We have classified the 6 complaints from 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM into the following categories.
The truck will not shut off. after stopping and turning off the ignition and removing the key, the truck remains running. sometimes, after about five minutes idling it will shut off on its own. other times we have had to remove a fuse.
Directionals suddenly started blinking fast. right & left directional don't opperate, right rear taillight doesn't operate, front left headlight does not opporate, both rear brake lights don't opperate, checked all bulbs by certified mechanic. all bulbs are in good condition. tested all electrical & lighting lines, certified mechanic concluded that the integrated fuse box is defective & needs a brand new replacement. no corrosion present. ordered fuse block from dealership, parts dept. confirms these blocks are on national back order, with 1000's of orders placed. called chrysler, they said they can't help as there's no vendor making this part yet. if i got a used part for $400, it'd be an old defective fuse box & i'd have exact same safety issues. apparently many 2003-2005 dodge ram diesels currently have this same electrical problem. *tr
Trailer lighting for 2001-2005 dodge ram light duty (1500-5500) trucks with integrated heavy duty towing package relays can fail if accidental connection to mis-wired trailer, but are not repairable and parts are not available to replace the integrated power module (ipm). the relays for such are inside a sealed portion of the ipm, and cannot be replaced. there are no fuses or serviceable parts to protect against this failure. this failure results in non- or incorrectly-working trailer lighting which can result in motor vehicle accidents and injury or death. *tr
I own a 2003 dodge 3500 cummings diesel. the problem is the trailer lights did not work the cause i have found on the internet is that dodge has wired incorrectly and causes the integrated power module (fuse box) to fail. also my ecm has gone bad as well. i now have been waiting for repairs for over 2 weeks i am one of 74 waiting for a integrated power module. my cost as i"m told will be over $1100 most truck owners will not know they have this problem because they do not pull trailers as i do. but i have found this to be a common problem with people who do the years look like they occur between the !999 thru 2005 in the 1500 series 2500 series and 3500 series trucks. *tr
The alternator bracket is cracked. it could break causing the alternator to fall into the engine fan assembly. if somebody was working on the engine at the time of complete failure,serious injury or death will occur. same goes for driving down the road and the failure could cause an accident. dodge is well aware of this/has tsb's yet won't pay for the bracket. *tr
Dashboard is collapsing causing electrical failureas well as burning melting plastic behind the dash compartment. it is an ongoing issue. dealer claims it is "cosmetic" tell that to my electrical system.
Dt*: the contact stated there was a burning smell coming from the steering column. the wiring harness to the steering column ignition switch shorted out. although the dealer was alerted no inspections have been made. the manufacturer has not been alerted. updated 7/13/2006 - the steering column ignition switch (part # 56045112) burned between wire terminal 1 and 8. the ignition switch connector (part # 5183441aa) was also burned between terminal 1 and 8 in circuit c1. *nm
The vehicle was taken to the dealership for routine maintenance. the technician noticed that the alternator bracket was broke. . *nm the dealer indicated that a service bulletin was issued for this problem. the vehicle is not covered under warranty. *nm
2001 dodge 3500 w/ho cummins spontaneously ignited and burned to nothing. it started in the engine compartment, drivers side. my opinion is it was an electrical fire due to the smell of the smoke. *ak