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Archived PROBLEM SOLVED---Turn Signals, Brake Lites and Trailer Brakes Failed

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Archived Check Engine Light

Archived No Start Condition

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PROBLEM SOLVED:



After looking a little closer, the #4 Slot [Hazard] in the under hood fuse box showed a 20 amp fuse blown. Replaced fuse with a 20 amp and all is fine. I spoke with my mechanic, Dodge Boy, and he explained that the local city purchased the same truck as mine and with the additional yellow flashing lights installed for the city truck, they kept blowing the same fuse. He upgraded to 40 amp rating to their fuse box and haven't had a problem since.



Moral of the story, carry extra fuses, flash-lite and a magnifying glass. These new rectangular fuses that are being used are very hard to see a burnt element. Certainly with these ole' eyes.



Hopefully not to be continued. .



Doug M.

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Original message:

Hooked up my trailer today and as I was driving away, I checked the operation of my trailer brakes before getting on to freeway. For some reason they would not grab. I tried adjusting the Tekonsha controller and could not get a fix, amber light indication. I did not have the adjustment instructions with me, so I took it home slow, 20 miles. Turn signals worked before leaving. Did not check brake lights, leg is not long enough.



Half way home I came to a stop light, applying the brakes and turn signals, the turn signal started to blink really fast then shut off. I pulled over checked the obvious connections and all seemed fine. I disconnected the trailer hook-up to the truck and still no turn signal nor brake lights. All other electrical works fine, Running lights on trailer, head lights, parking lights, lighter, dome light, radio, etc. . all OK. Checked all fuses in cab and under hood and they are fine as well.



Wiring harness? Or has someone experienced this same problem? I just recently had this setup installed [11/09/01] and am hoping that the splicing into my wire harness was done correctly. We just had our first rains out here and I'm wondering how long I have gone without brake lights?



Any help would be apprecaited. I'll be under the truck tomorrow.



Doug M.
 
DMerryman,



Installing a 40 amp fuse is a real bad idea. Staying with 20, it will blow again. Recommend you re-check / re-wire your harness

if necessary.



My new truck camper wiring blew a fuse, the dealers fix was to put in a larger fuse also. You get what you pay for.



RonL
 
No 40 amp isn't a fix

DMerryman, I must agree with FF1063 about replacing the 20a with a 40a being not good. "I hate the smell of burnt electrical insulation in the morning":)



It's kind of like putting a penny behind the old screw-in houshold fuse. If the circuit wiring is rated for 20a placing a 40a fuse will do two things. 1 keep the 40a fuse from protecting a 20a circuit (maybe 25a - 30a at a stretch) and 2 fry your harness (possibly entire truck ? do you really wan't a new truck because the old one cooked?).



I would strongly suggest finding the problem Vs. uping the fuse size. If the harness is fine then the problem is "probably" too much amp draw from what ever you're running. If this is the case you may have to create another harness and provide it's own protection. Any auto electrical place should be able to help/do all this for you. Pay now or mucho later???? Your call?



Just my $. 02 Joe Mc
 
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