No left turn trailer lights

[63 Sweptline]

I have a 2006 mega cab 3500 4x4. The left side trailer turn lights do not work. I tested the 7 pin truck plug and no power to the terminal. Could this be a TIPM issue.

 

[cerberusiam]

If it is not a fuse then it is the TIPM. You might be able to get it reset if it hasn't been done before, think you get 2 shots at a reset then the TIPM has to be replaced. Your best friend will be a break out box for the trailer wiring or it is just a problem waiting to happen.

 

[63 Sweptline]

Great Thanks. What do you mean by a break out box?

 

[cerberusiam]

Route all the trailer lights thru a box that uses relays to power the trailer circuits. That way it pops the relays in the break out box instead of your TIPM. Trailer wiring just sucks for the most part and is always an issue, protect the truck. It costs less in the long run.

 

[LFalconer]

cerberusiam - thanks - I tow a number of trailers [4] at different times on my 06, no issues yet.

So a simple box with 4 relays powered by a separate feed 12 V say from the batt direct [fused of course at say 30 amps] with the truck trailer signals as relay controls is a good idea?

Would you mount this in the rear area of the truck for ease of wiring? My thoughts would be to make the box connectorized with a 6 Pin input [remove the existing cable from the bumper mounted connector, use a female plug of the 6 wire variety as it is smaller, into the box, then output with a plug the same way, easier to troubleshoot should the need arise.

Any suggestions on the 12v feed? Could I use an existing 12v feed to the trailer plug, or is running a separate feed the best idea.?
Thanks, Luke

 

[cerberusiam]

Here is a good thread on a TIPM Saver as it is called https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/241739-Tipm-Saver-finished?highlight=relay+box

All manner of ways it can be done depending on needs.

 

[RikDavis]

I bought my 99 with out the trailer wiring. If I recall I put relays in a waterproof plastic electrical box mounted on the frame at the rear. I triggered one of the relays for running lights and the other 2 off the appropriate turn signals/ brake lights.
At the time I was hauling trailers out of Indiana and was concerned about problems with things I might be hooking to.
Sorry I don't remember more but it has performed flawlessly for over 500K miles and I have never had to open the box in 15 years.
I do remember that I used a relay for the running lights because there had been reports about the regular headlight switch overheating from the extra load from trailer lights.
I did run a seperate 12 volt feed through a 30 amp breaker
Every now and then some one would comment on the back of my truck making clicking noises if a turn signal was on

 

[Prairie Dog]

The TIPM has tripped because there is or was a short. You need to fix that before resetting it or you'll just end up killing the TIPM.