2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Lost trailer tail lites, wheres the fuse??

[Oversized2]

Working on father in laws utility trailer with lite problems and lost power for the tail lites at the plug of the truck. Factory trailer package. checked the fuses on the left side of dash and in the distribution center. Is there something in line?



2001 2500 LWB 4x4



Thanks, Bud

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by BHelgeson

Working on father in laws utility trailer with lite problems and lost power for the tail lites at the plug of the truck. Factory trailer package. checked the fuses on the left side of dash and in the distribution center. Is there something in line?



2001 2500 LWB 4x4



Thanks, Bud

Welcome to the TDR!



I think there a relay in the PDC also for the trailer. Thought I remembered seeing one. Did you use a digital multimeter or continuity tester to check for a bad fuse, or do it visually? If just looked at it, it is still possible to miss it.



Did you check the ground in the plug or at the light end? Bad grounds can cause alot of problems or weird things to happen.



When I rewire a trailer that is normally grounded through the ball, I also ground through the harness in case the hitch doesn't ground properly.

 

[Thomas]

Your model year 2001 Ram has a 40 amp fuse and a relay, both in the PDC.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Trailer lights

Probably not the problem you have but with some of the 7 pin plug in adapters, they can be inserted up-side down, you will have brake lights, the signal lights will be crossed and no tail lights. #8 fuse in the PDC is trailer and the relay in right side nearest the driver side fender is trailer. bg

 

[OTRPU]

How about still having all ID markers on the trailer, except no running, turn or brake lights on the rear of the trailer? Yet everything on the truck was still working. Can't remember now if the license plate light was lit or not. Anyway, didn't get caught and got the trailer delivered without killing myself or anybody else. I hate it when my lights don't work, just no dam excuse for it. Whomever did my Cab extension was a hack. I'm gonna have the whole thing redone with solder and shrink tube like it outta been.

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Tow Safe,

Steve J.

 

[Gifford]

another trailer light problem..

I too am having trouble with the trailer lights (and brake controller for that matter) My Tekonsha Prodigy isnt getting any power, no lights at all on the display. Does the relay for the factory tow package also power the socket for the electric brake controller? My small boat trailer's brake and turn signals work, but have no running lights, all fuses in the cab appear good. .

 

[Gifford]

factory trailer harness relay, where to buy??

Is the relay for the trailer a dealer only item?

 

[bmoeller]

You should be able get that one just about anywhere. Can't say on the rectangular relays. Never replaced one yet.

 

[Oversized2]

Thanks, Nobody came up with a secret, so I'll have to recheck things again. Nice to have others input.



Bud

 

[y-knot]

Just alittle something to add, Pay attention anyone who pulls a trailer! There are two "fuse panels" the first and most reconized being the fuse block, located in cab left hand side od dash, behind access panel. This block takes care of most "normal" electrical functions, radio, interior lights, lighter,ect. This should be your first place to look, if you have a malfunction. Then there is the PDC, or power disribution center, it is located under the hood, left hand side, between fire wall and battery. Inside this block is your relays, 3-4 normal type blade fuses, and FUSIBLE LINKS. These FUSIBLE LINKS requir a very specific type of fuse, they are not available at most parts stores. If you travel alot pulling a trailer, or use want to be prepared, please go to your dealer and get a couple of each type of these fuses. They control items like your trailer brake supply, trailer 12V supply, as well as other non-trailer related items, bottom line is you do not want to be on the road, and lose one of these! Any one haveing a sudden loss of brake controller power, this is where you look. I found out the hard way, went to pick-up a trailer and when it hooked up had a instant short when I went to check my lights before moving. The trailer had gotten it's power cord smashed and someone put it all back together wrong, my brake circiut was hooked to the ground terminal. It blow the large fusible link fuse, like it was suppose to, but left me with know brakes till I got to a dealer. They are about $2 each, and now I keep a few in the truck, and trailer as spares. Better safe then sorry.