2004 RAM 1500 Instrument Cluster

Instrument cluster removal and disassembly. Light replacement. Tips on access to screw under the remote key fob module.

[@jaycamacho8179]

My issue is the odometer is scrambled. It displays different numbers basically every time I turn the truck on

[@electrake2063]

@5:48, why is it that people that make videos like this like to NOT MENTION the hardest part of the removal? Disconnecting the damn electrical connectors! You can't see them to know that there are three of them, and each has a clip on the TOP that you need to press in while pulling out... in a place you can't get your hands into! I recommend using some 90-degree needel-nose pliers, you need to finagle the cluster to tip forward and work from the top. Use your finder to hold the clip IN, and grip the wires with the pliers and push back to pull out each connector one at a time.

[@McMichen]

The connectors are different. I had to take it out so many time I never thought about the connector. There is just one tab, but so many connector pins makes it hard to pull out. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@waynotraffo9221]

I have the same issue but mine is the park, 1 2 3 D and cruise side is completely blank..... I did the led bulb upgrade forvthe cluster but could not find any loose solder pins to fix my problem

[@matternfamilyvlogs1532]

I have this same issue. I checked all the solder joints and everything looked fine. I kept the case off the cluster and plugged in the back connectors for the cluster and found the grey 16 pin connector when plugged in would make the odometer go out. So i cut one by one and would plug in until it didnt shut off. I found the orange and black on the smaller 16 pin connector was the issue. per wiring diagram its the panel lamps dimmer signal. I cut that and it stayed on. So im leaving it cut.

[@McMichen]

Interesting.

[@AheadTAMADrummer]

What is the bulb model that I can use to replace burned out bulbs? Thanks.

[@McMichen]

I tried the LED ones, but they were all junk. They didn't fit or were loose, so only some of them working. You need the incandescent bulbs, which are hard to find. Expensive at dealer, so I went to junk yard and pulled a handful from an old cluster. Or shop on line for something... www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2004/dodge/ram_1500/body_electrical/instrument_light_bulb.html

[@swettybetty984]

you'll never know tell you try Good try but did you test the miles with power to see if they light up ?

[@McMichen]

I had to send mine in to airbags com to be rebuilt.

[@MsBigmike2]

Did you ever figure out what was the problem on the instrument cluster?

[@McMichen]

Yes. It was one of the digital components on the board. I sent it in to be repaired. It took a little longer to fix because they had to order the part. The site I used was UpFix (.) com --- I need to type it like that, because KZbin doesn't usually like URLs. www.upfix.com/product/dodge-1500-2002-2009-instrument-cluster-panel-icp-repair-1/

[@rickharris5485]

@@McMichen Were you happy with upfix? How much did they charge?

[@McMichen]

@@rickharris5485 Yes. I was very happy with the repair. It took them longer than expected to complete the repair, but it was because of the age of the vehicle and the part needed. They didn’t change the price of the repair and everything worked great. It didn’t take me long to realize that this was not a junkyard easy to replace fix. By having it repaired my mileage remained genuine and all function restored. I don’t recall the exact repair cost, but it was around $120.

[@rickharris5485]

@@McMichen Thanks for the video and the fast reply. I have the same exact problem with my '04 3500.

[@McMichen]

@@rickharris5485 you’re welcome. I think overall it is worth avoiding the headache and frustration by just gaining it repaired. The main consideration is if you are able to not use the vehicle while you wait for the repair.

[@kirklandrobinson6384]

What tool did you use to take the screws out of the cluster?

[@McMichen]

I show it at 6:06 minutes into the video. It is a Torx T-15 screwdriver.