Alright, so I have a 1998 dodge ram 1500 5.9L. I backed into a small tree and it broke my drivers side tail light cover. But the bulb was fine. I even replaced it to be certain. However, that blinker And brAke light don't work. But the actual tail light does. And they Are all the same bulb, with just different functions. I can't check for power, because I know it already does. So what I'm trying to figure out is what's the first step in diagnosing this problem?

 

Have someone step on the brake pedal while you check for power in the socket with a test light, if you have power on the brake side then you need a new bulb. Sometimes the filaments looks intact when in fact they are not.

 

You'll need to somehow press the brake (or have someone press for you as stated) and check the socket for power to that section of the light.

 

I already said I have placed in a new bulb. 2 in fact. A test light won't make a difference because it doesn't seperate power when the brake is pressed vs when just the tail light is on or off. Bottom line, there is some kind of short between cycle functions and the working bulb.

 

Tail lights and brakes lites use a different filament on the bulb. Just because the tail lights have power, does NOT imply the brake lites do. Does the turn signal on that side work? Turn signals, and brake lites use the same filament.

 

No. Neither the brake light or the blinker works. I have put in 2 new bulbs. And that didn't work. I'm assuming it doesn't get power. But I'm not 100% certain on how to properly check that. And if they don't how to fix the problem without replacing all the wiring

 

"they" ? So you are not even fixing it yourself? And it's already been stated how to check.

 

I fixed the problem. One of the 3 wires leading into the mount were loose and came out when I pulled on it. I soldered it back into place and now it works. Don't imply something, I stated facts earlier that apparently no one bothered to read and just typed in crap. Thank you for your previous help on my starter problem "heyyou".

 

Umm! No comment at this time. Have a nice day and glad you got it solved.

 

Yeah, thats how you make friends around here. Insulting veteran members trying to understand and help you solve a problem. Couple of posts told you how to check the power and you still state you dont know how to check the power. And say everyone posts crap. Glad a mod removed the obscenities from your last post. Totally unnecessary. Good luck with your truck. Doubt you'll get much help around here after this thread.