Intermittent Turn Signal/Brake Light Problem On a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500

Question:

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 with factory 7 spade rv connector and a 7 spade to 4 pin adapter.Sometimes when I have the lights on with trailer lights connected the right brakelight on the trailer comes on and the center brakelight on the back of the cab of the truck comes on.When this occurs I also notice that if I turn on the right turn signal the turn signal indicator in the dash comes on steady and doesnt blink.Is this a grounding issue? I suspect a bare wire somewhere.

asked by: kevin d

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track. I would start by checking all ground connections on the trailer. Check where the taillights are mounted to the trailer frame, and where the light brackets are mounted if they are bolted to the frame. If a plastic license plate holder is mounted between the left side taillight and the trailer frame this could be the problem.

Once you have all of ground connections checked, if the problem persists, you will need to check for a broken pinched or frayed wire on the trailer somewhere. If this is not the case then you will need to use a circuit tester, item # PTW2993 if needed, and make sure your wire connections have been properly made at the taillights. You should also check the connectors for corrosion that can sometimes cause issues with the trailer lighting. If you look into the connectors, on both the vehicle and trailer side, and see green corrosion you will need to clean out the connector.

expert reply by: Robert G