I am having problems with my cigarette lighter and 12V power outlets. I have never had a problem with them in the several years I have owned my truck (Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L automatic). I'm savy when it comes to components and combustion processes. But I don't know squat about electrical problems. Relays, grounds, shorts... All a mystery to me. So it all started last night when I was using my spotlight to check the cow pasture for unwanted guests (like I said, I've used the spotlight with various amp fuses for months on end without a problem) when all of a sudden the light stopped working. The fuse in the cord was good, so I checked the power outlet fuse (20 amp fuse under the hood) it was blown. I replaced that and the 10amp fuse for the cigarette lighter. Plugged my light into the power, the lights from the truck dimmed quick and it blew the fuse. So I plugged it into the cigarette lighter. Lights dimmed quick on the truck and nothing from the light. Blew the fuse. I put in the least amount amperage fuse I could find in the
Cable of the light and replaced the fuses. Same thing happened, so I upped the fuse amps and tried a various round about of different amperages for all 3 components. Same effect. However, if I am not putting a load on the engine when I turn on the light with new fuses it seems not
To blow instantly. But will eventually blow or when I start driving. At this point I'm sure there is a problem with wiring somewhere in the truck itself. Any ideas or solutions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to Dodge Forum! Sounds to me like something screwy going on with the light itself. Try it in another vehicle to rule out the light.

 

And if the light checks out, replace the power outlets.

 

Well the problem with these theories is that I have 2 cords and 3 lights. All 3 lights work and both cords work with 10/15/20amp fuses in my wife's Chrysler Pacifica. They also work in my mule and atv. It's the trucks fuses that blow and they blow 10amp fuses in the cord. But the 15-20 amp fuses stay strong. Just the truck again. So cables and lights are good else where. Any other ideas?

 

Replace the receptacles in the truck. They DO get old, and short out over time.

 

Are you talking about entire fuse box or is there a way to just change one fuse part?

 

I think he may just be talking about the power outlet for the cig lighter

 

Yes, the power outlets themselves. They are just cigarette lighters..... two pieces. Easy to change.... once you get to them.

 

Alright, so I replaced the 12v outlet just to see how it would go. And it seems to be holding if the truck is off or idling. But as soon as I try to use it while I am driving or putting a load it seems to short. So I don't know if that could be causing a surge in power or what not. Any suggestions?

 

Time to trace the wiring end to end...... Sorry 'bout that chief......