Lost the console lights and tail lights on my 2001 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel. Blew the 5amp console fuse in the fuse panel and a 15amp in the power distribution box. Replaced both, still no joy. I only measure 2v at the back of the headlight switch and fuse box for the console lights. Brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers all work fine.

Replaced headlight switch, no joy.

It looks like power is routed through the headlight switch and then through the fuse panel, because when I measure at the fuse box I get nothing with the switch off and 2v with the switch on.

It looks damn near impossible to remove the fuse panel and replaced it.

Suggestions?

 

Grab the 01 service manual in the FAQ section, they will have wiring diagrams in there for you. I think the switch provide GROUND, not power......have a look at the diagrams, should make things much more clear.

 

I have been having the same problem only it is just my gauge lights and the 5 amp fuse. I have replaced the switch twice and traced wires with no result . I even changed the cluster itself from another parts truck . I am at my wits end.....sometimes I put a new fuse in and it will last for a few days and then blows 10 in a row . It has to be a bad wire somewhere but how to find it ....I dunno .

 

Chased the wires to the best of my abilities, removed the plastic wrap. It's amazing how poor of quality wire they use, just sitting static the insulation looks bad after almost 10 years, but I couldn't find any shorts.

Switching to ground makes sense. I ordered the factory service manual on CD off e-bay, hopefully it's legit and will be here soon. FYI, only 2v to the tails lights as well.

 

Why are you buying a manual when you could have this one for free? https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-gen-rams.html

 

Alright I was able to fix my fuse issue . Finally after replacing the switch twice , changing the cluster and tracing wires. I removed my After market CD PLayer and there was a wire that the Previous Owner had cut and left bare. I believe it was at one time a wire that powered an ashtray light or something as it is an ignition controlled wire . This wire was grounding out on the bottom of the deck causing it to blow a fuse . This wire worked out perfect as I needed an ignition wire to run my new gauges off of .

 

Found it! Pink wire with red stripe in power distribution box, replaced it and now it's good.