2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission No brake lights or turn signals

[garford12]

I posted this a few hours ago but can't find it. My 96 3500 FWD/5 speed experienced sudden loss of brake lights and turn signals. Fuses are OK. Where do I go from here? My search didn't turn up anything. Thanks, Bob

 

[GAmes]

All the turn signals or just the rear? Do the bulbs work when you activate the emer flashers?

 

[garford12]

Thanks for the reply. Just went out and checked the truck. No flashers, no front or rear turn signals. Running lights are OK.

 

[GAmes]

Tomorrow I'll dig out my manual and trace the wires. Without looking my guess would be a failed multifunction switch. The lack of brake lights might rule that out.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Check the flasher switch. You say they don't come on? Do you still have the brake light on the back of the cab? If the flashers don't work, as well as the turn signals, the switch may have corroded, and this can cause you to lose your brake lights and turn signals without blown fuses. Try switching it up and down rapidly a few times and see if it starts working one way or another. If it does, go the other way and see if it starts to work the other way. As a kid, I removed the flasher module on my '84, and when you turn on the flashers, they don't function, but neither do your brake lights. Great for those girlfriend's whose Daddy don't like you.....

 

[GAmes]

There are two separate flasher modules for the turn and emergency, which is why I asked if either of them worked. If it was one or the other the fix would be easy. The brake lights do not go thru either of the flashers, they work with them both removed.



I just pulled out my manual, a little coffee and I'll open it.

 

[GAmes]

It turns out that the multi-function switch does power the brake lights. The entire circuit receives power thru fuse 6 (40 amp) in the PDC. Fuse 20 (20 amp) powers the stop lamp switch. That wire is PK/DB. From the stop lamp switch (brake switch) a WT/TN wire sends power to the center brake light and the multifunction switch. From there a BR/PK wire powers the rt side and a DG/RD the left. If both fuses are good there is a continuity check you can perform on the multifunction switch.



Since neither side works or the brake lights I am inclined to believe that all you need is a fuse. If the fuse blows you have a dead short, sometimes caused by a failed bulb. If the fuse does blow, remove all four corner bulbs and the center brake light bulbs and try again.



edit; After a little more reading I'm back to the multifunction switch. Fuse 3 in the PDC powers the turn signals and fuse C powers the hazard flashers. The only common link to turn, hazard and brake is the multifunction switch. Does the center brake light work? It is the only one that does not got thru the MS.

 

[HHhuntitall]

It turns out that the multi-function switch does power the brake lights. The entire circuit receives power thru fuse 6 (40 amp) in the PDC. Fuse 20 (20 amp) powers the stop lamp switch. That wire is PK/DB. From the stop lamp switch (brake switch) a WT/TN wire sends power to the center brake light and the multifunction switch. From there a BR/PK wire powers the rt side and a DG/RD the left. If both fuses are good there is a continuity check you can perform on the multifunction switch.



Since neither side works or the brake lights I am inclined to believe that all you need is a fuse. If the fuse blows you have a dead short, sometimes caused by a failed bulb. If the fuse does blow, remove all four corner bulbs and the center brake light bulbs and try again.



edit; After a little more reading I'm back to the multifunction switch. Fuse 3 in the PDC powers the turn signals and fuse C powers the hazard flashers. The only common link to turn, hazard and brake is the multifunction switch. Does the center brake light work? It is the only one that does not got thru the MS.

... . thought I said that?... :-laf I've had a few '96 and '97 trucks, too. Removing the flasher module and turning on the flashers kills the brake lights and turn signals on those years, too. The cab light still works, though, same as if a fuse is blown. Again, before you go chasing ghosts in the multi-function switch, check the Hazard/flasher switch. Being on top of the steering column, they tend to fill up with dirt and water; anything spilled on the steering column goes straight for it..... Dr Pepper bing the worst I've ever seen..... looks like tar after a few days!!

 

[GAmes]

... . thought I said that?... :-laf I've had a few '96 and '97 trucks, too. Removing the flasher module and turning on the flashers kills the brake lights and turn signals on those years, too. The cab light still works, though, same as if a fuse is blown. Again, before you go chasing ghosts in the multi-function switch, check the Hazard/flasher switch. Being on top of the steering column, they tend to fill up with dirt and water; anything spilled on the steering column goes straight for it..... Dr Pepper bing the worst I've ever seen..... looks like tar after a few days!!

I'm pretty sure that what you are calling the hazard/flasher switch IS the multifunction switch. The multi-function switch operates the turn signals, emer flashers, wipers, and windshield washer. However, now that you have pointed out that a missing module for the emergency flashers, coupled with the emer flasher switch engaged disables both the brake lights and the turn signals opens up other possibilities. If the emer flasher module is toast (or missing), and the switch is unknowingly engaged you may have come up with the answer.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I'm pretty sure that what you are calling the hazard/flasher switch IS the multifunction switch. The multi-function switch operates the turn signals, emer flashers, wipers, and windshield washer. However, now that you have pointed out that a missing module for the emergency flashers, coupled with the emer flasher switch engaged disables both the brake lights and the turn signals opens up other possibilities. If the emer flasher module is toast (or missing), and the switch is unknowingly engaged you may have come up with the answer.

Is it one assembly in the column? I can't remember. I was going to look at one after lunch, but I'm still on Ebay..... I've had the same problem on my own and others. Being a farmer as well as a mechanic, I see a lot of dirt in my equipment, so the hazard switch gets hammered being on top. A lot of times, I'll just work mine up and down repeatedly until it starts working. Sometimes, this just doesn't work, or on a customer's ride, and I have to pull it all apart. I thought that switch attached with the top of the multi-control switch?



Oops, I was wrong. I believe it does attach to the top, and could be replaced(if they would sell it), but looking at this one in the box, BWD S3226, they only sell it as one assembly, I have it listed in inventory at $62. 00, with a note that there are no parts.....

 

[GAmes]

It is one piece. I just happen to have a brand new one.

 

[garford12]

Thanks to everyone. I won't be able to get back to work on the truck until the week end. I will let you know what I find. Bob

 

[Scary Mc]

I'm new to the forum and have the same problem as described above. No turn signals, no brake lights and no flashers. All the fuses are in good shape and I just replaced the multifunction switch. The problem still exists. I've been tracing the wires and they all seem to be in good condition.



Any thoughts as to what the problem might be? I'm stumped.



Thanks for your time,



Gary McDaniel

Grand Junction, CO



2000 2500 Ram Cummins 4x4 5-speed.

 

[GAmes]

Did you check the flasher modules in the dash side fuse panel?

 

[Scary Mc]

I replaced it and it didn't help. But I tried the new one in a friends truck and found it was bad from the factory. Exchanged it and they are working now.



Still no brake lights though...

 

[GAmes]

There are two flashers, one for the turn signals, the other for the emergency flashers. Are both installed and functional?

 

[garford12]

My problem was solved by a new multi function switch and new flasher's. I tried a flasher's from a box store which didn't help and went to a original equipment flasher from Dodge. THANK YOU to everyone who helped. Bob Smits