No left trailer blinker/brake?

[MarkEkberg]

One of the things to solve before next weekend. No left turn signal in the trailer plug.

I have nothing at the rear plug. Removed plug and nothing at the pin or socket for left turn.

Fuses are good.

Relay for left is much louder then right. Started hunting for the relays and could not find them.

Found this youtube video which seems to be my problem. Will look at front harness tomorrow to make sure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbWTwyupzcY

Really not looking forward to this one.......... Any TDR gods have a simpler fix?

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Without having a known correct for your specific application schematic it would be wild guessing. I assume you have a TIPM. A schematic (unidentified for specific vehicle/year) that I found on the web in a search for 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 wiring diagram, the fuses and relays may be in the TIPM. Fuses were shown as 15A, F46 (left) and F47 (right). The fuses supply battery power to the lights thru the relay as well as supplying battery power to the relay coils. Relays are controlled by a Front Control Module (possibly within the TIPM).

 

[MarkEkberg]

Yes. 46 amd 47 are the correct fuses and are good. I pulled and confirmed and tested to make sure power on both sides.

Hopefully not raining tonight and I can back it up to the last plug behind the fender well. The noticeable difference in sound from the relays is making me think it is the problem. I can feel and hear them under the fuse block. I might be making the trip without a left blinker. We will see tonight upon further investigation.

If it is correct that the relays are integrated into the fuse block, that has to be the single worst design I have ever seen on a car. Relays fail, especially ones that have to cycle like blinkers.................

 

[Mark31]

Mark, I'm electrically challenged, so I can't help much. Maybe the big guns will fire off before long. I do know this, though: '03s don't have a TIPM. That started about 06. Until you can get better help, don't overlook the simple things.
You might try cleaning every connection and especially grounds. I once was about to do some drastic (for me!) stuff until I found a tiny bit of spider web in a trailer plug. Hope you have a safe trip. If you have any trouble down this way, I'm 17 miles east of the I95 hwy 9 Dillon, SC exit, and I have a good friend who runs an excellent shop here. I ran into a guy at the Flying J losing a front wheel unit bearing and took him over to the shop and they quickly got him back on the road. Mark

 

[Mark31]

Mark, I had started my post, and got sidetracked, before I could finish and send. In the meantime, you sent post 3. The relay design in our trucks may not be so wonderful, but there are more posts on here about TIPM woes and potential expensive woes on TDR, especially 06s. I replaced the tail light fuses with weaker 10 amp per TDR, and that is all I have ever done to mine. I hope you find that signal problem. For me, the left rear signal is the most important light on a vehicle.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Ha...Not a TIPM...just an IPM. I was unable to view the youtube video in your post. Is this the url for that video? https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbWTwyupzcY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbWTwyupzcY
It shows how to replace the faulty relays. The video gives a good overview and resolution of the issue. Electrical and soldering techniques are, uh, interesting. Suggest to remove the battery ground cables, use solder wick to unsolder the joints, and a non-corrosive flux for assembly soldering...and make every attempt to avoid bridging the circuit board traces with too much solder or peeling the traces with too much heat. Makes for a safer, clean, and long lasting repair.

Anyone have suggestions on how to post a simple YouTube video??? I can't seem to view or post a viewable event.

Better video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFKyhIg4MHc

 

[crabman]

Your post doesn't say if you have a working left turn signal @ front &/or rear. Just no power at the trailer connector. Need to know that to trouble shoot circuit correctly.

 

[MarkEkberg]

All lights work correctly on truck. All lights on trailer work correctly except for left turn/brake. I am fairly positive the relays are integrated into the fuse block. And the relay is very different sounding. i am going to test to see what is coming out of the relay tonight to see if I need to buy a new block or not after I get driveshaft back in from shop. I found them on e-bay for 150 or so with a guarantee of testing. Just want to make sure they are not replaceable, but the videos I have seen confirm this.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Mark,

Check the YouTube video URL listed at the bottom of my last post, or better yet copy and paste https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFKyhIg4MHc . The relays can be changed out with a couple hours work. If you can get another IPM (fuse box) for a reasonable price it may be quicker, especially with your upcoming trip getting near. Then you could leisurely order and replace the relay(s) and have a spare for the "next time". The videos show an upgrade from the stock 20 amp to more robust 30 amp relay which seems to be a very successful permanent fix.

 

[MarkEkberg]

Nothing available at parts houses. Checking salvage yards on the AM. If nothing locally eBay has them from 125 to 150.

I have it out. I am convinced it's the problem. Hoping I am not wrong.

 

[TCDiesel]

The 2003-04.5 Boards are weak. these are the circuits for left / Right turn Trailer. very common..Sorry.

 

[TCDiesel]

If you replace the PDC put 10amp in 46/47 slots.. 10amp blow before circuits burns.

 

[MarkEkberg]

All my salvage yards local to me are closed on weekends except for one. Was there when they opened this morning. Pulled three of them before i got one that all the plugs and pins were the same. There were fuses and relays in places mine had none? Guessing at other options on wrecked truck. I make new one identical to my old one, installed and all trailer wiring worked. Buttoned everything up and everything on truck worked. I even grabbed the fan control resister and a radio deck as my CD player quit a while ago. Cost me 75 bucks for everythung. Everything went as good as could be expected today. Need to go buy a lottery ticket.

 

[TCDiesel]

Need to Buy 10amp fuses.... and watch them.. or you will fry the New PDC.

 

[MarkEkberg]

10 amp for the trailer brake and turn correct? Numbers are 46 and 47. Already swapped them when I was making new one like the one I had.

 

[TCDiesel]

OK ..Just making sure.....if for some reason in the future the Truck will not power up or start..its the 6 plug under the PDC the gate needs a zip tie ALL the way tight.

Yep 10amp right left turn Trailer

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Mark, Great! A good indication your trip will now be trouble free. Be safe.


TCDiesel, Thanks for the pictures and fuse advise. Looks like easy fixes for some design deficiencies.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Duplicate unduplicated...

 

[MarkEkberg]

Hoping the trip is steady and uneventful. Truck is about brand new now.

Not sure where out stopping points are. I owe a few people here a beer for all the help lately. If anyone wants a dinner bought for them down the 95 corridor let me know.

Going to tear my old one open this summer when time permits. Doubt I will fix it when a junk yard spare is 50 bucks.

One thing I did was to put pink insulation inside the shifter boot. Makes a difference in noise.

Anyone like lil wayne rap artist? That was a free cd in the radio. Not my taste in music.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

...Anyone like lil wayne rap artist? That was a free cd in the radio. Not my taste in music.

You can always hang it in the garden to keep the veggie predators at bay.