Dash on 97 dodge ram rpm, mph and other gauages do not work.

Possible cluster failure or body control module wiring faulty.

there is a computer that controls your rpm gauge, your speedo, and your shift. check that and your speed sensor. the sensor is faster and easier.

Possible dash fault or broken wires to dash

Like most all vehicles, it could be the sending unit in the tank or the gauge on the dash. The sending unit would be disconnected and the circuit checked.

Torque convertor shutter? Maintain the speed that it does this, and with your left foot, apply a small amount of pressure to the brake pedal. Not enough to slow vehicle, but enough to disengage the lock up convertor. If it goes away, try servicing the fluid with new 7176. if that doesnt do it, replace the convertor.

Removed cluster from dashboard and unplugged & turned the whole cluster clockwise very slowly and needle started moving from 150 mph back down to 0 mph when rotation was completely done. Kept cluster upright while re-installing and plugged back in the plugs on back and everything was fine. Called local Dodge dealer and told me would take 30-45 minutes to reset and would cost approximately $70 to fix. Took about 8-10 minutes of my time and saved myself $70. This may not work for everyone but this was my amazing quick fix thanks to GOD for giving me this thought to try this.

i had a similar problem except it was my temp and mph gauges they would work then just stop. i removed gauge cluster wich was alot easier then i thought and resoldered the contacts on it i went ahead and touched up all the solder points on the back about 15-30 mins of work and has worked great for over a year now a hint ifya didnt know the top of the dash lifts up

It sounds more like a cable or linkage sticking, and yes it is transmission related, sort of, just because of the high RPM before shifting. Spray all your cables good with lube, at throttle linkage, and get under and look where cable & linkages are at side of transmission, and spray them good too, and work them back & forth, to try & loosen them up. Truck shut off & in park when under it eh.!
Then work shifter back & forth, gas pedal to floor & up etc, to try & loosen things up. That may just cure your problem.

With all those problems, it is most likely a body control module gone bad. You would have to take it to a Chrysler dealer to verify.

have you tryed disconect the battery for 30 sec then reconeck,I had same problem on my 2000 doge caravan and that fix it for me....hope it works for you