Can moisture on the PCM connectors cause instrument panel failures?

Asked by Doug Apr 08, 2017 at 11:17 PM about the 2005 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I am new here. I just recently bought a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab
with the 5.7.
On Feb 27th, I was driving it and looked at the Instrument Cluster and I
noticed the Gear Selector was not lit. I pulled over and started looking into
it. When you turn the ignition on the check engine lights, etc. should light
up. However, none of the informational or warning lights come on. The turn
signal indicators do not come on (turn signals flash outside), the odometer
and gear select indicator, check engine light and high beam indicator do
not come on. All interior lights work fine The dash lights up when you turn
the lights on, the gauges all light up. All external lights work (except 1 fog
light and 1 license plate light).

I have pulled fuses and looked for loose connections,etc. I am stumped.

After 3 days, the lights started working again. Today, they went out again.

Something I noticed was that both times they ave gone out, it was either
raining heavily or had rained the day before.

Any ideas?

5 Answers

59,045

It can, make sure to find where the water is getting it, sometimes the drain for a/co get clogged or heater core can drip near it, weather stripping around hood or windshield may let water in.

2 people found this helpful.

Thank you. I dont think it is a heater core or ac problem. I believe it is from all of the rain we have had. I was driving through wet grass this time. Do you think dielectric grease on the connector would help?

59,045

I do think it would hurt, but connector itself may could handle the water its the moisture getting inside. But it may be another electrical connection somewhere thats loose/corroded, check frame grounds from block ect and look for bare wires and/or loose connectors ect. You can put dielectric grease on all electrical connections. I try to do so myself. If moisture at PCM is suspected locate and check the area for water.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 1,587 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $1,100.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2005 Dodge RAM 1500

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,880
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
6,043 Great Deals out of 131,894 listings starting at $900
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,063 Great Deals out of 132,176 listings starting at $800
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,848 Great Deals out of 66,606 listings starting at $1,000
Used Dodge RAM 2500
59 Great Deals out of 1,071 listings starting at $1,500
Used Toyota Tundra
1,049 Great Deals out of 32,619 listings starting at $2,650
Used Dodge Charger
742 Great Deals out of 29,280 listings starting at $2,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,850 Great Deals out of 31,925 listings starting at $2,295
Used Dodge Durango
797 Great Deals out of 21,106 listings starting at $1,300
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,572 Great Deals out of 49,983 listings starting at $750
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1,047 Great Deals out of 30,701 listings starting at $1,350
Used Ford Mustang
908 Great Deals out of 22,970 listings starting at $783
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,362 Great Deals out of 42,475 listings starting at $550

Used Cars For Sale

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD For Sale
5 Great Deals out of 45 listings starting at $4,982
2009 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD For Sale
29 listings starting at $5,499
2008 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD For Sale
3 Great Deals out of 76 listings starting at $2,999
2007 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD For Sale
3 Great Deals out of 57 listings starting at $4,339
2006 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 55 listings starting at $1,100

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.