2012 Dodge RAM 3500 electrical problems

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OR

The wireless ignition module loses connection internally and the truck will lose power while driving. It usually happens when hitting a small bump and the key in the ignition moves. Truck loses electrical power which shuts the engine off which means loss of power steering and brakes.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Electrical · NE

The key loses contact and vehicle shuts off at random times. The vehicle is not able to be steered when shut off happens. Could very easily cause an accident. It has happened driving on the highway at highway speeds and also on county roads driving slower. There are no warning messages. I have inspected it myself and believe the ignition box needs replaced

Filed May 1, 2023 · Electrical · MN

Vehicle will, at random, completely lose all power while driving unexpectedly. There seems to be no cause that precipitates this loss of power. During the night, it is extremely dangerous, because the lights and everything go out.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Electrical · PA

My key fob ignition switch is going bad. The 1st time I noticed is when I was pulling my camper on vacation and the truck just shut off all the lights everything. I safely pulled over and then I tried to start it and it wouldn't start.. I then wiggled the key and then it started. I talk to other people that own rams and they say they have the same problem. So I talked to the dealer and they said the only thing they can do is replace the Ignition. Which could cost more than $600. Now I would think being that this is quite a common thing that Chrysler would take care of the problem before somebody gets hurt or even killed from their vehicle shouting off and not knowing what to do. There are videos on YouTube on how to Terra park and clean the Ignition but I don't think that is a good idea.

Filed Dec 27, 2021 · Electrical · FL

Key fob will randomly come loose when driving causing all systems to shut down. Shuts down fuel, steering, and power brakes. Any amount of vibration or small bump can cause it to shut down.

Filed Aug 18, 2021 · Electrical · MO

The WIN Module for the ignition system on my truck is faulty. There has been several time where I'm driving down the highway and the vehicle just shuts off completely. This disables my power steering and brakes. So I either have to shift into neutral and try to start the engine while rolling with a trailer hooked on behind me with no road shoulders to pull off on or if shoulders on road pull off and try to restart the truck then again. There has also been times when I start the truck that the dash lights just flash or the truck starts for a second and then shuts off again on its own with the key still turned to run. The dealer said that this has been happening a lot on these trucks and there is no recall for it. In my opinion this is a major safety hazard for myself and others traveling on the road.

Filed Jun 21, 2021 · Electrical · CO

The ignition shuts off when you hit a slight bump or touch the key. This is even when driving! The truck shuts off and losses complete power, brakes, steering and lights! This is a huge problem after Googling this is happening on 2009- 2019 ram truck models. We have had near misses while pulling a horse trailer and 5th wheel! This should be a recall it's very dangerous! Checking dodge Chrysler is aware of this issue because the 2020 models have different win modules and fobs. HELP

Filed Jun 8, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · LA

While pulling a trailer, integrated trailer brake controller stopped working and disabled the trailer brakes. All trailer lights worked, just no brakes. Showed red warning in dash and "CF" on brake controller after failure. No warning before failure. Checked connections and tested with another trailer. Even with no trailer, warning is on and trailer brakes are not functional. Created hazard to driver and other motorists by spontaneous loss of brakes. Online forums indicate this is not an isolated incident. More recently, now the trailer running lights have failed. Brake and turn signal lights work, but no running lights. No police report of inspections. Not yet repaired. Available for inspection.

Filed Jan 14, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · 5,000 miles · KY

The integrated brake controller is intermittent at best. I purchased a trailer and it hooked up fine. Worked fine towing until I disconnected the trailer and seven pin connector. Now the controller tells me there is no trailer on the controller and the dash alerts. Upon pulling the trailer again the controller tells me I'm not towing when I am. ??

Filed Nov 14, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 56,500 miles · MI · fire

At approximately 11:30 pm, I heard a vehicle horn honking outside in the driveway. Got out of bed to investigate. Observed my 2102 ram 3500 diesel truck with lights on and flashing and horn was honking. Keys for truck were in the house. Went outside with keys and tried key-less entry fob to open the cab door with no success. Smelled smoke. Opened drivers side door with regular key to see lights on dashboard all lit up. Opened the hood to see lots of smoke and observed glowing wiring harness next to driver's side battery. Harness was glowing orange all the way from the firewall to the fuse box (power distribution module) next to battery. Went into garage to get wrenches and fire extinguisher. Disconnected driver side battery but the electrical harness was still glowing orange and smoking. Next, disconnected auxiliary battery on passenger side and wiring harness stopped glowing and burning. Truck was parked in driveway, in front of garage, next to the house. Keys were not in the vehicle at the time. Vehicle was parked and not running at the time. Vehicle had not been started or driven for approximately 2 weeks prior to the spontaneous thermal event. Vehicle had approximately 56,500 miles at time of thermal event. Massive short circuit appears to have originated in the fuse box (power distribution module) under the hood, causing all wires leading out of the module to short circuit, causing massive and total electrical system failure. Reference the federal safety agency complaints: 10926543 ' november 16, 2016 11084301 ' april 10, 2018 11142816 ' october 26, 2018