Hello, new to the board. I just recently purchased an 03 2500 quad cab with some electrical issues. The dome light, headlights, nor tail lights will come on if the key is not in with the ignition on. If I leave the headlights on and take the key out, I can not turn the headlights off until I put the key back in and turn on the ignition. Also I have cranked it up before and the speakers did not work. I turned it off and recranked it and they worked fine. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Matthew

 

Look at the ignition switch first since that is where you are having issues. Look for burnt wires or brownish color on the back of the switch.

 

I agree. I would check around the ignition switch from intermittent wires. That seems to be your problem area.

 

If you turn the ignition off while the headlights are on, then turn the headlights off, the headlights will stay on for a predetermined time and then shut off automatically. If you want them to shut off by the headlight switch, you have to turn the lights off first and then turn the ignition switch off. I'm not sure what is wrong with your wiring, but I just wanted to tell you about the headlight feature.

 

Thanks, I didn't know that. I still should be able to turn them on without the ignition on though shouldn't I? I should have time today to look at the ignition switch. Hopefully it will be an obvious problem.

 

Sounds like a blown fuse, or a FCM problem. There are several fuses and relays that control the FCM.

OPERATION
The multiplexed headlamp switch has an off, parking lamp, fog lamp and a headlamp on position. High beams are controlled by the multiplexed multifunction switch on the steering column. The fog lamps are illuminated by pulling back on the headlamp switch **** when in the parking lamp or headlamp ON position. The headlamp switch cannot be repaired. It must be replaced.

The Instrument Cluster monitors the headlamp and multifunction switch operation. When the headlamp switch is rotated to the parking lamp or On position the Instrument Cluster sends a J1850 message to the Front Control Module, which is mated to the power distribution center to become the Integrated Control Module, to illuminate the appropriate bulbs. When the multifunction switch is activated to the optical horn or high beam position the Instrument Cluster illuminates the high beam indicator and sends a J1850 message to the Front Control Module to illuminate the appropriate bulbs.

 

Check fuse 11 and 13 in the pdc under the hood. There is also a PTC( kind of a circuit breaker) in there too . I can't say for 100% that it is replaceable though. Also fuse 50 in the pdc.