I've started getting a ping, like the door ajar ping, and momentary Lamp Out lights up on the odometer. I've checked all the exterior lights and they are fine. Does anyone know which lights this refers to? Thanks.

 

Usually, that is an exterior lamp like a turn signal or headlamp.

I have seen extreme heat cause electrical impedence high enough to set that off with all bulbs ok.

 

Most likely as Soul mentioned...Tail lamp is making intermittent contact due to the plastic base of the lamp melting.

 

Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

I had to change out the driver tail light module to fix that on my truck. About 25 dollars from dodge

 

Haven't experienced it on my 06, but my 02 1500 all the time until I found at Autozone the same bulb but with a glass base and thicker contact tracks.

 

All bulbs good on mine once. It turned out to be the gray light socket bar. Dealer kept a pile of them under the counter handy.

 

Hey Gents, my '03 started pinging like crazy with lamp out illuminating, all bulbs are fine. I've not taken tail lights off but will this be an obvious defect if indeed it is the bulb or contact? Am I just checking for a tight solid fit with the bulb in the socket? Also, what and where is this tail light module Alaskaskiff talks about? If the gray light socket bar is bad, again is this easily recognized by visual inspection? Thanks for any input or clarification, I plan to take tail lights apart tomorrow and just wanted some hints so I know exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks and best regards!

 

There are times that this warning illuminates before the bulb actually fails. I have, at times, replaced the center taillight bulbs in the company trucks and that takes care of it. However; I have replaced all six bulbs just because they were old and were likely due for replacement soon anyway.

The job is very simple and the tail light module board is what the bulbs fit into. The 03 model year trucks seemed to have the most failed tail light boards.Two torx screws to remove the tail light housing if I recall correctly. It is easily recognizable. Also, if the bulb sockets located on the circuit board are not melted or scorched, then I recommend you clean the contacts. I have also used a small screw driver to bring them closer to the bulb so they are tight against the bulbs in a few instances. Loose fitting bulbs can contribute to the circuit board failures.

 

Be sure and coat the bases with di-electric grease, and don't use your turn signals for long periods of time (if you're stuck in the left turn lane for 12 minutes, everyone knows you're turning left- just use the signal on when it matters). Brake lights you can't do much about. Going to the more expensive lamps with glass bases helps some, but you still need to grease them to help dissipate the heat.

 

Sure enough you gents were correct and I did indeed find a defect. Bulb was not blown but the contact track was burnt and this explains my intermittent pinging. Replaced the bulb and coated all contacts and plugs with dielectric grease. Will be reassembling tomorrow after I buy new phillips screws holding the bulb sock module to the lens assembly. All these screws were rusted bad and quite difficult to remove. The phillips head was completely filled in with rust. Thanks for the accurate direction in resolving this problem!!!