Tail Light Problems

[Bernie]

I ran for about 100k miles with little to no tail light problems. In the past 10k miles, I have replaced all of my bulbs, most twice.

However, often when I get the bulb out warning, the bulbs are fine. After taking the tail lights out of the truck, and checking the bulb, everything seems to work again.

My thought is the tail light assemblies are problematic. I have heard they go bad. Does anybody have any more information on that? Any good sources for replacement parts?

Thanks!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Yes, they overheat and melt. This was especially bad for our 03's and even more so if you have an auto and have to keep your foot on the brake at stops. You can get new and hopefully updated harness assemblies from Dodge.
I've found some nice DOT approved LED assemblies for about $200 that I'll get if mine ever start acting up.

 

[Bernie]

I've found some nice DOT approved LED assemblies for about $200 that I'll get if mine ever start acting up.

Do you have a link for them? Do they work with the light out warning system?

 

[jelag]

One problem with some LED's is that they don't draw enough current, and the computer thinks that there is a bulb out.

My other personal issue with LED's in the winter time where I live is that blowing snow will pack over the lens and there is little or no heat from LED's so the snow packs over the lens and won't melt off...

 

[Prairie Dog]

The lamp out thing has been known for a long time now and there are a lot fewer complaints about it. I can't seem to find the ones I was looking at but there are lots of choices on eBay.
If you get the DOT approved parts (the clear or blacked out parts aren't DOT) they look very stock. Not odd colored aftermarket looking.