Hey guys!! I have a 1990 Dakota Convertible! (I know, what a guy, right?)
When I got the car, the turn signals didn’t work. It didn’t bother me much, but as of a week ago my brake lights also don’t work. Bulbs are good, but when I hit the brakes, I’m not getting power to the brake light (verified with a test light, also, dual element bulbs) But running lights are receiving power! Coindicence that both my brake bulbs went bad at the same time and I’m just an idiot?
I am absolutely new to dodge, and am unsure what the hell else to do. I’ve peaked at wiring underneath the truck leading to/from the brake lights to see any imperfections, but nothing stands out. Is this a common problem?
Thanks so much!!

 

Check the bulbs, sure can't hurt...... But, if you aren't getting power back there, need to find out where you are losing it. If your truck has a third brake lite, (not sure where they would put in on a convertible.....) Does IT work?? Turnsignals and brake lights both go thru the multi-function switch. (they use the same filament in the bulbs.....) So, that's where I would look first.

 

Sounds good!! The truck does not have a third brake light. What if the whole turn signal/wiper module on the left side of the column is junk? The wipers work but that’s all. Don’t think cruise control works. Yes I’ve also checked fuses and they where all fine. I’m so stumped!

 

Test first, if it fails, replace it. Do you have wiring diagrams for your truck? (you really should..... if you don't already have one, get a factory service manual. They may even be available for download around here somewhere......) Make sure you have power coming into the switch on the right wires, at the right time, and see if you get anything out.

If you have a trailer harness on your truck, where that harness hits the main rear harness is also a great spot for things to break. (notorious for that trick.)

 

Test for 12V into the turn signal switch on the brake line; then test for voltage out. Test at each corner.

Do the hazard lights flash at all? If so you can cheat some - turn the hazards on, you should see the pulsing voltage on the wiring at the connectors downstream of the turn signal switch.

Cruise is a completely separate switch set on a 1990; THAT part has been discontinued from everybody, alas. Good news, a few pushbutton switches and a few resistors and you can fake it with an on-dash set of switches (values are actually in the factory service manual)!

The turn signal is still available for the tilt column at RockAuto and most resellers; for the non-tilt you may have to download the parts list here for the 1990 and hit up the sources listed in FAQ2 (I usually hit PartsVoice.COM and RearCounter.COM when looking for a NLA part. I also Google the part number with the space taken out - that is, if the book has 1234 5678 I Google 12345678 Dodge .)

Hrmm ...

In the FSM, the turn signals are in section 8J, previous is the cruise control.

RwP

 

Hey guys!! Quick update. So I went to the parts store and bought the brake switch, as it’s a super simple plug a and laundry solution. Still no brakes, but now my turn signals work! Right side flashes, left side stays on, but solid. No flash. I plug the old brake switch in, signals work still. No brake lights though! But, when I flick the button on the brake switch, I can hear a clicking up front in the engine bay, near a bunch of wires that look to be melted, but no exposed wire! This is seriously stumping me.
Thanks for the help again!!

 

It sounds like you have several issues. One of the reasons to go with the later "smart switch" was to simplify matters. With one light staying on, I'd replace the one on that side that isn't lit. i.e. front one stays on, replace the rear one. That's how you knew one was burned out. Later models blink really fast. You might also have an issue with your flasher relay. The turn signal and hazard share a common part number so I usually swap them. If the turn signals start working and the hazards quit, the relay is bad.