Looking for any help I can get. Steering wheel stereo controls, Key Fobs, Door Locks and I just found out the intermitant wiper control settings are not functioning. Is there any connection between these electrical items???

I appreciate any and all suggestions.

 

Not sure about any specifics, but a good starting point is to check all the fuses in the fusebox. You can ignore the ones that are not related, but I just check all mine, one time found one burned out that I never would have noticed.

 

I have checked them, everything looks good.

 

Good looks don't count, you have to check them with a meter or tester.
Most autoparts sell a tester for under $10 that tests fuses in place, well worth the investment.
Other problem could be a bad clockspring described here http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/982.htm

 

Sounds like the Clock Spring has gone bad. If so, it should be repaired ASAP, since the Driver side SRS (Airbag) will not operate when needed. It doesn't look like the recall applies to your truck but it offers some valuable information about the Clock Spring.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/982.htm

 

Well I have changed out the Power Door lock fuse 3 times, I do not think 3 new fuses would be bad. There is no clicking or other noise when I try to lock-unlock the doors. Is there a relay or control module for the door locks??

I had a feeling that the Clock Spring might be involved.. Does anyone know what a new one would cost?

 

I was just checking around for a Clock Spring, it appears that the aftermarket does not make a replacement Clock Spring with Cruise and Radio Controls for a 1999 model, so I am guessing this is a dealer item only???

 

Rockauto.com has them....thats where I got mine...

search for this part number...525103

Kris

 

Thanks Swordfish. I will check that out.

Anyone care to take a stab at why I seem to have no power at the door locks? Can I use a jumper wire from the battery to the door switch or would that cause a problem?

 

The door lock motors can draw a significant amount of current if not operated correctly. I would not cirectly connect them to the battery.

 

Did something happen prior to this problem that could cause electrical Gremlins to break out?

You have a Highline (premium) Central Timer Module which is located inside the cab on the firewall behind the emergency brake pedal. It is responsible for a variety of controls. The intermittent wipers, remote access, door locks, honking the horn upon remote lock, some of the overhead console, etc. The list is quite long.

Fuses 6, 11, and 13 each feed power for different purposes into the Central Timer. You might double check each of those just because.

 

Any sugestion on how I should check them? it does have a brand new door lock switch.

 

I just saw that fuses G and H also feed power into the Central Timer.

Yes, pull the fuse and see if the metal piece inside is broke. You should be able to see through the red, yellow, or blue "shell". The fuses with Metal housings need to be tested with a multi-meter, or with a tester circuit. With the multi-meter, set the meter to ohms, place a probe at each metal prong, and you want to see 0 ohms. With the test light, connect the alligator clip to the positive battery, touch one of the metal prongs to the negative battery post, touch the other prong with the pointed end of the light tester. If the light comes on, the fuse is good.

 

It sounds like there's too many things not working to be any single device. It must be in the supply or controls someplace.

The door lock switch was replaced? Could be the start of this. Check fuse 13.

 

I will check it tonight. The central timer you mentioned, is it possible that this is the culprit. Remotes don`t work, Wipers only work on High and low setting and the stereo controls on the steering wheel don`t work.

The only indication that I had that something was amiss, is that the guy I bought the truck from stated he would blow a fuse on occasion.