* Loose or Corroded Connections: The most likely cause is a loose, corroded, or damaged connection somewhere in the airbag system's wiring harness. This could be at the connectors themselves, or within the harness due to wear and tear, especially in areas exposed to moisture or vibrations. The intermittent nature suggests a connection that's sometimes making contact and sometimes not.
* Faulty Clock Spring: The clock spring is located in the steering wheel and allows the airbag and other steering wheel controls to maintain electrical contact as the steering wheel turns. A failing clock spring is a common cause of intermittent airbag light issues.
* Faulty Airbag Control Module (ACM): The ACM is the "brain" of the airbag system. While less common than wiring issues, a malfunctioning ACM can cause intermittent problems. This is a more serious and potentially expensive repair.
* Intermittent Sensor Issues (less likely): While a consistently faulty sensor would usually keep the light on, a sensor with an intermittent problem could cause the light to flicker. However, this is less likely than wiring problems given the on-and-off nature.
* Power Fluctuations: In rare cases, power fluctuations within the vehicle's electrical system could cause the light to act erratically.
What to do:
1. Don't ignore it: An airbag light means there's a problem with a safety-critical system. Driving with a malfunctioning airbag system increases your risk of injury in a crash.
2. Professional Diagnosis: The best course of action is to take your 2005 Dodge Ram to a qualified mechanic or an auto parts store with diagnostic capabilities. They can use a scan tool to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the airbag system's control module. The DTCs will pinpoint the specific problem.
3. Avoid DIY Repairs (unless experienced): Working on the airbag system is dangerous and should only be done by someone with the proper training and safety precautions. Incorrect repairs can render the airbags inoperable or even cause accidental deployment.
The intermittent nature of the problem makes it challenging to diagnose without professional tools, but focusing on loose connections and the clock spring is a good place to start for a mechanic.
