need help figuring out gauges in dash not working, except tach. trans take off in 2

Elidriver

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Sep 23, 2011
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99 cummins auto 3500 box truck

bone stock with stock rebuilt trans

ever since the trans was rebuilt and installed there seems to me like a wiring issue. none of the gauges in dash seen to be working except for the tach that does. all the lights also appear to be funtioning properly. im guessing because the speedo dont work it is screwing with the trans? it wont start off in first gear on its own unless manually dropped down. any ideas? thoughts or suggestions available?

now steps i have taken to help eliminate issues...

-checked every single fuse with meter all good
-checked over all plugs on trans again and wires leading to them
-had to replace the abs sensor in rear, dont think that would be it but original was busted
-pulled gauge cluster, inspected the inner board and no remnense of damage
-checked plugs behind cluster, and wires leading to them as far as i could see
-also checked massive plug under dash above brake, all tight, no burns or damaged.
-checked the back side of fuse box in cab for damage too and still nothing.
-looked over the 2 or 3 plugs on fire wall drivers side above fusebox.
-cleaned, di-electric greased, checked, and tightened the buss plug in fuse box under hood
-replaced alternator as well, it turned out to be bad before trans rebuild.

anything else you guys think i should check or anything i mentioned i should double check please let me know.

thanks everyone, and hope to get this problem resolved asap
 
I'm dealing with the same issue. Yours very well could have been caused by the busted Vehicle Speed Sensor. Have you cleared the codes since replacing it? Your probably showing P1765 among others, that one indicates transmission "limp" mode. Your alternator's probably not charging, either.

If you have access to a scanner, clear the codes. If not, I'd unhook both batteries, turn the headlight switch on, and leave it that way for @ 1 hour. Hook them back up and drive the truck 2-3 miles and stop, shut her off for 2-3 minutes and repeat 3 times. Even after clearing codes you may have to go through the triple drive cycle before the PCM resets. The PCM looks for 3 drive cycles without codes to reset.

Scott
 
its almost not drivable, im gonna try and get it scanned here soon. have yet to do that. what about flashing it? could it need that? and whats the chances the gauge cluster its self could be screwd up. im gonna go to junk yard and try and get one just to try but idk if the odometer will change or if thats something readoff ecm
 
Fixed mine yesterday. One of the 3 connectors on the firewall on the driver side was not connected good.

Scott
 
When I had this problem it was a wire grounding out under the hood.
 
Check all your grounds. I forgot the alternater ground on a rebuild and i had nothing, so look at all of them also.
 
its displaying the milage, i havent checked grounds yet, im gonna find a wiring schematic on it and check all ground points
 
its displaying the milage, i havent checked grounds yet, im gonna find a wiring schematic on it and check all ground points

Like these...

1999-Dodge-Wiring-Pg1.jpg


EDIT: dang forum thumbnails... Here is the link to the page instead...
Mopar1973Man's Dodge Cummins Articles - Dodge Ram Turbo Cummins 24 Valve Engine Wiring
 
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great man thanks alot! i have finally got a hold of a scan tool and got some codes and not sure what or how it could cause it, if you dont mind look on my threads and check them out. my most recent thread name riddle me this
 
when i first traded for the 98.5 i have now the truck had the exact same problem. the guy i got it from checked everything like you have an even replaced the alternator. turned out to be a bad pcm and he sent it off to get it rebuilt and has worked fine since.
 
when i first traded for the 98.5 i have now the truck had the exact same problem. the guy i got it from checked everything like you have an even replaced the alternator. turned out to be a bad pcm and he sent it off to get it rebuilt and has worked fine since.

do you know of a place that does that? re builds pcms
 
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