Instrument Cluster Won't Power On Immediately

[TroyGarner]

Weird problem I'm facing and trying to figure it out.

When I start the truck (seemingly only for the first time after letting the truck sit in the cold for a bit), the windshield wipers wouldn't stop going even though I have them set to off, and none of the gauges will come on either, along with all of the interior lights. I had to drive it home with no odometer display the first time I had this problem, and in 2WD without my turn signals.

This now happens every cold start, HOWEVER, each time this happens the instrument cluster eventually comes on after the truck warms up it seems. I can turn it on during a cold morning (~ -20 degrees Celcius on average here), and let it sit running with the key in it for about 15 minutes and the cluster eventually powers up on its own.

I checked the TIPM bay for any loose connectors and they're all seated properly. Took it to the dealership and they weren't entirely sure but they were thinking it might be the instrument cluster itself. They scanned codes that said several modules lost communication with the cluster, they inspected the common point between all the modules at PDC and everything checked out good. Powers and ground present as normal.

They said they would need more diagnostic time this week and I'm just wondering if there's anything else that I can check in the meantime. It seems odd that the cluster seems to work fine after running for a while after a cold start (only on cold days so far - but we haven't had a warm day yet since this started happening so I can't test that for sure). If the truck is warmed up and I turn the truck off for a little while and come back to turn it on right away everything still seems to work too as it should, it's just on that first start after sitting out in the cold for a while where things don't work...

I wonder if maybe a relay is getting stuck somewhere and isn't allowing power to get to the cluster because of the temperature? I tried measuring the voltage across the battery terminals one morning when my cluster wouldn't come on and I got a good 12.5-12.8vDC reading. Just 0.3vDC lower than my reading from the point where I know the cluster was working.

Any ideas ?

 

[RamCares]

Weird problem I'm facing and trying to figure it out.

When I start the truck (seemingly only for the first time after letting the truck sit in the cold for a bit), the windshield wipers wouldn't stop going even though I have them set to off, and none of the gauges will come on either, along with all of the interior lights. I had to drive it home with no odometer display the first time I had this problem, and in 2WD without my turn signals.

This now happens every cold start, HOWEVER, each time this happens the instrument cluster eventually comes on after the truck warms up it seems. I can turn it on during a cold morning (~ -20 degrees Celcius on average here), and let it sit running with the key in it for about 15 minutes and the cluster eventually powers up on its own.

I checked the TIPM bay for any loose connectors and they're all seated properly. Took it to the dealership and they weren't entirely sure but they were thinking it might be the instrument cluster itself. They scanned codes that said several modules lost communication with the cluster, they inspected the common point between all the modules at PDC and everything checked out good. Powers and ground present as normal.

They said they would need more diagnostic time this week and I'm just wondering if there's anything else that I can check in the meantime. It seems odd that the cluster seems to work fine after running for a while after a cold start (only on cold days so far - but we haven't had a warm day yet since this started happening so I can't test that for sure). If the truck is warmed up and I turn the truck off for a little while and come back to turn it on right away everything still seems to work too as it should, it's just on that first start after sitting out in the cold for a while where things don't work...

I wonder if maybe a relay is getting stuck somewhere and isn't allowing power to get to the cluster because of the temperature? I tried measuring the voltage across the battery terminals one morning when my cluster wouldn't come on and I got a good 12.5-12.8vDC reading. Just 0.3vDC lower than my reading from the point where I know the cluster was working.

Any ideas ?

Hi TroyGarner,

We understand how this could frustrating. We would like to look into this further and get you in contact with the proper teams while you are working with your dealer. If this is something that interests you, just send us a private message with your VIN, phone number, current mileage and servicing dealer.
Julie
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Ibsledge]

Not sure why it’s happening but my 2013 ram since around 10 k has just cut off and restarts. Taken to dealer they never figured out so when it’s time to buy another truck that will factor in.Not the truck but the entire cluster. Other than that it’s been a great truck.

 

[Oldfireguy57]

Troy did you figure out what the problem was, my 2011 is doing the exact same thing this year. Had cluster replace and since it has gotten cold in the 30's it has done it every time when starting after it has set up for several hours

 

[Paulo Porto]

Replace your TIPM, relays get crazy with cold temperatures

 

[OCDTech]

Weird problem I'm facing and trying to figure it out.

Any ideas ?

I've heard a few on here with these issues are getting water intrusion in connectors under the hood, some have mentioned the bigger ones, lots of wires, one said on the passenger side. This is what i would check first, easy, doesn't cost nothing. One thing i noticed with these trucks, while raining, especially when you hit the brakes or park downhill, i open the hood see water pouring down in the engine compartment. Lots say "theyre water proof connectors". And they very well look like they are, but several posts i've read say they've found water in them. Me i've done a ton of waterproofing so mine won't get this way.

Good luck,

Also I would disconnect the negative battery terminal before doing this.

 

[Paulo Porto]

Humidity is a big problem for electronics, in this case the temperature are -20, and when the temperature in the ram rises it works.
His having issues in the morning when he starts, after that his ok, that why i believe it is a relay.
I have have 2 tipm, if I have a problem in my Ram, that is the first thing I do.