What happened and who do i see about it?

[Jan in CO]

Yesterday while in the city, I started my 2006 Ram and suddenly every warning light available was lit up on the dash and nothing was working. The engine started, but the windows, radio/clock, AC didn't work. I was afraid to turn it off, so parked where a tow truck could access us, and went to run my errand. When I came back out, everything worked fine. UGH. Planning a short trip soon and I'm afraid to get stuck in some podunk town with no mechanic. IF it happens again, what kind of shop would be best to take it to? Possible computer glitch? Have never had this happen before.

 

[MikeT]

Hate to say it, but your chasing a ghost. Check all connections to the battery, make sure all are clean and tight especially the grounds to the frame and body anything loose or unclean should be promptly repaired and cables the don't look perfect - replace. Check the cabling and wiring secondary to the battery, same fixes as above. You may have a loose connection or an intermittent short. Clean up any corrosion on the cabling.

Mike

 

[Jan in CO]

Thanks, I just didn't know where to start looking to find the problem!

 

[hotrod45]

Best place to start is with the battery itself.

 

[turkeybird56]

Inside: Above left foot, white box-connection cluster: If they get hit, cause an issue.
Outside: Main connector by battery. Also white connectors under truck by frame by drivers door.

BUT the Worst Culprit a lot of times is Battery. GET tested and also LOAD TESTED.

All IMHO...

 

[Jan in CO]

Will check the connections and the battery! Thanks. Also, the video viewer that came with the truck came unscrewed and fell a couple weeks before this happend, hanging by it's wires for a few minutes until I could find a place to pull over and disconnect it. I didn't thing those wires could have anything to do with this, but maybe? Have two little grands who are sometimes crawling around so maybe one has hit this white connection box. THanks the the input! How do you load test the battery?

 

[MikeT]

Most auto parts stores have them and will test the battery for free. You can also buy one for yourself, again most auto parts stores have them for sale, not expensive.

Mike

 

[NOV87]

I had something similar on Nissan Xterra, probably a long shot, but for what it's worth. Ended up being Camshaft position sensor, that went bad.

 

[Wallyb4]

I would check battery. I had something similar on my Durango. While driving all the dash warning lights came on the cluster went dead for a second along with the radio. I never lost power but scared the crap out of me. Battery went dead a few days later.