My tail lights are sticking

[DFrank]

I've noticed this twice now. Not sure what causes it or how ogften it actually happens, but I parked the truck and look back to see my tail lihgts are on. I go back to check the switch and they are off. I cycle them a few times with no change. THey seem to go off before to long, but no clue why.



I do tow a trailer that may have a short that I have not been able to track down.



I really don't know where to start. I know intermittand electrical problems can be a real bear to find. I haven't taken it in , but I acan already hear: "sorry can't duplicate the problem"



Dave

 

[JHardwick]

Did you turn the lights out before or after you shut 'er down?

 

[Demons_Ram]

Are you sure it's not your "Brake Lights" on? Over time the little plunger switch, that contacts the brake pedal arm can stick, lose tension or short out. It's under the dashboard, steering column area, contacting the brake pedal arm. I would look at that switch first. Try to temporary disconnect it, to see if the lights go out.

 

[Scrappy]

I had a similar issue with mine, but mine had been parked for several hours and the brakelights would turn on and off randomly. It was locked and the keys were hung up so noone was causing it. It turned out on mine that the trailer brake controller was messed up and powering the brake lights. As soon as I disconnected the controller, it stopped doing it. When they are on, is the 3rd brakelight on also? The 3rd brakelight is controlled directly by the switch on the pedal and the others are controlled by the FCM.

 

[DFrank]

3rd light is not on which made me assume it was tail lights.



Not related to headlight switch, as cycling it doesn't help and the fronts or parks aren't on.



Can the brake controller cause this?



Thanks, Dave

 

[JCL]

Same thing happened to me and it was the trailer brake control.

 

[DFrank]

today they stopped working and I got the lamp out chime and gague. Then the "fixed themselves"



If it the brake controller are you suggesting it may have a short inthe connections or that the unit may need to be replaced?



Dave