Help with manual shifter on column

[mtntrogger]

Looking for possible reasons why the up/down switch on the column shifter doesn't work. I've checked the fluid and reset the tcm. It's a 2010 1500 Laramie with the 5.7. I bought it a few months ago and I haven't been able to get it to work since. I work at the top of a steep long hill, so coming down without the ability to hold low gear is not only dangerous its also causing me to wear through brakes fast. When I first bought it I had to have another part replaced because it wouldn't down shift when I hit the gas. I believe it was a valve of some kind. They called it the variable valve timing control valve. Just hoping someone on here can point me in the direction of what to diagnose as the cause. Thanks for any input

 

[mtntrogger]

A few more details, The cruise control still functions normally, and if I push the tow button the gear indicator comes up on the dash but still won't let me change the gear. I'm wondering if it's something electrical since it shifts completely normally while normal driving. Maybe that column control button is linked to a blown fuse ? Or another possibility is that there's a wire not connected in the column. I know that there's a part in the column of these that frequently breaks, maybe it's possible this happened to this truck in the past and when the part was replaced maybe they missed the wire connection for this ? Could either of these be possibilities?

 

[Fast69Mopar]

A few more details, The cruise control still functions normally, and if I push the tow button the gear indicator comes up on the dash but still won't let me change the gear. I'm wondering if it's something electrical since it shifts completely normally while normal driving. Maybe that column control button is linked to a blown fuse ? Or another possibility is that there's a wire not connected in the column. I know that there's a part in the column of these that frequently breaks, maybe it's possible this happened to this truck in the past and when the part was replaced maybe they missed the wire connection for this ? Could either of these be possibilities?

It is very possible that the connector for the shift +/- buttons in the shift lever is disconnected.

Have they ever worked? If so, how long has it been since they worked?

It's more likely that the button assembly or the wiring inside the stalk has failed and it's time for a replacement shift lever.

 

[mtntrogger]

Took apart the steering cover today and found the wire was cut in half. Spliced er up and it's working great now.

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Took apart the steering cover today and found the wire was cut in half. Spliced er up and it's working great now.

Ahh, sounds good. Glad you found the problem.