not seen this issue before. They are going to ask around but I thought I would check here as well and see if anyone has had this happen to them. Another garage said it was possessed.

The attached photo is while I was driving.

Thanks for any thoughts.

John

 

[RamDiver]

to Ram Forum, NorthernJMF

Did all these new features arrive at the same time and how long has this been happening?

Has there been any type of repairs or work recently completed?

What is the age and condition of the battery and when were the battery posts and clamps last cleaned?

.

 

[MADDOG]

Check your main power & ground connections from the battery to the vehicle.

Inspect your battery connections. Look for dirt, corrosion, and make sure they are properly tight.

Check your main harness to PCM connection. Look for dirt, corrosion, water and bent pins.

Test the alternator output voltage.

Lastly, get your battery load tested.

 

[NorthernJMF]

View attachment 521180 to Ram Forum, NorthernJMF

Did all these new features arrive at the same time and how long has this been happening?

Has there been any type of repairs or work recently completed?

What is the age and condition of the battery and when were the battery posts and clamps last cleaned?

.

 

[NorthernJMF]

Thanks for the response.

It started with the service 4wd message then went to everything going off a couple weeks ago.

There have not been any recent repairs.

The battery is a couple years old . I haven’t tested it but it didn’t seem low. The posts are clean with no rust. When it won’t start, it does nothing when the key is turned. After 10-15 minutes disconnected, it starts with no delay.

 

[NorthernJMF]

Check your main power & ground connections from the battery to the vehicle.

Inspect your battery connections. Look for dirt, corrosion, and make sure they are properly tight.

Check your main harness to PCM connection. Look for dirt, corrosion, water and bent pins.

Test the alternator output voltage.

Lastly, get your battery load tested.

Thanks.

I don’t have the equipment to test but have a friend who can.

 

[RamDiver]

Thanks for the response.

It started with the service 4wd message then went to everything going off a couple weeks ago.

There have not been any recent repairs.

The battery is a couple years old . I haven’t tested it but it didn’t seem low. The posts are clean with no rust. When it won’t start, it does nothing when the key is turned. After 10-15 minutes disconnected, it starts with no delay.

Try to remember, our trucks are rolling computers and this myriad of warnings is pointing towards something they all have in common, the battery and/or associated ground connections.

If you can borrow a multi-meter, you can quickly check the battery and alternator.
Measure the battery after sitting overnight or whatever period works.
After sitting it should measure 12.5 to 12.8 VDC.

Find an assistant to measure the voltage at fast idle, 1500 to 1800 RPM.
Fast idle voltage should be 14.5 to 14.8 VDC.

Otherwise, many auto parts stores will load-test your battery for free.

A toaster-style load tester is the best, AFAIC, they never fail to test correctly unlike a digital type of tester.





I like to clean the battery posts & clamps every 6 months and coat both with a light film of dielectric grease. One of these cleaning tools is likely less than $10 and is a good addition to your toolbox.

Oxidation buildup under the clamps can be difficult to see without first removing the clamp. The dielectric grease will reduce oxidation and corrosion and improve conductivity.



.

 

[betasig588]

Did you get the problem fixed? what was it? I have several service errors now showing on my 2017

 

[RamDiver]

Did you get the problem fixed? what was it? I have several service errors now showing on my 2017

The OP'er hasn't been seen in ages.

You're best off starting your own thread including details of the issues along with mileage and history of the truck.





And, welcome to Ram Forum.

.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Sounds electrical. Bad voltage or grounds.

In addition to the other things mentioned above, I would check your tk's major ground points up under the Driver's fender (under a plastic door there) ...and back by the gas tank filler tube area. Esp being in MI.

Those *can* get big-time rusty on some trucks. Worth a peek. If rusty, fix. If not..only took a couple min to rule out. Good luck.

 

[Jeepwalker]

In addition to the above, some owners in salty states have had issues with the TIPM (computer under fusebox) pins becoming corroded. And....even worse yet, a few Gen-4 Ram owners have had the ECM connectors become completely corroded and the connectors badly damaged.

At some point if you don't find anything, you might remove your tk's TIPM (watch some how-to videos) and check them out.