brake lights go out

[GLack]

I have a 2005 diesel 2500, with the 6 speed trans. About two years ago I noticed once in a while I would come out in the morning and both brake lights would be on. I replaced the brake light switch about 5 months ago and that fixed the problem for about a month. It has since come back but very irregularily. Another Dodge web site had a forum about corrosion in the "PDC" or fuse box in 2005 trucks. The truck sits alot and has less than 30,000 miles on it. Could the fuse box be the problem? They also discussed a "forward control module" problem. I have no idea what that is but is that a possible problem? Any repair suggestions other that replacing a $300+ parrt?

 

[jelag]

First of all, there is a timer that should shut down all power to any circuit after the key is off and the timer has timed out... . but if there is pressure on the pedal, and the brake light switch is activated I assume that the "shut down circuit) which I assume is either in the FCM... What I'd try is to get to the truck with the lights on... and pull back on the brake pedal and see if the lights go off...

If they do, I'd find out why the pedal doesn't retract from the switch... adjust the switch or solve this problem first... maybe a loose switch hanging... maybe dirt or sand in the pedal swivel point so it doesn't fully retract...

BTW - I've got an 05, with 115K miles or so... and mine in a rough climate... works fine. .

 

[subodh]

i have same truck as you but auto. . 3months after i bought it (used) i noticed one of my brake light went out and now all the time why?

it blowls more lights than i drink beer?

replaced with leds so now it works but why did it do this (only brake lights)

 

[GLack]

Just got back. Thanks for the response. I replaced the switch and it is a very simple procedure, meaning it is idiot proof so even I am able to do it. When the brake lights come on, I usually turn the truck on and pump the brakes. This has never worked in turning off the lights. It's just where I start in my attempt to turn the lights off and diagnose the problem. I then remove the switch and completely depress the rod a bunch of times. From fully extended out to completely depressed, the lights never go off, with or without the engine on, or with the ignition on or off.

Almost always, If I actually drive the truck a few blocks the lights go out. On would think that turning the engine on has something to do with it. BUT, if I turn the engine on without moving the truck the lights stay on. SO, since my last post, when I discovered my lights were on, I went thru the mentioned routine, met with no success, came inside and went online to TDR to ask for help. About an hour later I noticed the lights were off. The truck was off and locked. Sometimes the lights have stayed on all night and I have come out to a dead truck. Again, this is a completely turned off and locked truck. And yes, the igintion switch is in excellent shape and appears to turn completely off.

Lastly, I just got a letter from Dodge stating my engine control module has now been extended to a life time coverage. Apparently there is a problem with with 2004 thru 2005 2500-3500 5. 9 litre engines. Does anyone know if the ECM is my culprit?

 

[TCDiesel]

The Culprit is the FCM. (front control module) it may be also related to a short in the (PDC) Power distribution Center.

 

[GLack]

Sorry for the delayed thanks, I have been gone for a little while. Is the FCM a remove and replace type thing and where would that be in the truck? (under the hood or the dash?) What else does it control? What does it look like and any concerns when I remove it? I have heard some electical items in late model vehicles need special handling. Since the problem is extremely intermittent, does that mean the FCM is bad right now or going bad and will eventually fail to the point the truck no longer will drive? Lastly, is this an arm and leg cost item from the dealer or can it be bought elsewhere? Again, thanks for the info, you guys are the only ones in the last two years who did not roll their eyes back in their heads and go comotose when I described the problem.