Well, here is my first post.
Steering colum had a broken wire and the truck would only run with the steering wheel all the way down. I took it apart and found the broken wire. I sawdered (sp) it together. The sawder (sp) was too thick so I started to file it down. While doing this I ground out the wire when the file touched to colum - yes, I know I should have unhooked the battery but was lazy. Now there is no power in the wire and I can not find a blown fuse. (all the dash lights are out as well) I need this truck going.
2001 diesel

Thanks
Ryan P

 

I really can't help you but I'm sure someone could help if you could describe the wire location (under the steering wheel) and mostly the color coding. I have information only for an 06, sorry. I would guess you may have fried a module which might hurt a little.

 

I hope I didn't fry a module. The wire is a red one that comes up to a 6 or 8 wire block under the ignition. The larger red wire in the bunch. Wouldn't a fuse blow before a module went?

 

I would hope a fuse would go first. Do not take this bad but did you make positive sure all fuses were not blown? I like to verify with a meter just to make sure. Search on the web for electrical schematic.

 

I pulled every fuse that I could find and none were broke. I havn't delt with blown fuses very often though. I'm looking for one that the loop is broke in half on the 10 and 15 amp fuses. Could there be a small break and not one as lare as I'm looking for? How do I test with my meter?

 

Only thing I could find is a service manual from Geno's garage. Manual or CD about $100. http://www.genosgarage.com/products.asp?dept=17. An auto parts store may have a service manual with schematics. Sorry not much help..

 

Did you look in the underhood fuse box?

Most autoparts sell a cheap fuse tester that allows you to test the fuses without removing them. Many times you can't tell just by looking.

 

Yes, and check the relays also.

 

The wire you describe has to be from the #10 fuse in the under hood box. It's 50A, its the 4th one down on the second row labeled Ign/run accessory. The wiring schematics show that as the only large red wire with power going TO the ign sw.

 

Problem solved. I hate to admit it, but I missed the blown fuse under the hood. I checked them like 3 times and still missed it. Dodge should have a recal on this problem - those wires are so tight under the colum and they are streching when you tilt the wheel down. I soldered it and drove a scerw in behind the wire conector so it doesn't come out again. I hope.

 

I've had three break in my 02, turn signal, horn, and ignition .