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.

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