92 Dodge 250 dies and no dashlights

[echo5]

My 1992 Dodge Ram 250 w/ 5.9 Cummins will be running just fine and then just go dead. Whether idle or driving doesn't matter. When it dies the dashlights and radio all go out and it's just like the switch has been shut off, however door buzzer, dome light, fan all still work. After a period of time/number of tries the dashlights will come back to life and I can start the truck and go on. May happen 20 times in 30 miles or twice a day.

[qwerty uiopas]

similar thing happened today , but with a gas 360. the truck just died and it wouldn't start for about 10 minutes. everything seamed to work radio and lights and starter. just wouldn't run, until it sat for a few minutes. then it started normal and ran great. this happens about twice a month. weather does not seam to be a factor. I'm thinking it's a mag pickup in the distributor but i don't know. Does anyone have any ideas about the problems?

[amac209]

sounds like your ignition switch is shot. you could test it with a test light when it dies. the main ignition wire should be dark blue at the ignition switch. it might also be possible that there is a bad connection at the switch or somewhere else in the wiring

[echo5]

Have replaced the ignition switch still same problem. Any other suggestions. I'm thinking that it has to be wiring or bad relay. Where to start??

[netmech]

try a new battery

[echo5]

This problem is ocurring after the engine is already started running. Battery not a factor correct??

[netmech]

im no expert but a weak battery could cause some problems.. battery should read 14 volts DC

[fredjacksonsan]

I had a (gas) vehicle where the positive cable was corroded, and it died on me.

[rod mason]

You may want to check any of your anti-theft or security systems on the truck. I have a small card under the steering wheel for anti-theft. It had slightly corroded contacts that gave me fits before I remembered it was there. I simplely cleaned them with an eraser of a pencil and all was fine.

[echo5]

Got it fixed. The problem was a fusible wire coming from the battery to the ignition switch. Just put in a new section of fusible wire and runs like a champ. Thanks to all for your help.