RAM 2500 Truck 2WD L6-5.9L DSL Turbo VIN 7 (2001)
Shift Indicator: Testing and Inspection
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative four-wheel drive indicator condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to indicator accuracy,
be certain to confirm that the problem is with the indicator and not with a damaged or inoperative front axle disconnect mechanism. If no front axle
disconnect problem is found, the following procedure will help locate a short or open in the four-wheel drive switch input to the instrument cluster.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE
THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Indicator Does Not Illuminate With Four-wheel Drive Mode Selected
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the engine wire harness connector for the four-wheel drive switch from the switch
connector receptacle. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the engine wire harness connector for the four-wheel drive switch
and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground (G1OO) as required.
2. Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Install a jumper wire between the 4WD switch sense circuit
cavity of the engine wire harness connector for the four-wheel drive switch and a good ground. The four-wheel drive indicator should light. If OK,
replace the faulty four-wheel drive switch. If not OK, go to Step 3.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument
panel. Check for continuity between the 4WD switch sense circuit cavities of the instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the
instrument cluster and the engine wire harness connector for the four-wheel drive switch. There should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty
instrument cluster. If not OK, repair the open 4WD switch sense circuit between the instrument cluster and the four-wheel drive switch as required.
Indicator Stays Illuminated With Four-wheel Drive Mode Not Selected
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the engine wire harness connector for the four-wheel drive switch from the switch
connector receptacle. Check for continuity between the ground circuit terminal and the 4WD switch sense circuit terminal in the four-wheel drive
switch connector receptacle. There should be no continuity. If OK, repair the shorted 4WD switch sense circuit between the four-wheel drive
switch and the instrument cluster as required. If not OK, replace the faulty four-wheel drive switch.
