Dodge Ram OBD trouble

Discussion in 'Other Automotive Tech & Talk' started by Acornridgeman, Feb 17, 2014.

  1. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    I have a problem with my plow truck - 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 with the V-10

    The MAINT REQD lamp is lit, because the truck passed one of the mandatory service mileage settings in the computer, so it wants attention. Went to hook up the OBD 1 reader to reset this warning lamp, but there is no connection to the computer - it is dead. I know from other cars, these outlets are tied into a fuse someplace, often the cigarette lighter. The lighter in my truck works fine when the key is on, but has no power when the key is off. Is that normal for a Dodge Ram? Being a non-smoker I never use the lighter. I do use the power outlet for my plows yellow beacon and I know that one is key switched. But I thought cigarette lighters always had power key on or off.

    Also, I tried disconnecting the battery for 24 hours, to see if this would reset the lamp and it did not. I used the key on/off method to get any service codes to flash and received only a 12 for the recently disconnected battery and the end code of 55.

    Any ideas on how to get the OBD plug to power up and / or, any other way to reset the MAINT REQD lamp without using the OBD ?

    :)
     
  2. 71maverickGT

    71maverickGT Member

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    Hmmm iv never heard of having to hook up the obd scanner to get rid of a maintenance light usually you can reset it like through the dash or like old gms with the gas pedal. maybe google it on how to reset the maintenance light thats where i would start. hope this helped
     
  3. Paul Masson

    Paul Masson MCCI Atlantic Canada Rep

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    We have a Dodge minivan and there are three power outlets. Two up font (one battery, one ignition powered). The rear one on the driver's side can be switched. There is a fuse location on the Power Distribution center. All you have to do to change the BATT/IGN power is move the fuse over one connector, as the center is the load, and the two on either side of it are the supplies. So it is possible to have an outlet that runs off of ign only.
     
  4. darren

    darren Member

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    Ill have a look through the archives and see how to turn it off. Hard to remember all the older stuff.
     
  5. darren

    darren Member

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    Yeh as I thought we had to do it with the scan tool. No other procedure. Thats our old DRB2. Plugs in under the hood and onto the batt positive. Cant pull up any wiring or service manuals on dealer connect for 95. Too old sorry.

    If your using the powertrain 6 way plug under the hood the dark blue wire is a fused 12 v ignition feed. J2 circuit I think just in case you find a diagram. Going by memory here. Used to go dead a lot. MAke sure you have 12v with key on.
     
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2014
  6. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Thanks Darren ........... (y)
    I was hoping you would see my post.

    It is the old style 6 way plug just down the harness from the PCM. I will see what I can do about power on that wire and if that will get the OBD1 to communicate with the PCM.

    Truck is running fine so I know the PCM is doing its job. Just can't communicate with it through the port.
     
  7. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Sadly, you need the scanner for this on these Dodges. Darren confirmed it.
    I know from past experience that it was supposed to make it mandatory that you take your vehicle in for service to the dealership. This particular light isn't for oil changes or routine stuff. It comes on at 60,000 and 120,000 for inspection of the emissions controls and sensor cleaning / replacement. Not being able to reset the light by a DIY was by design so you would not ignore servicing these important components.
     
  8. darren

    darren Member

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    Yep you can thank california and government BS. There is another option. Buy a new engine controller. LOL Didnt figure that was worth mentioning!
    We used to reset them no charge for our customers.
     
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2014
  9. ford84stepside

    ford84stepside Lone Wolf

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    A piece of black tape over that light will do wonders.:D
     
  10. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    My other '95 Dodge plow truck had that bulb removed from the cluster .........I wonder why ....... ;)
     
  11. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Well, warmer weather yesterday allowed me to get at this problem again. No blue wire at the plug - could not get power on any of the wires. Tried to trace them back to see where they went and follow Haynes manual wiring diagram - no luck.

    So I did what anyone would do and solved the problem cleanly - took 10 minutes to pull the cluster and remove the bulb ............. :p ................. It was nice driving to town last night to pick up a fish fry without that stupid warning glare in my face ............. :)


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