Dash Lights on my 2005 3500 Ram truck

[RMaynard]

I'm sure someone out there has the answer to this one. I have a readout on my dash that says, lamp out. I have checked all exterior bulbs and all are lit. The suspected culprit I believe is possibly a bulb out in the dash where the ac / heater controls are. Are there replaceable bulbs behind the control panel. I did partially pull the bazel forward but was reluctant to pull it all the way out, as yours truly (me ) has never gone into this area before and I don't want to screw things up. Thanx, Roger

 

[jhenderson]

Dash lights are not on the lamp out circuit. Look for a bad connection at the tail lights. Just a little corrosion at the bulb base will cause a lamp out signal.

 

[AEdelheit]

Check your headlight plugs that's what was causing mine on the passenger side high ram circuit, took forever to track down

 

[RMaynard]

Thanx to jhenderson , I will check into that. It's been on for quite awhile. Roger

 

[RMaynard]

Thanx AEdelheit , I will check that also , Roger

 

[RDeFayette]

Rear tail light circuit boards.

If you look at the base of the bulbs when you take them out the plastic will probably look melted next to the contacts on one or more bulbs.

That's were the problem starts, increase resistance=heat=ruined circuit boards.

Contacts in the boards will also look blue-ish.

New Boards with NEW bulbs.

DO NOT use the old bulbs with the new boards.

Get and use die-electic silicone on the bulb contacts.

On my trucks ALWAYS seems to be the rear turn signals.

 

[RMaynard]

Thanx RDeFayette , a Fine Frenchman I presume , I'm another one, although maybe not a fine one, I did find today on the right rear tailight bulb that it did look melted into the plactic base like you said. I assume that would be under warranty. How do I get the dealer to understand what you have said ?? I take it that this is not an uncommon situation ? What happened to the days of old, put the bulb in and forget about it till it blows. Thanx, Roger

 

[RDeFayette]

2nd generation from Ottawa, paternal side still up there.

anyway, the dealer isn't going to warranty it they'll just toss a bulb in it.

you can pick up the boards at most auto part stores. left and right side are the same. used in multiple years.

It's the stupid new bulb design with the tiny contact area of that wire.

If the rest of the bulbs look ok (not melted) you can get away with reuse.

New circuit board and roached bul WITH dielectric silicone. (auto store also, somtimes called bulb contact grease or something like that). and you're good. Boards are around 18-20 bucks each.

 

[RMaynard]

Hello RDeFayette , do you happen to have a part number for these boards, and did you get through a dealer, thanx, Roger

 

[RDeFayette]

Hello RDeFayette , do you happen to have a part number for these boards, and did you get through a dealer, thanx, Roger

Dodge part #: 55077343AB / SOCKET, Tail, Stop, and Turn Lamp

Autozone: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...jn5ptZ9ckb9?itemIdentifier=89342_195353_4169_

The autozone # is a Dorman replacement, Dorman is available at MOST auto stores. 20. 00

Yes, I got mine at the dealer about the same price IIRC.

dielectric grease too ;http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...Up-grease/_/N-25ap?itemIdentifier=125419_0_0_

 

[RMaynard]

Thank you again RD, I'm on my way to get the parts, Roger

 

[Ozymandias]

And tell us if it was the solution.