I'm a BIG Screw-up, Please Help!
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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=5537
Printed Date: September 08, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Topic: I'm a BIG Screw-up, Please Help!
Posted By: jhilton
Subject: I'm a BIG Screw-up, Please Help!
Date Posted: November 17, 2002 at 8:14 AM
Here's what I did, While installing a Bulldog remote started on my 97 Dakota which I've done to 3 other Vehicles with no problems. I shorted a pink/black wire which comes from the right door lock motor to +12 volts. I know "Real Stupid!" Now the power Windows don't work and all kinds of wierd stuff happens. The door locks work fine until I turn the ignition key ON then the unlock only works. The flashers work until I turn the parking lights on then they stop, when I step on the brake the turn signal & high beam indicator in the instrument cluster come on dim. There are also other simalar problems. I've checked for other shorts and all fuses and relays with no luck. Any suggestions Please, I've wanted a Dakota ever since they were invinted, I got this baby 3 weeks ago and now it just sits in my garage with this problem. If you can help I'll be for ever in your dept.
Replies:
Posted By: djfearny2
Date Posted: November 17, 2002 at 7:18 PM
you did something try these two things take the battery out of the car completely and leave it out for at least an hour this will allow the computer to reset, and then check all fuses while the batt is out and than after atleast an hour put the batt back in and test if no response dealer my friend.
------------- Jon
Installer/Help Technician
---coral springs florida---
mecp certification is not always needed. I have it and it has not helped me out at all. my experience out shines it.
Posted By: PLAYER69
Date Posted: November 17, 2002 at 9:22 PM
I have a service manual at my shop. I will see what I can dig up for you tomorrow. Might be a fusable link if there are no fuses. I let you know more tomorrow.
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: November 17, 2002 at 9:29 PM
I had a similiar experience a couple years back with a Dodge Ram PU while installing a CD player. I was testing the speakers polarity ( the OEM Infinity speakers had 4 wires coming off them ) to see what wires were the full range ones and they accidentally touched and it sparked and the constant power wire from the deck didn't have power anymore. Didn't think anything of it because I just found another constant power source and finished the installation. The customer came back and told me that the interior light, power mirrors and dash lights did not turn on. I went back to the radio constant wire and hard wired a constant power source to it and it fixed the problem. There were no fuses blown and no relays shorted when I went to test these.
------------- Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: PLAYER69
Date Posted: November 18, 2002 at 3:51 PM
I can't find any pink/black going into the door. are you sure it goes into the door? Also, did you check the fuses in the Power distribution center under the hood? If you can't find anything and you are sure this wire is supposed to be 12v live then hook it up like jeff said and see what happens.
Posted By: jhilton
Date Posted: November 18, 2002 at 4:37 PM
Well I found the problem and it confirms that "I am a Big Screw UP!" It turned out to be a bad ground. During the installation I loosened a dash mounting bolt just behind the E-Brake pedal. I figured that with all the bolts that hold that dash in this one wouldn't effect the ground that much "WRONG!" Well I tightened it and Shazam every thing works fine. Thanks for your time in this matter.
Later, Jess
Posted By: PLAYER69
Date Posted: November 18, 2002 at 4:39 PM
I was going to suggest that from some of the symtoms you were having but you sounded confident that you shorted out a power wire. Well at least its back on the road. 
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