2006 Tail light problems

[seemore]

In my 2006 Quad cab, my left brake light doesn't work. The left turn signal and left side 4-way flashers work, so I know it's not a burnt out bulb or wiring. I have never ran across a problem like this! Any suggestions where to start looking?

 

[jgillott]

I don't have an answer for you other than we have been chasing this problem with our '04. 5 for almost a month now. It started with the left rear brake light and now both headlights will not work. We have been over every inch of wiring in those systems and haven't found the problem. We think it is an issue in the power distribution center under the hood, but I haven't had the chance to swap it out yet and I hate to dive in to it unless I know for sure. Please let me know if you find it before I do.

By the way, our issues started when all the heavy rain began around here.

 

[mwilson]

In my 2006 Quad cab, my left brake light doesn't work. The left turn signal and left side 4-way flashers work, so I know it's not a burnt out bulb or wiring. I have never ran across a problem like this! Any suggestions where to start looking?

seemore,





On a 2006 there are two bulbs in each tail light unit. One is for the turn signal and the other for the brake light. Both bulbs illuminate for normal tail light operation.



Check the other bulb in the tail light unit, the filament may be blown.



Mike.

 

[seemore]

Oh I see said the blind man!! Never knew that Mike, I will check in the AM. Thank you very much!!

 

[cerberusiam]

Do you have a LAMP OUT on the dash?

 

[seemore]

No lamp out, but the check engine light sometimes flashes with the turn signal. Puzzling!

 

[cerberusiam]

No lamp out, but the check engine light sometimes flashes with the turn signal. Puzzling!

That has all the earmarks of a bad ground or connection somewhere. Unless the systems have changed o5 to 06, if you have a burnt bulb or even a lack of a really good connection on a bulb you get a lamp out on the dash. You can get a lamp out and the bulb wil still work which really drives one crazy.

 

[seemore]

Well, it looks like Mike was right. Actually there are a strip of three 3057 bulbs in each tail light. I replaced all six bulbs (three in each side) and that fixed it. And I made sure to SMEAR dielectric grease ALL over the contacts & plugs and even on the locating pins and rubber grommet, that was a bear to pull out!Oo.



Sorry jgillott I don't have a fix for you, but thx for responding!

 

[cerberusiam]

THAT is bizzare you did not get a LAMP OUT. Mine does when the connection is bad and then I have to dig to find the issue.

 

[mwilson]

THAT is bizzare you did not get a LAMP OUT. Mine does when the connection is bad and then I have to dig to find the issue.

I don't think the '06 and up trucks have the "Lamp Out" indicator. I have had blown brake and tail light bulbs on mine and there is no dash warning.



Being an old truck driver I do "walkarounds", that's how I find lights out anyways.



Mike.

 

[cerberusiam]

I don't think the '06 and up trucks have the "Lamp Out" indicator. I have had blown brake and tail light bulbs on mine and there is no dash warning.

If that is true, gotta be the first thing took OUT that was actually beneficial. :-laf

 

[jgillott]

For the brake lights at least, the '07 has an audible chime that goes off every time you hit the brakes if there is a bulb out.

 

[jgillott]

Well, it looks like Mike was right. Actually there are a strip of three 3057 bulbs in each tail light. I replaced all six bulbs (three in each side) and that fixed it. And I made sure to SMEAR dielectric grease ALL over the contacts & plugs and even on the locating pins and rubber grommet, that was a bear to pull out!Oo.

Sorry jgillott I don't have a fix for you, but thx for responding!

Glad yours was easy.

 

[mwilson]

For the brake lights at least, the '07 has an audible chime that goes off every time you hit the brakes if there is a bulb out.

Maybe they did that in '07 where they went with the combination stop / turn / tail all in one bulb.



I do recall a chime only once that didn't seem to mean anything, don't recall if I had a bulb out at that time or not. I checked for oil pressure, fuel level and then turned the radio up... ..... worked like a charm... .



Mike.

 

[jgillott]

Maybe they did that in '07 where they went with the combination stop / turn / tail all in one bulb.

I do recall a chime only once that didn't seem to mean anything, don't recall if I had a bulb out at that time or not. I checked for oil pressure, fuel level and then turned the radio up... ..... worked like a charm... .

Mike.

It's down right annoying. You would think they would give you one chime when you first start the truck... ..... NO. It literally goes off any time you hit the brakes. I've had both sides go out and the last one was in stop-and-go traffic on 376 outside of Pittsburgh. There's no radio in the world that will cover up 45 min of that.

 

[seemore]

I walk around too... ..... most of the time. The problem is when the 4 ways and turn signal work you ASSS/U/ME (assume) the brake lights work! WRONG. But at least with your advice, mine was an easy fix.

I don't think the '06 and up trucks have the "Lamp Out" indicator. I have had blown brake and tail light bulbs on mine and there is no dash warning.



Being an old truck driver I do "walkarounds", that's how I find lights out anyways.



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

I check the brake lights either hooked to the camper (reflects off of the front panel) or after dark by just touching the brake pedal and checking each side in the mirrors. Also can see the CHMSL glare off my tonneau cover. I also check brake and back-up lights when backing up to my overhead garage door, I can see the lights reflect in the overhead door windows while backing.



Used to check trailer turn and brake lights on big trucks the same way, pull the trolley handle down just enough to turn the brake lights on and look in the mirrors. Same way with each turn signal. Always liked to check them in the early morning darkness before heading into the days traffic. Never know when one will burn out or something will happen to the trailer cord connection.



Just a lot of long time habits...



Mike.

 

[frank1]

Glad you posted your problems with your tail lights Seemore. Having the same issue (all most) with my 06' that I purchased back in February. No problems with bulbs,but I've blown five fuses (#14 park lamp LT, 15 AMP FUSE),since I've owned the truck. Unlike my 03's, no light out or chimes going off??? Also, no codes. I do think my problem has to do with the dump body that was installed on the truck (PREVIOUS OWNER). The only way I know if I have no tail lights while driving is, by looking out my side mirrors (the dump body sticks out further than the cab) and I can see the side marker lights out. Also, all the cab lights work except for the left front directional lamp. The only tail lamp that works is the rear right tail light???? The dump body lamps are all LED's and the total lamps are four marker lamps, four tail/stop lamps and two back up lamps. Any suggestions on where to start looking? Was planning on taking it to the dealer, but didn't want to hear "oh that body was not installed by the manufacture " etc... . No big deal for now, I carry a bunch of 15 amp fuses in the cab. Thanks, Frank

 

[Wingate]

wow. . that explains a chime I got about a month ago... it was just a chime that happened while on vacation. had no CEL, no lamp out, never heard it again... hhmmm...
I did as others did, just turned up the Ray Wylie Hubbard!!!