HowToRepairGuide.com: Error codes P0837,P0483,P0581,P0593 on Dodge Ram

OBD error codes on 2003 Dodge Ram 5.9L Engine

Also Air Bag light comes on and goes off.

WHAT THIS ERROR CODES MEAN AND HOW TO START TROUBLESHOOTING?

I will explain each error code and its parts troubleshooting detail for you to get the problem repaired.

Error code P0483 is for the fan clutch.It says that there is problem with fan clutch.
The clutch has an internal speed sensor and a solenoid to control it's speed.
To confirm the problem slide under the truck and inspect the wiring running to the fan clutch. It can get caught in the fan and get cut or grounded to the radiator.

SO CAN THIS BE WIRING ISSUE OR FAN CLUTCH?

Both are to be inspected.It can be minor wiring issue.Or it can be Fan clutch itself.

I will explain you in more simple way with full description:----

The fan clutch is engine driven fan clutch, it gets operated electronically.

The fan clutch is located in the center of the fan blade on the front of the engine.

NOW,to access /view the wiring:

The front of clutch facing the radiator is where the wiring comes out of it and goes down. You have to see there.It gets sandwiched into the pieces of the lower fan shroud and this is all that holds it.

Check to make sure the wiring between the front/center of the clutch and the electrical connector at the fan shroud is ok.

Another possibility for wiring issue is the little clearance between the radiator and the fan blade and the wiring can get sucked into the blade and cut.

Properly inspect wiring's on those two areas.

Major damage or minor damage of wiring:

MINOR DAMAGE:
If there is damage and it's minor then you can solder the wires back together and heat shrink the connections. After that for permanent repair tightly wrap the repair area with electrical tape to keep as low of a profile as possible so it stays out of the fan blade in the future.And same problem do not occur.
But if complete wiring is melted or broken/pulled from everywhere then you will have to get complete fan system re-wired.Its not a simple task.A proper professional who has complete wiring diagram can do this.

MAJOR DAMAGE:
But if the wiring to the clutch looks ok then you'll probably be needing a new clutch, not that uncommon.In most of such cases,either there is a minor wiring issue or the Fan clutch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

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P0581 & P0593 these 2 codes indicates a switch issue of a problem with the clockspring.

P0581-SPEED CONTROL SWITCH #1 HIGH
P0593-SPEED CONTROL SWITCH #2 HIGH

Possible causes for OBD code P0581:---

SPEED CONTROL SWITCH VOLTAGE HIGH
(V37) S/C SWITCH #1 SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE
(V37) S/C SWITCH #1 SIGNAL CIRCUIT OPEN

Commonly a issue with Speed Control Switch and Clockspring.

Possible causes for OBD code P0593:---

SPEED CONTROL SWITCH VOLTAGE HIGH
(V38) S/C SIGNAL #2 CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE OR CIRCUIT OPEN BETWEEN PCM AND CLOCKSPRING OR CIRCUIT OPEN BETWEEN CLOCKSPRING AND S/C SWITCH
(Y215) SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT OPEN BETWEEN PCM AND CLOCKSPRING
(Y215) SWITCH RETURN CIRCUIT IS OPEN BETWEEN CLOCKSPRING AND S/C SWITCH

Commonly a issue with switch and clockspring.

Start by doing a thorough visual inspection of all the wiring in the steering column. A broken wire or connector that is not properly plugged in can set these codes.

The cruise control switch code and the airbag light are most likely related. If you haven't had any steering column wiring disconnected that could still be unplugged you most likely have a bad clockspring.

WHERE IS CLOCKSPRING MOUNTED ON DODGE RAM?

On Dodge Ram the clockspring is mounted in the steering column under the wheel. Inside it is a plastic tape with imbedded wires, this is what makes electrical contact between the steering wheel and column and allows the wheel to turn. When the clockspring fails you will lose any combination of cruise control, horn, steering wheel mounted radio controls, and the driver's airbag.

Most likely the clockspring will need to be replaced. I would recommend getting this taken care of as soon as possible. If the airbag light is on the bags won't deploy in an accident.And that is not safe.There is always a slight possibility of inadvertant deployment.So why to take chance.
Getting the issue solved ASAP is advisable.

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Error code P0837 is for the Position Sensor Switch on the transfer case. Two reasons this code can set.
Either wiring problem to the sensor or the sensor itself.Both needs to be inspected.

OK.WHERE TO INSPECT WIRING'S?

Mostly probably its switch issue.The position pressure switch is faulty.The switch on top of the transfer case.

POSITION SENSOR SWITCH DETAILS:

The switch runs off the rooster comb on the shift linkage,that is inside the case.
It's wired to the powertrain control module.
Its the the silver module with three 32 way connectors mounted to the firewall behind the airbox.

POSITION SENSOR SWITCH WIRING DETAILS:

If there is going to be a wiring problem

Then most likely it will be under the truck where there can be road debris.
The wiring comes out of the transfer case and goes over the top of the trans though, so not a great chance for debris to get to it.But still getting it inspected or checking it yourself is advisable.

On most of such cases the switch is faulty,but on some cases the wiring issue is also been noticed.So you cannot rule out wiring issue complete.A loose wire,dirty wire,shorted wire etc.

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CAN I DRIVE WITH THESE ERROR CODES OR ARE THIS ALL PROBLEMS RISKY TO DRIVE?

I suggest get all problems solved.Before getting on road for safe journey and normal driving get all these error code cleared.

The airbag light (possible clockspring) has to be repaired as it's a safety concern. A major accident can cause and No Airbag at that time will be risky.

The next is fan clutch. If fan clutch is faulty and not replaced then more major problems to the vehicle will be noticed. Like the truck running hot under a load and the a/c won't work well at idle. Engine problems,A/c problems, etc.