What’s this?

[RonG]

Hello. I own a 2005 Ram 3500 dually, Auto transmission, with Cummins diesel. I opened the panel beneath the steering column (for the first time) and found the following part hanging loose by its wires. I found where it “plugs in”, but since there are apparently several aftermarket add-ons on my truck (I have no idea what all has been done to the truck before I purchased it), I hesitate to reconnect the part for fear of damaging something else. Does anyone know what this part is for and should I reconnect it or just leave it hanging? I have recently been concerned that the truck seems to have periods where it takes a lot heavier foot on the throttle to get going; but have no idea if the loose part is in anyway related. Thanks in advance.

 

[rule18]

Can you shift out of park without your foot on the brake? I think that's your Brake Transmission Interlock Solenoid.

 

[RonG]

You know... this truck has been quite difficult to get out of "Park" from the first time I got in it! I do think I still have to put my foot on the brake, though.

I plugged the thing back in and turned the ignition key on; heard a whinning/whirring noise for a couple of seconds; then everything seemed "normal". Still haven't driven it with the part plugged in though.

 

[HemiLonestar]

I think that's your Brake Transmission Interlock Solenoid.

That is exactly what that is. Should be up on the shift cable near the shifter inside the column shroud.

 

[RonG]

I wonder: does this have anything to do with the fact that the keys will easily slide out of the ignition in ANY position?

So, I don't suppose reconnecting the BTIS should harm any aftermarket addons, huh? I found another post/thread explaining the adjustment proceedure for the BTIS, so I will follow that and reconnect.

Thanks, folks.

*Next, I have sooo many other questions about this truck. LOL

 

[HemiLonestar]

I wonder: does this have anything to do with the fact that the keys will easily slide out of the ignition in ANY position?

So, I don't suppose reconnecting the BTIS should harm any aftermarket addons, huh? I found another post/thread explaining the adjustment proceedure for the BTIS, so I will follow that and reconnect.

Thanks, folks.

*Next, I have sooo many other questions about this truck. LOL

Shouldn't, has nothing to do with the key, that's probably just a very worn cylinder. Test it before you reinstall it, that may be why it was removed. Otherwise no, shouldn't interfere with anything else.

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