Any Dodge gurus here?

Dave951

Dave951

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I'm trying to solve a problem. 2006 Dodge Dakota. With key in ignition, foot on brake, it can't be shifted into drive and no brake lights. Here's what I've looked at so far. The locking tab moved by key movement in ignition moves correctly out of the way. New brake light switch. BTSI (brake transmission shifter interlock) engages upon turning the key but doesn't disengage with foot on brakes. BTSI plunger extends correctly upon ignition key turning on but again, does not retract with foot on brake pedal. All fuses good, tested for continuity and visually examined. Turn signals are working correctly.

My question- it's looking like the BTSI is bad but this doesn't seem to be a part carried by AutoZone, etc. Is it dealer only? If this is bad, can that also affect the brake lights? Could it be the ignition switch?
 
Sure you installed the brake light switch correctly ? Not 100% on yours, but many cars are a 1 chance installation. Get it wrong and you’ll need a new switch as it won’t be calibrated. I can check alldata on Monday for the procedure, but you can probably just YouTube it to confirm you did it right.

I can also screenshot you the entire circuit which I’m sure includes the multifunction switch if further chasing is required.
 
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If I am understanding correctly it wont shift out of park with ignition on?

I have had one hang before if nose of vehicle is pointed down hill. Rolling the vehicle a little while shifting took some pressure off park dog and it would shift then just becareful doing this as it can run you over if not careful on a hill and it comes out of park. Also steering wheel lock will lock one but it usually locks the ignition from not turning on.
 
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With the BTSI removed from the shift cable, I can drive the truck but it can be shifted into drive without a foot on the brake.
 
Dave951 said:
With the BTSI removed from the shift cable, I can drive the truck but it can be shifted into drive without a foot on the brake.
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2006 dakota id stop right there and drive it. Diamler era stuff is nothing but weird gremlins everywhere. If you can't find one you could get one for next to nothing at a pull your own junk yard.
 
Any suggestions for a source for the switch? Dealer doesn't carry it anymore and salvage yards want to sell the entire steering column.
 
Is that the only function of that switch? How hard is it to get to?
Maybe I'll consider selling the one out of my Dakota, lol
 
Update- all the local yards want me to buy the entire steering column. The solenoid is available but only as an entire shift cable assembly. I'm going to completely rule out the aftermarket brake switch before buying a shift cable assembly. I'll post a pic of the part in question soon
 
Dave951 said:
Update- all the local yards want me to buy the entire steering column. The solenoid is available but only as an entire shift cable assembly. I'm going to completely rule out the aftermarket brake switch before buying a shift cable assembly. I'll post a pic of the part in question soon
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Have you checked Rockauto to see if they carry it?
 
The solenoid is only available as part of the shifter cable assembly and is a dealer part.

Here's a picture of the solenoidIMG_20220606_133302.jpg

When energized by the ignition, the pin pops out and blocks movement of the shifter cable. When brake pedal is depressed, the pin should retract. I just put another new brake light switch in and the pin retracted properly a couple times then nada. At this time, I'm suspecting an electric fault in the wiring harness. No blown fuses.

The solenoid doesn't have a spring so the retract has to be based on a polarity reversal to it's coil. It operated properly a couple times with the new switch but quit and now back to the same issue. Brake lights had no change hence my thought about the wiring harness.
 
Hey Dave,
Just out of curiosity, have you had any other issues related to check engine light or communicating with the transmission control unit? The reason I ask is because mine has a lot of issues with that kind of stuff and because my county doesn't require emissions anymore, the check engine light doesn't fail inspection for me.
But I'm pretty sure these Dakotas all have this issue at some time or another with the electrical.
 
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