1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel - Electrical Problem

Don't have a wiring diagram with me, but that is enough functions you are probably headed to the large fuses in the Power Distribution box under the hood.

There is a series of 40 and 50 amp fuses under there that can be visually inspected through the little window. I'd use a continuity tester tho.

You have been sorting this thing out for a while, haven't you?

And the question I always ask at a time like this - What did I do last?

I checked all the fuses and they all checked all good

Well crap, got a wiring diagram?

Bet you will find them all on the same circuit or possibly sharing a connector. Tranny surprises me.

If the fuses are OK are you sure you got ALL the fuses, sometimes one is fitted (often In-Line) somewhere else they forgot at design time. Only a good wiring diagram will get that one.

Sometimes there is a small box of fuses inside the cab, then the handbook might help.....

Do you have some sort of voltage levelling device for the gauges, often that is a source of problems. Sometimes the gauge lighting is from the same source, not always though. Is the gauge lighting working at night?

That's all for now.

I found this on the internet. It may br the source of your Ram problem. "many caravans have this problem and if you let it go your guages and spedo etc wont work. take out the 4 screws that hold on the a/c stuff and unplug it and inspect for a burnt terminal I JUST did one 5 min ago. Clean it up and plug back in or get one from the junkyard"

Here's another that I found on the internet: QUESTION:"5.9 turbo diesel,seems to be shifting in and out of OD,but the strange thing about it is that i get to a certain downhill curve on the way home,and the trans.temp.light,the OD off light, check engine light and the low fuel light comes on,and the fuel gauge drops to empty.Sound like a bad ground? and do all the sensors and gauges share the same ground?" ANSWER: " I think this is an electrical issue related to the braided ground strap. If you look on the drivers side of the engine, you'll see a harness that runs back towards the transmission. Generally it'll have a braided ground strap that runs up to the body laying across it. Make sure it's not cutting into the harness it can cut it's way into the wires and cause weird issues like yours. Make sure to tie it out of the way with zip ties so it doesn't cause you grief. Good luck!"

Try the Haynes manual, it's about $12.00 at your local autoparts store.

If it is a common wire, or you actually have an in-line fuse blown it will be easier for you to check; in-line fuses look like bulky splices on the wiring comming out of the fuses and/or relay boxes.

Good luck.

How long have you had the problem? Also, are the gauges digital or do they have the moving needle? I have a '92 Accord, I know its a very different vehicle, that had the moving needles. All the gauges stopped working right before the alternator died. I believe Autozone will test your charging system for free. Many of the autoparts stores probably have similar services.

I hava a 1998 dodge ram 2500 diesel 24 valve man I have the identical problem as you......any ideas or did you get it fixed

I hava a 1998 dodge ram 2500 diesel 24 valve,the problem I am having is that all my guages are not working, fuel guage, oil pressure, battery voltage temprature guage.My odemeter is not working in fact it flashes and my transmission is not shifting. If you have any suggestions what might be wrong with I sure would appreciate your input.

did you get it fixed

I know this is waaaay late but believe it or not the camshaft position sensor causes all of those problems...and the engine will stay running. It even keeps the truck from charging.. anyone who Googles this can atleast use this info