97 Dodge 1500 4 X 4 electrical problems

Phil Herr · 02-03-2007, 08:37 AM

My 97 Dodge 1500 4 X 4 has been nearly flawless for over 200K miles, but the electrical system has now begun acting up. The starter stopped responding to the key switch, airbag / abs / brake warning lights stay on, power windows and blower motor won't work. I can start it by energizing the starter solenoid, and it drives fine.

I have checked all of the usual suspects, and find no problems. A new ignition switch had no impact at all.

Can anyone tell me where to look for the problem?

lbferguson · 02-03-2007, 06:59 PM

We have the same problem but have read to check wireing in the stering column . I cannot locate the thread. Has anybody else read that before >

snsengineering · 02-04-2007, 08:07 PM

do u live in the cold?

Larry O'Daniel · 02-11-2007, 09:58 PM

You stated you replaced the ignition switch. Do you mean where you put the key or the contact assembly mounted on top of the steering column under the dashboard? Electrical problems are just that a problem. With the power windows and blower motor not working my next question is does the radio work? the switched power plug in the dash? Can you hear the A/c clutch engage if you switch to A/C? How about wipers? turn signals?
The headlights have their own circuit and don't go through the ignition switch, neither does the brake lights or hazard warning lights.
My 96 RAM's switch got out of adjustment after 178,000 miles and I had to readjust it, it started first by not letting me turn on the accessories with the steering wheel kicked to the highest position. If I pulled it down to the driving position it worked fine. But I am now assuming you have a tilt wheel which affects the adjustment of the ignition contact assembly.
Good luck, please let us know what you find.
Hope this helps.

02-03-2007, 08:37 AM	#1
Phil Herr Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1	97 Dodge 1500 4 X 4 electrical problems My 97 Dodge 1500 4 X 4 has been nearly flawless for over 200K miles, but the electrical system has now begun acting up. The starter stopped responding to the key switch, airbag / abs / brake warning lights stay on, power windows and blower motor won't work. I can start it by energizing the starter solenoid, and it drives fine. I have checked all of the usual suspects, and find no problems. A new ignition switch had no impact at all. Can anyone tell me where to look for the problem?

02-03-2007, 06:59 PM	#2
lbferguson Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1	electrical We have the same problem but have read to check wireing in the stering column . I cannot locate the thread. Has anybody else read that before >

02-04-2007, 08:07 PM	#3
snsengineering Full Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: minnesota Posts: 28	do u live in the cold? __________________ *HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !!*

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02-11-2007, 09:58 PM	#4
Larry O'Daniel Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Tulsa, stationed at Ft. Sill, OK Posts: 90	You stated you replaced the ignition switch. Do you mean where you put the key or the contact assembly mounted on top of the steering column under the dashboard? Electrical problems are just that a problem. With the power windows and blower motor not working my next question is does the radio work? the switched power plug in the dash? Can you hear the A/c clutch engage if you switch to A/C? How about wipers? turn signals? The headlights have their own circuit and don't go through the ignition switch, neither does the brake lights or hazard warning lights. My 96 RAM's switch got out of adjustment after 178,000 miles and I had to readjust it, it started first by not letting me turn on the accessories with the steering wheel kicked to the highest position. If I pulled it down to the driving position it worked fine. But I am now assuming you have a tilt wheel which affects the adjustment of the ignition contact assembly. Good luck, please let us know what you find. Hope this helps.