I have a 2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 with 5.9 engine. My problem is that my taillamps and front marker lights do not work. So far, I have checked all of the fuses, lamps, relays, the headlamp switch, the front control module, and checked all of the visible connections at the power control module and the body control module. I am now starting to track each individual circuit wiring. All connections appeared to be clean with no visible signs of corrosion. Has anyone out there had this problem? Does anyone have any other ideas ? Help!

 

I know the internals of the fuse box going bad are a pretty common issue with our older trucks. How did you check all those components? Was it just a disconnect, visible inspection, and reconnection of all the parts? If you have a multimeter or even just a 12v test lamp, you can check for power at all the connectors in question and try and figure out where the power is working in the circuit and then where it stops. I need to go verify but I think the left and right front lights and completely separate circuits (at least the headlights are separate, maybe the front markers are on the same) The tails should definitely be separate circuits from the front. On your taillamps are both the turn signal lamps and the brake lamps out for both sides? Do the reverse lights work.
With all that you are saying is out my first guess is that it's the actually switch assembly. Do you have stock fog lamps?

 

Thanks for the fast response!

I have been in the garage trying to use a test light to check circuits but have not been able to discover anything yet. The experience I have with electrical systems does not include much about modern electronic controls and circuits.

To answer the questions from the member from Caseys-dodge, I offer the following:

1. I bought and installed a new headlamp switch. Did not help.
2. I bought and installed a new front control module. Did not help.
3. Stop Lamps, Turn Signals and Hazard Warning Lights work fine.
4. Fog Lamps are factory installed and work fine.
5. Back Up Lamps work fine.
6. License plate Lamps are also inoperative.

I read on another forum that the Power Control Modules (Fuse Boxes) are/were a possible cause of this problem. They cost around $500. Needless to say, I would like to avoid that expense.

Thanks for your assistance and have a great day

 

I still have my old fusebox (from an 02) which does have an issue with the lights also, but I worked around it by using a relay to turn on the parking lamps triggered off the fog lights. There is a photo and diagram on another thread, here... https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...am-1500-a.html

I was going to put this crappy fusebox in my truck when I traded, but was too lazy.

 

You can try the service manuals that are available in my signature link for the schematics

 

I just wanted to add, search scrapyards for 02-05's and if you pick one up take the 'jug like' splash protector to prevent it from happening again. Since the FCM is attached you can probably get that too and then sell whichever is newer (the last 2 digits are revision#) to help cut your costs. I managed to find one ( which had been replaced recently) for $100.

It only takes 10 minutes to swap, so do it onsite before you go so you know it works.

 

Here's a page from the 02 service manual showing the wiring for the lights. What I don't understand is how can the front and back park lights not work, but it's the same bulb, same wiring, same fuses, same relays that control the same lights when the turn indicators are active. The headlight switch was replaced, let's assume that new switch is good... Do you other guys think that maybe its from the connector behind the switch up to the FCM or IPM

 

Well actually it looks like the headlight switch goes into the Instrument Cluster first. So maybe it's something in the IC that's going bad, looks less likely like a wiring issue now... the first pic is actually 3 different pages copied and pasted together from the service man.






CTRice, can you confirm that I understand your posts right, it's the same bulbs that blink (front and back) that DO work in the flasher and turn signal modes, but those same bulbs DO NOT light up for the parking lights, correct?

 

The PDC is the most likely culprit as water infiltration through slots in the bottom causes traces on the pc board to blow. Also the metal high current buss bars can rust apart in some cases.

The 'patch dodge came up with for this is like a 1/2 bleach bottle which shields the exposed slots from splashing water.

This should be handed out free to all who have not yet suffered the blown PDC.

A tsb should have been issued as this part is on high backorder and at such a high cost plus the recommendation of 'try the FCM first, it's cheaper' (but will most likely not correct the problem) from dealers is a farce!!

I was lucky enough to locate a used 'new one' with the 'patch as well for a reasonable cost, but I spent weeks trying to figure out what was wrong with this thing. I tore my PdC apart numerous times and found and repaired blown traces, replaced the FCM and finally just decided to replace it before I bought my used tranny to be sure e PDC was not causing the transmission issues.

Chances are good there is no issues with the switch or the wiring, put a solid jumper wire between Terminals 87 & 30 of the parking lamp relay to be sure, if they come on, the PDC is your issue. You can use a relay or a jumper to enable the lights until you get your new part.

 

I agree with Owensue..... Jumpers pins 87 to 30 on the park lamp relay. If your lights come , it's 100% the PDC.
It was on mine.
Al.