Hi
I just got a 98.5 3500 4x4 with the Dodge towing package. I cannot get any power out of my trailer connector (running lights). I have checked fuses. Is there something I'm missing? I have a trailer brake controller but have not hooked it up yet. Any help would be appreciated.

Brian

 

Any chance of corrosion?
I (this sucks) rewired my ski boat trailer last spring and replaced 2 bulbs only to find out my connector (the 7 way down to 4 flat) was so chalky it wouldn't work.
Embarrasing..................yes.
Stab a few wires with your 12V test light just behind the plug, head forward after that.

 

Have you checked the wiring? Are you checking the power from inside the plug, or from behind the plug where the wiring goes into the plug? Check the wiring going into the plug. You may have a contact problem inside of the plug, rust.

 

Did you check you relays under the hood?

Try swaping them...

I know on both Mom's truck and my truck both have relays for the trailer connectors...

 

Thanks for the quick replies fellows. I am checking wires behind the plug now. I have brake and turn function to the plug but no running light power.

Brian

 

I took the plug off of the mount and unplugged the connector. Still not getting any running lights. I get stop and turn. Otherwise wiring looks fine here and up and under the truck. Any other suggestions. All lights work on the truck and fuses were good. The wire for the running lights runs from the headlight switch I assume. Does anyone have a manual with wiring diagram. Its probably something easy.

Brian

 

Haynes Manuals have pretty good wiring diagrams in them. You can pick one up at most auto parts stores for about 15.00. It won't be a waste of money because you'll use it again.

Chris

 

Thanks for the help.

Brian

 

the 2000 manual shows that the running lights are circuit L76, a black and orange wire that comes from the trailer tow relay in the power distribution center. I would bet that the relay is your trouble. Also there is a 40A fuse in the pdc that feeds the relay. it's fuse #8. Hope that helps.

 

Jason
Where is this power distribution box? Thanks I will check this. Someone said relays before but I didn't check them. Also while checking my fuses again I discovered that the previous owner had a 25amp minifuse in the seatbelt fuse location. So I replaced it with the correct 10amp fuse thats supposed to go there and this morning when I was on a trip the seatbelt light on the dash came on. So I pulled over and sure enough the 10amp fuse blew, so I put the 25amp back in for the time being. Anyone had this happen?

Thanks for the help! Me and my ol goat need it.
Brian

 

Duh I found the dist. box.

Brian

 

I looked in the distribution box and no wonder the lights would not work. There is no fuse in the trailer fuse location. OK that problem is solved, now for the 10amp seatbelt fuse blowing.

Thanks all,
Brian