2003 Dogde 3500 Dually Trailer Connection Issue

[Jazel57]

I have a 2003 Dodge 3500 and have an issue every time I hook up my 5th wheel I have a connector on the bumper and an extension in the bed to hook to my 5er, but my left tail light doesn't light up. Had to running a jumper to get the left turn signal to work temporarily with I got my new 5th wheel. Was told by an auto electric garage that my Fuse Block needed to be replaced, $500.00 part.

Does anyone know of this issue and can advise me what I can do before eating $500.00 plus labor? Seems odd that brake and turn signals work fine on my truck.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Bill Stockard]

Yes, that is a problem when there is a short circuit or an overload condition in one of the trailer turn signal circuits. When an overload condition occurs in one of the trailer tow turn circuits, the factory installed 15-amp fuse will not blow before the printed circuit ribbons on the back of the Power Distribution Center (PDC) (fuse box on the fender) burns and fails. The only option when this happens is to replace the PDC. To prevent this from occurring, the 15-amp fuse in both trailer tow turn signal circuits should be replaced with a 10-amp fuse. Click HERE for more information.

Bill

 

[Jazel57]

Bill, thanks for the reply. I believe that's what the mechanic was talking about when I was at Murray Auto Electric, they mostly work on pick rigs. I'll check the fuses to play it safe, but if I have to replace the PDC, is that hard to do or should I take it back to the mechanic? I was able to find a new PDC, part number 68005474AB for $378, from the mechanic he stated $736.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Bill, thanks for the reply. I believe that's what the mechanic was talking about when I was at Murray Auto Electric, they mostly work on pick rigs. I'll check the fuses to play it safe, but if I have to replace the PDC, is that hard to do or should I take it back to the mechanic? I was able to find a new PDC, part number 68005474AB for $378, from the mechanic he stated $736.

I can't help you with what work is necessary to replace the PDC since I've never done it. I have 10-amp fuses in my PDC trailer tow turn signal circuits and hopefully won't have to find out.

Bill

 

[Jazel57]

OK, I hope so to. Seems like a expensive repair. Thanks again,

Jay

 

[DaveHess]

So, Jazel57, what did you end up doing??? I am in the same boat right now with mine. I have no right side trailer brake or turn signal. I found one for $431 but I am going to try to rebuild the circuit board first.

 

[mhstevens]

I had a similar issue with my 2004 3500. I looked at all the options, and elected to bypass the PDC with an add-on adapter for the trailer lights. My thought was that the issue would remain even if I bought a new PDC, so I wanted to eliminate the problem. I don't have part numbers (I believe it is the Hopkins 48845 Tail Light Converter) but I purchased a wired-in add-on unit from NAPA that is designed to add trailer connectivity to vehicles that don't have it already. It has diodes that isolate the trailer from the tow vehicle and pulls power from the battery vs the tow vehicle light itself. The fix worked for several years without any issues. I have since sold the unit so I don't know if it is still working or not, but it was more reliable than the PDC and a heck of a lot cheaper.

 

[Jazel57]

Well, I traded my 2003 Dodge in on a 2015 GMC 3500 Dually. It was a hard choice, but the offer was to good to turn down. So, I'm starting over again. Thanks to everyone for trying to help!!!