Radio installation leads to dash failure

[nitto]

well about 5 months ago I attempted to wire up a new headunit and it ended up that the radio didnt work so I went for a good bit without one and realized thaat my power mirrors and interior lights stopped working after that, I thought nothing of it because I figured maybe some crazy way they were wired in with the radio (which would be dumb)


SO today I bought a new headunit and installed it and everything was good, I noticed my mirrors and lights interior lights still do not work so I checked my fuses and they were all good, Then I was driving and realized my dash gauges would work right when I Started my truck but right when I would go to drive it they stopped working.. SO they work when I start it but as soon as I drive the stop or after sitting at idle for more than a minute or 2.

ever since radio installed
mirror and interior lights dont work
and now my dash cluster only works for a few minutes


someone please help, I havent checked my fuses after I noticed the dash thing but I figured they wouldnt be blown if they work for a couple minutes. my milleage counter doesnt even work so its hard to tell how much I can go on a tank of gas lol

 

[nitto]

anybody that can help?

 

[HolyRamBatman]

The easiest thing to check will be the fuses. Then loose connections in the area you were working and behind the dash.

After that it's time to start pulling your hair out.

http://www.ramforum.com/f77/2nd_gen_ram_parts_manuals-6399/

This may help trace the wires to what is actually linked together.

Good luck.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Oh my! What a mess.

Start with the basics. Remove anything you've done.
Pull the radio out. I hope you used a harness, even if you didn't, just unplug it from the back of the head unit itself. Then start diagnosis.

Get yourself a Haynes manual for the truck, they have a wiring diagram.
Start following the wires back to the common source.

I would open up the bulkhead connector that is behind the driver's wheel well, clean the contacts and slather with dielectric. Always a good idea on a Gen II period.

Electrical problems are VERY difficult to diagnose over a medium like the internets unfortunately.

 

[nitto]

I have a haynes manual and I am already pulling my hair out, Im going to check the fuses and take the radio back out after work