Lost trailer right turn and brake light

[JRhinehart]

Lost the right turn signal and brake light on my trailer while pulling it with my 04 3500 Ram. Dodge dealer service advisor tells me that a "controller" needs to be replaced at $700 part cost plus labor! The tech was gone when I came in and they didn't know which "controller" it was. The left turn and brake light work fine, and the lights all work on the truck. Hooked the trailer up to my 99 3500 and all lights work. So, what is this "controller" and part number, and where is it located? Can I test it to component level and fix it myself or is it "potted" with no hope of repairing the "controller"? Anyone have this happen?



Thanks,



Jim

 

[TCDiesel]

Part # 68005476-AA List Cost about $400. 00 ,it takes less than 1hr to install on the liberal side. . and Yes its somewhat common on 03/04, we remove the 15am and install 10am (Fuse 47) after the PDC is replaced.

 

[JRhinehart]

Thanks! I was in Blaine a couple days ago to pick-up a car. Next time I am there I will stop by! Where exactly is the controller located?

 

[ryecreek]

i'm guessing its fuse box cause that what pdc(power distribution center) is and i have the same prob and thats the fix but didn't know bout the 15a to 10a swap thanks twest i know its a relay in there gonna do a tear down on the pdc when i get a new one to see if it can be replaced

 

[TCDiesel]

Rycreek, you are welcome to Pratice on One I have here, No one that I know of has been able to fix the fried circuit.

 

[betterthanstock]

Part # 68005476-AA List Cost about $400. 00 ,it takes less than 1hr to install on the liberal side. . and Yes its somewhat common on 03/04, we remove the 15am and install 10am (Fuse 47) after the PDC is replaced.

First, what a ripoff. $700 or even $400 buys you a nice laptop computer, or HDTV... or a lousy fuse box!!!



So, every Ram owner should replace fuse 47 w/ 10 Amp as preventive maintenance.



Can we make this a sticky?

 

[TCDiesel]

First, what a ripoff. $700 or even $400 buys you a nice laptop computer, or HDTV... or a lousy fuse box!!!



So, every Ram owner should replace fuse 47 w/ 10 Amp as preventive maintenance.



Can we make this a sticky?

I don't understand why you are so Negative?( at Me), the IPM/PDC is a Factory Part... and not every Ram Has this Problem although its common?the 10amp is more than enough for must service lighting. I would be really ****** off at the shop or dealer who would install the PDC/IPM. . without at least trying to solve the Problem. . its generally related to the circuit being overloaded or shorted.

 

[betterthanstock]

I don't understand why you are so Negative?( at Me), the IPM/PDC is a Factory Part... and not every Ram Has this Problem although its common?the 10amp is more than enough for must service lighting. I would be really ****** off at the shop or dealer who would install the PDC/IPM. . without at least trying to solve the Problem. . its generally related to the circuit being overloaded or shorted.

What do you mean I am being negative? If the Dodge circuit board gets fried at 15 Amp, and the prevention is to use 10 Amp, I think Dodge should at least issue a TSB, if not an outright recall.



I mean it in a good way, all Dodges should replace that #47 with a 10 Amp fuse to spare themselves the possibility of later spending a huge amount due to a short circuit on a trailer.

I was commenting on the ripoff price of $400-700 for a "computerized" fuse box. I don't know how you got that I was neagative at you?

 

[TCDiesel]

Now I got it. . Sorry for the confusion. . and I hear ya on the price.

 

[JRhinehart]

The problem is I tow constantly with many different trailers and some are not grounded as well as others and some have terrible upkeep, so I can see how it might have shorted the controller out, but why put all the circuits in one box if this is a common problem with them blowing out? These should be isolated from the rest of what the controller does IMHO. I will shop around and see if I can get the best price. I transport Mopar muscle cars throughout the country and deal with many Mopar dealers. Thanks for the replies!

 

[JRhinehart]

Interesting development at the Dodge dealer this morning. I went with the above part number to order one and they said it will be $285, BUT they are sold out throughout the U. S. and there is a backlog of at least a month's supply of people waiting for them whenever Chrysler decides to start making them again! Real nice. I need to get my 6 month trailer inspection soon and will not pass if I do not have a right turn signal and brake light! I am afraid to try and find a used one, probably have the same problem with no return.