Three problems related to ignition switch have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Durango. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Dodge Durango based on all problems reported for the 2003 Durango.
The problem originally started about 2 weeks ago. When I switched on the rear fan (heat or ac did not matter), the entire center console (radio, blower switches, and electronic 4wd switch) would go completely dead, and the "service 4wd" light would come on. Then this started happening when I turned on the front blower or the rear blower. Then it started happening with both blowers off and the headlights on high. Now it does it spontaneously for no apparent reason with all extra electrical components (the headlights, radio, and blowers) all off. I'm thinking there is a short somewhere, but cannot identify it. So far, I have replaced the blower motor resistor, the tccm, and the ignition switch with no apparent improvement. I've also had the dash apart and checked every electrical wire I could get to for obvious shorts. No luck. The problem is getting progressively worse. I talked to the mechanic at the local Dodge dealer, and he said he thinks it's the tipm (main fuse box) in the engine compartment. He said he sees them short out "all the time, some of them so bad they actually catch fire!" (direct quote from him. ) I am now terrified to drive my Durango, but I cannot afford the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars it's going to cost to fix the tipm, if that's what it really is. But I do not want drive it with the possibility of a vehicle fire. I've done all kinds of internet research on this, and it seems like a really common problem in the Durangos. Also, my friend who works at a salvage yard says these fuse boxes are one of their most sought after parts. Surely an electrical problem that is this common and of such a catastrophic magnitude should be a recall!.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The vehicle is shutting off while driving 60 mph. As a result, the vehicle becomes uncontrollable and difficult to steer off road. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The dealer stated that there was a short in the ignition switch and it needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 35,000.
After taking the key out of the ignition switch, the vehicle was still running. Smoke started to come out from under the hood. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information.