So, I read the trailer lightning issue thread. I have no brake light or signal on driver side, no matter what trailer. I took it in to my local dealer to have it fixed and they won't do anything. They have tsb number that was mentioned and said since they can't find any problems they won't do the tsb. Everything is fine without a trailer hooked up, of course. So they want me to stop by with a trailer so they can verify. The "tech" said the tsb doesn't apply to me because the check engine light isn't on and no codes have been thrown. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to get my 20' gooseneck into their bay, but thats what they want. Any ideas on how to get this done before I pick the truck up and just have to take it right back? Any other numbers for tsb's for the "tech" to lookup or any other reference material. Its a pain in the rear trying to educate the "tech". Thanks.

 

Go to dodgeram.info and look at 2006 tsb's. Specifically 08-021-06

 

Ya, I looked at it, and passed it on to the dealer. They say they can't find any codes or DTC's without a trailer hooked up. Even though I told them it is doing just as described, no left brake or turn. They say Dodge won't pay for it if it doesn't show a code. I'm going to get them to write down that they wouldn't perform the reflash, even though I told them what was happening, and then hook up a trailer and go pick up a load of culvert. Thanks again.

 

Go to a different dealership.

 

.....this may be a good idea. Sounds like they are not even making an effort to diag/repair. Tech center is well aware of the TIPM issues.

..are you saying your plug tests ok, but when you hook the trailer up it doesn't work?


If it all tests ok at the RV plug without the trailer, your prob lies in the trailer.

If it is dead without the trailer the first thing that needs to be done is to UPDATE the TIPM (read: flash). If it's still dead the TIPM needs to be reset. This feature is in the STAR scanner. You are NOT to reset more than three times or you WILL need a new TIPM. IF the lighting circuits are still inop this will be enough "ammo" to call star and get a new TIPM shipped. Last one I did they were still on restriction.

 

Ya, so I'm headed to another dealship...but its unfortunate that the one where I live sucks and I have to drive over 1.5 hours to another. I'm going to Lithia in Helena MT and see how it works out since I'll be close to them anyways for a few days while traveling.

The tech said that the plug checks out fine w/o trailer hooked-up and no problems. But when I hook up trailers, I have no left side signal or brake, but everything else works. This is the case with both trailers. I can't believe both trailers have the same issue. I will maybe find another one in MT and check it again, see if the problem persists.

 

It's pretty easy to check your trailer wiring with a battery and a couple of wires. It will find out if you are correct. If you can get the lights on with the battery method then it is worth the long trip. Take a test light and check the plugs (both 4 pin and 7 pin) on the truck and see what's up also.

I would at least do this simple self diag myself before heading off to another dealer.

 

This may be a silly suggestion but I'll throw it out there anyway...

Run down to your local trailer supply shop and buy some trailer lights and correct plug. Assemble as necessary, plug it in and show the dealer your lights aren't working. (may be worth it to test on another vehicle first)

Yes, it will cost you money. But it may be less than the cost of the ticket/accident/liability for towing your trailer with out lights. And it will demonstrate to the dealer beyond a doubt your trailer lights aren't working.... (especially when they are able to plug your jig onto another truck on the lot and have it work)

Who knows, it may work so well you could sell it to your dealer as test equipment

 

Even if that's the case the "update" for the TIPM increases the amperage threshold before the "breaker" opens the circuit. YOU NEED YOUR TIPM UPDATED before anything else!!!! (we tried to move to Billings a couple years ago...If I would have made it I would have been glad to help you out if it were close!!). On the other end of things, make dang sure the trailer circuit for those circuits involved are in "A-ok" condition. Give em one more chance and request that they update the TIPM!!! It's the first thing that needs to be done. If all is working "OK" with the tipm, if there is a short or high resistance in the trailer, the circuit has a built in "breaker" that opens the circuit and won't cause harm to the wiring etc..... Sounds good on paper, but in the real world, I think we would much rather have a good old fashioned fuse.

 

Okay, I'm going to stick my neck out here. I'm not an expert by any means, but have learned through experience over the years to always try to eliminate the simplest explanations first. Is it possible that you have your trailer plugs wired differently than your truck's factory plug? It could explain why you've got the same problem with all of your trailers, while the truck plug is checking out as okay. Just my two cents worth.

 

I think that is a great suggestion! I just dont see how the trailer plug at the truck is fine, but trailer lights dont work. I would automatically assume it is the trailer. If both trailers are doing it, could both be wired the same and perhaps wrong, but the opposite can also be true....the trailers are wired correct but the wiring into the truck plug may be wrong. Are you by any chance using an adapter. There have been many issues with adapter since there are two, with different wiring, but this usually affects the trailer brakes.

 

Lomarker
Here is what to do...
Get a test light and check the trailer connector and see if you are getting power to the plug itself... If you are not... Check the fuse under the hood...
If that is good then you will need a power distribution box which is about $250 plus the dealer charges 2 hours of labor time plus 30 mins diagnostic time.
Plan on it being back ordered for 2-3 weeks.

Save yourself the frustration and order it yourself and install it yourself... 30 max plug and play.

Dealer got me for $450 and I kicked and screamed but they still got the money out of my hands....

Oilguy

 

Took truck to a trailer place before the dealer and every trailer I hooked up worked just fine, 7 pin to 7 pin. Seems the problem is when going from 7 pin to 6 pin, I haven't a clue as to why. Even with different adapters 7 to 6 problem still exists, no driver blinker/brake lights. Service Manager did the updates, no questions asked, cleared a couple codes p0513 and p0111, and helped with the glass. All without an appointment, don't know much about Lithia chains but the one in Helena Montana seems to have a quality service department. They even assumed I had an Edge, which I don't, and still had no trouble doing warranty work. When I get back to CA, I'm going to have more time to investigate the wiring issue, but everything seems ok with the truck...? Thanks for all the help.