turn signal issue

[gullythumper]

Make

dodge

Model

ram 1500

Year

2005

Miles

102,000

Engine

5.7 hemi

Turn signal issue. Just started doing this: turn signals work fine when lights are off, but when in any light mode( park or regular headlight), they blink faster, and a light comes on in the dash saying "lamp out". I've checked all the bulbs, and all the elements are working. I just talked to a friend who has a ram 3500 and his is doing the same thing. HELP!!

 

[grcauto]

Does it have the trailer wiring?

 

[gullythumper]

Yes, but with no trailer connected, what would it matter? The system wouldn't detect any lamps without a trailer connected, unless there's a wiring issue?

 

[jigfeett]

There is a lot of information about this just way to much.
Could be a overheated light socket.

Please post the fix when it is complete.

 

[billr]

"... unless there's a wiring issue? "

Yeah, that one. Trailer wiring is notorious for shoddy components/install, even if it was added to the vehicle by a dealer. The factory wiring harness should be good; but that last three feet or so, from the harness connector to the bumper connector for the trailer, is where I would be suspicious.

In this case, however, the symptoms suggest that there is a ground problem. You could check that by reading voltage from one of the lamp ground wires to the battery ground terminal; it should be virtually 0V.

 

[grcauto]

Undo the trailer wiring and see shat you get.

 

[jigfeett]

The system or module is expecting to see a certain amperage and does not, or over amperage. Over amperage will throw the fault but the affected light should go on then out and a faulty socket can cause that.
This is like if you place LED lights instead of incandescent and the module does not get reprogrammed for LED lights.
When the problem happens have a person look at each light that should be on. I'm sure you'll find some light is not working, that should be on.

 

[JackC]

Don't forget to check the lic plate bulb or bulbs. I have seen people forget those.

 

[gullythumper]

The system or module is expecting to see a certain amperage and does not, or over amperage. Over amperage will throw the fault but the affected light should go on then out and a faulty socket can cause that.
This is like if you place LED lights instead of incandescent and the module does not get reprogrammed for LED lights.
When the problem happens have a person look at each light that should be on. I'm sure you'll find some light is not working, that should be on.

I've gone over the entire lighting system and every lamp is working as it should. All the lights are new

 

[gullythumper]

Don't forget to check the lic plate bulb or bulbs. I have seen people forget those.

What would license lights have to do with the turn signals?

 

[billr]

License lights are generally turned on at the same time as the front and tail marker lights, which are also generally closely related to turn signals and brake lights, They (license) probably share some circuitry with the turn signals.

Have you tried disconnecting the trailer stuff, all the way back to the factory harness?

Do you have a schematic you can post? You may have to buy a manual, like Chilton's or Haynes, to get that; but we can't help much without a schematic.

 

[JackC]

a light comes on in the dash saying "lamp out".

An inop lic plate lamp can cause "lamp out" on some cars. Just something to check. And if there are two bulbs, both must be working.

 

[gullythumper]

The trailer wiring is factory. There's a plug on the back of the receptacle in the bumper. I pull it off, but the issue still exists. Does my truck have a regular turnsignal "flasher" or is it computer activated? I tried to follow the wiring from the trailer connector, but it's all factory wired and inside the wire loom

 

[grcauto]

The trailer wiring is factory. There's a plug on the back of the receptacle in the bumper. I pull it off, but the issue still exists. Does my truck have a regular turnsignal "flasher" or is it computer activated? I tried to follow the wiring from the trailer connector, but it's all factory wired and inside the wire loom

Did you check the license plate lights?

 

[gullythumper]

I stated above that ALL lights are working. It's just that when the turn signals and headlights are n together that this happens