Electrical issues?

[Hupomeno]

2012 Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L with 113k
Having electrical issues, ETC light, Service 4wd light, cruise control will not set, and when I first start it up I hear clicking noises coming from inside instrument console. Sometimes when Service 4wd light comes on it won't let me put it in gear. I think it may be computer malfunction, had water pump go at 110k, sprayed hot water all over engine, may have damaged electrical system? Also original battery, over 6 years old. Gonna put new battery in first and see if it helps, any insight helpful, dealer said $99 diagnose fee for each issue!

 

[Hootbro]

Those look like cascading faults tied to one issue. Replacing the battery on age alone is a good idea in my opinion but If that does nothing for you, I would start with troubleshooting the ETC light issue and go from there.

You will probably get some stabbing guesses but unless you have proper troubleshooting with a diagram and understanding of the systems, it will be shotgunning parts that eventually may prove to be more costly than if you had paid for the troubleshooting diagnostic to begin with.

 

[Hupomeno]

Thanks Hootbro, I have a good mechanic friend who said he can hook a scanner to it to troubleshoot, I will start with new battery tomorrow and go from there...

 

[Fitz-0518]

Hootbro^^^^Nailed it. $100-$200 in diagnostic scan time will save $1000 in parts guessing.

 

[RammerHarder]

Hootbro^^^^Nailed it. $100-$200 in diagnostic scan time will save $1000 in parts guessing.

AGREED...!
Always start with the cheapest thing first....a KNOWN good BATTERY!
You need a GOOD fully charged battery BEFORE you start chasing electrical demons. Check ALL the grounds too.