I wanted to post this in case any one else ever runs into this probelem.

I was driving to work one morning and all of the sudden the check gauges light came on. The volts meter was at zero. The truck continued to run but no volts. when I got to work I shut the truck off then turned the key back on and bingo. i had operating voltage again. The only code I got was 1682, charging system too low, probably form when the when the selenoid failed.

After a few days it began to get colder and I noticed that the grid heaters wern't firing up. I checked the relay, it was good. I swapped it out with the blower motor relay and all was good. I checked the fusible links and they were good as well. I had power to the selenoids but nothng coming out.

I figured that was it so I set out looking through the spare part I have aquired over the years and came across three starter selenoids I had for old 85 Jeep J-20, (12v - 100 amp) two new and one used, I got them on sale years back and bought them both. The only problem is they are externally grounded.

After a bit or research I found out that the 2001 Rams grid heater selenoids are chassis ground. that was a good thing. I modified the original bracket and mounted the jepp selenoids to the bracket then wired it all up.

The only difference is the orange and yellow wires that send the signal from the EMC go to the "S" post on the selenoids, The "I" post is left open. You can ground the mounting bracket to the negative battery post or to the chassis, this will give you ground.

It was definatly a cheap fix considering when I bought those selenoids it cost be about $10.00 for the pair. NAPA wanted $125.00 for the replacement grid heater selenoids. I like these ones better, they definatly give off a good snap when they kick in.

So far so good with running htem , no codes coming up and the grids are functioning properly.

 

looks like a cheap fix just keep an eye on it I believe the grids pull 200 amps it might over heat your new ones keep us updated

ps welcome to dtr

 

2 grids, 100 amps each for a draw of 200 amps.
Both of the selenoids are good for 100 amps each,
I think it should be okay but I'll monitor it closely. I'll keep checking. thanks for the tip Rebal.

 

If they go out, you can get solenoids for up to 400 amps through a golf cart performance parts place.