2004 DODGE RAM FUSE BOX TRAILER LIGHT RELAY REPAIR

This is how to change the trailer light relays that are inside the fuse box.

[@billfeliciano341]

Great, very concise video. You mentioned it was the first video that you ever did. Hard to believe because it was so well done! Thanks. Great job. 😮❤

[@shaynebarr2579]

Thank you for making this video. Well done! Now for whoever "engineered" soldered in hidden relays.... may you someday find yourself hooked up to a pair of jumper cable nipple clamps!

[@rodneyjohnson8907]

Thanks for posting. Tried it and works like a charm. Spent $15 for 3 relays and problem is fixed. Major KUDOS to you for posting.

[@delraylentz9635]

Rodney, would you mind telling me where you purchased the relays?

[@rodneyjohnson8907]

@@delraylentz9635 Amazon, I believe. Been a long time. Still works good.

[@robertmencl9169]

Great communicator.

[@pgmzdesigns]

In How long you done it

[@terryulrich7511]

Excellent video. I like the professionalism and the inclusion of the part numbers. That is key because I have spent hours trying to get that info. Great job all the way through. I appreciate and applaud your effort. Thank you .

[@washboardjackson8703]

dude, I can't believe you did this. you're either insane, omnipotent or you got more money than brains, to fix what you might potentially screw up in this process lol. This is the kind of crazy stuff my dad would do as a lifer engineer, (tool and die by trade), for Chrysler Corp. to all his own vehicles....all Chrysler/dodge. this is also the kind of thing I would attempt and ultimately fail at....costing me more than the truck is worth in the market. I'm so very impressed with this "work-around hack". as a carpenter, I really dig your obvious philosophy on taking apart and putting back together something that was originally assembled for end user only. I just wish I had the wherewithal to apply that to the automotive field as well as I do construction mechanics. what took the likes of you and my dad 2 hours and nine bucks to do, would take me 2 months....and I can't afford that for sure so I'm stuck with the grand to have the dodge house fix this on my Durango. I lost the ready advice and help of my greatest hero when my father passed. but with folks like yourself pushing ever forward with work-arounds like this, I'm inspired evermore. btw, I can confidently say, as a Chrysler engineer, my dad would have never been responsible for engineering a sealed component like this fuse bank. Finally, your video is excellent. actually makes a non gear head like myself feel like I could do this myself. thanks for sharing. Very inspiring

[@justinwixom7441]

Thanks for your comments. I am an industrial maintenance mechanic by trade and find myself repairing components like in this case, that are intended to just be replaced to keep machinery running until we get replacement parts. The majority of the time we keep the components that I have repaired in the machinery for year before finally installing the replacements. So after saying that, I might have made this look easier than it is. My teenage boys thought that I was crazy to do this as well. I am also very cheap so that helps push me to try these things. My condolences for the passing of your father, thanks to him and the others that kept Chrysler alive in the 80's I have the best diesel truck in the world. Well that is what I think about these trucks anyway.

[@scottjones2759]

Terrific find on you tube! It took a buddy, hacksaw blade and a couple of soldering irons but we cleanly removed the relays and replace them with the Zettler 30A relays. It worked great! Thanks for taking the time to document the solution!

[@wheyez1]

After watching this, I will make a box with relays and plug the taillight wires in it, in fact I only lost my left tail trailer tail light. I’ll just one relay in the back. Thanks for the video.

[@patrickmercado3330]

Few Gen 3 video TIPM replacement Vids. I was doing a full replacement but simply wanted replacement of TIPM info. Great job dude ! Thank you fir your post. FYI procedure same for diesel and gas motors.

[@mrcandyman187]

I just finished doing this fix and all is well with my turn signals. Thanks a lot for this video. The majority of my time on this was spent prying the fuse box apart and putting it back together again.

[@justinwixom7441]

I'm glad the fix worked and the video was a help. When I did the video I figured I wasn't out much it didn't work and I saved a lot of it did. Fortunately it worked for me.

[@typingforyou1856]

OMG!! Finally got the cover off my 2004 Dodge Ram3500 Diesel TIPM. Going to post pics on a Dodge forum of the post and tabs that were causing me problems in case someone else needs to them. Crazy hard to remove!!

[@ballen6493]

Thank you for posting this. Just repaired my trailer light relays (replaced) per this video. Was a great help.

[@rayfrancisco2599]

This is awesome Justin. It's exactly what I needed to help me fix the same problem I have with my '03 1500. The thing that really torques me is that when I went to the dealer......twice, they acted like they had never heard of the problem. Finally one of the service reps found a post on Chrysler's Star System that talked about trailer lights being inop. The fix? Replace the TIPM of course. $680.97 plus labor. Thanks again. Ray

[@mattfanslow]

In defense of the dealer, they are representatives of Dodge, and therefore only really perform authorized repairs, which this is not, not in any way suggesting this isn't a valid and effective repair.

[@travistuttle7943]

Thanks for making this video! I follow your tutorial and fixed the problem. getting those relays off was a pain but I figured it out. getting them back on was also a pain as I have no soldering experience. Thanks again.

[@justinwixom7441]

Glad it was a help.

[@consorti1014]

Did this fix and it solved my running lamps issue and now my left side works with brakes and blinker. However, I cannot get the right side brakes and blinker to work. We took out the right relay and tested and everything worked the same way. Replaced the relay again and it didn't work. Going to change the relay with one of the spares I purchased. Crossing my fingers that the right brake light and blinker works!

[@PcR3DL33T]

Thanks for taking the time to record this. Ordered the relays today and how to install soon! Less apprehensive treating into the pdc having seen it done :)

[@nikoluts]

PcR3DL33T where did you buy them from, I'm trying to find for my 06 truck, dealer wouldn't sell it. Thanks

[@cuttnhorse2013]

Outstanding job! Thanks for doing a great illustration! May have to do the same thing on my truck. Will use your guidance! Thanks again.

[@Thegaragefiles]

Just ordered the relays thanks for the video on the how to I will give it a try and also do a video thank you, I have no left brake or turn signal on the trailer side, no power from the fuse box fuse is good

[@scottsummerson1310]

Awsome Justin! Thanks so much for this video! My 04 tow lights have been down for over 5 years now, why I never found your video sooner I don't know. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay Dodge $600 bucks for a new box!

[@justinwixom7441]

The repair is still working great! It has been just over one year!

[@toddaxtell6029]

+Justin Wixom How do I get the relay numbers with out dismantling the fuse box first?

[@toddaxtell6029]

+Todd Axtell sorry ,watched the video a second time and got what I needed. Thanks

[@DirectCurrent4u]

That is a awesome video! You did a great job! I plan to do this on my 2005. Thank for sharing!

[@rodneyjohnson8907]

One thing I'd like to share is to check back by your 7 & 4 pin trailer pigtails. After I initially did the repair the lights didn't work. It wasn't until I got under the truck, cut open the wiring harness that I saw where the previous owner had cut the wire from the power center and spliced into the Left Turn wire on the turn signal. Pulled that wire and spliced back into the original configuration and all works perfectly.

[@aircooledtx]

Good repair, I did similar , replaced the whole box, junk yard remove box, Install it on 2002 Dodge Ram for 55.00. vs $700 at dealer.

[@pumkinhead6636]

Nice job! I used pigtail sockets on my repair in 2013 on a 2003 Dodge for serviceable relay replacement in the future. Not as pretty but effective.

[@daveknoblauch6792]

Great video. Thanks, it saved me many $$. Why in the world would some stupid engineer design a fuse box with relays soldered in, in a concealed area?

[@justinwixom7441]

Just to make us buy parts and newer vehicles. They just won't stuff to wear out and not be serviceable! B.S. if you ask me!

[@justinwixom7441]

Tim, if your truck tail lights work fine but the trailer plug on the truck does not have constant voltage for tail lights when turned on and on/off voltage in sequence with truck lights when the left or right turn signals are flashing, these could be the issue. There is three relay, one for tail light power, one for left turn signal/left brake and one for right turn signal/brake. It is highly unusual for all three to be bad. Most times one of the turn signal relays will fail first because of the on/off that makes the lights flash. Good luck and hope this helps.

[@dblock2626]

thanks brutha was simply looking for fuse box location

[@sidebarr7]

I just did this fix today,,and the relays were hard to get out. I crushed the relays with chanel locks untill the only thing left was the legs sticking out of the board. that made it easy to pull from one side as I heated the solder joints and then they releast ,Didnt take long once I got the shell of relays broken off.

[@hermanbrand9872]

04 ram,got her fixed,thanks a lot for your video. All lights work trailer lights too. However, still have ,lamp out on dash,any suggestions?

[@clevervasquez7113]

Hey thank you for the video. Mae hahaha I have a question one of the relates is for the claxon because I’m having problem with claxon get stung dodge ram 1500 hahaha thank you brother for your help

[@truthingrace3594]

How did you determine it was the relays

[@jasonma7578]

Hi do you have the parts no. for the relays you purchased and where could I also purchase them. Also a great video and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@justinwixom7441]

If you watch in the video, I show the part number and read it out for you. As for finding them it's best to do a Google search.

[@BlackLabelElite]

Great damn video BOSS!!!

[@pgmzdesigns]

How long it toke you done this process

[@Labyrnthdom]

Is it still working now? Just curious because adding a higher amp relay puts stress on something else when the damn trailer wire shorts out. Could possibly burn a trace on that pcb. But you dont know unless you try. And it is still cheaper than $800+ for that damn TIPM.

[@delraylentz9635]

Great video. I appreciate you for doing this. I'm not having any luck finding the relays. Will you tell me where you went online to order them? Thanks

[@justinwixom7441]

My email is [e-mail]. send me an email and I will help you out. Thanks

[@Mjb317]

Trying to find all of the relays in my 06. Wish it was this easy.

[@typingforyou1856]

Trying to get my 2004 Dodge Ram3500 Cummins Diesel TIPM open and 3 sides popped up with no problem but I am so stuck on the FOX side, which I did remove, but I can't get that side to budge. I was hoping you had a tip on how to pry in these 2 corners or anchor under the FMC plate or both to get this side up?? Please help me Justin because I am almost in tears here. I know you're busy but I am hoping you will call, and hope I didn't overstep my bounds, but I'm so desperate so left you a voicemail too. Thank you!!

[@evildieselindustries]

Got all the other tabs unlocked. How do you get the rest loose by the fcm connector? Trying not to break it but it will not come loose. Thanks for the video.

[@justinwixom7441]

it is very tough on that side. just keep working at one side until you get it. good luck!

[@thomasloewen8911]

Great video!! Thanks

[@Gooddoggymikey]

Hey Justin do you still have the link to the relays? I'm having the same problem. Or you think they have them at the local auto parts store? By the way great video

[@paulr4353]

Thanks. Great video. After an extensive search, yours is the first place that I found that the Ram 1500 trailer lights are separate from the truck lamps. I figured this was the case because a brake light on the trailer is on even with the truck brake lights off. Anyway, I am trying to find the cause of the problem, but am thinking that it would be simpler and quicker to just rewire the trailer light connector to the trucks rear lamps? Is there a reason why this shouldn't be done? Thanks.

[@justinwixom7441]

I know people have done this to make the trailer lights work. I would think in most cases you would be fine, but the truck lighting electrical circuit is only intended to run the truck lights and if you had a trailer with a lot of lights (big camping trailer) this could use more amperage then the circuit can handle.

[@paulr4353]

Thanks Justin. Yes, I agree about the current draw. If necessary, I would increase the fuse rating. Kind regards.

[@megansteckler810]

I have this problem after hooking up to my boat trailer that I eventually found had a short in the wiring. My truck is a 2006 though with a different style box. I took it apart and don't see big relays like the ones here. I cant find any information on how to fix my style or how to locate the relays. Would you have any info to help me? Thank you and very informational video!

[@justinwixom7441]

I do not have any information for the 2006 model. I only researched the 2004 because I had this problem with trailer lights. That being said I would think that if you did not have this issue and then plugged in a trailer with a wiring issue you should check the fuses. Dodge uses separate circuits for the truck and the trailer plug. The truck fuses would not be affected from the trailer issue but the trailer plug fuses would blow. That is my guess without being able to put a volt meter in a couple places. Good luck and hope this helps.

[@drezac1379]

Damn, you are macgyver! Nice job

[@XGarage-nj2uf]

Which relay is the right turn signal relay? I only want to replace the bad relay.

[@justinwixom7397]

The relays in this video only pertain to the trailer plug wiring and in no way are part of the lighting circuit for the vehicle.

[@daved9919]

Ok so I tried this and I cant get the solder to melt. I tried a 30 watt and went out and got a 1000 watt and still cant get it to melt to get the old ones out. What the secret i have never had a problem removing old solder. Both irons melt new solder. What kind of soldering iron are you using.

[@frankcurrent4575]

Well if you do this the problem is the part that hangs over Great video but I wish we’d seen you struggle through parts you omitted

[@getlowbullieseric]

Can I please see a photo of your fuse box cover? To see what fuse goes where

[@bonezcbr9rr]

great video Justin I have to do the same with my 2500 03 ram. how did you know what relays to order when you hanen't opened the box yet? but thanks again for the great info

[@justinwixom7441]

A lot of reading on the internet and I was happy to find that what I ordered was right.

[@smeek111]

Use a blow gun with a rubber tip and compressed air with a regulator set to 20 psi. Heat the solder and give it a quick blast of air. Gently scrap off any solder debris. It cools so fast it will barely stick to anything. I could have those relays out in a minute....

[@pianoflyer2000]

How did you get the solder to melt to get the old ones out? I’ve been trying everything with various solder guns and can’t get it to happen. I scraped back the polymer they coated it with, I’ve tried pre heating the board, and my iron is 100w.

[@bayouboattrash]

Did you tin the tip of the soldering iron?

[@pk3500l]

Drop a bit of solder o your iron to pass the heat more effectively to the pin your trying to heat. You need solder to desolder

[@steveadams1929]

Do you know where can buy the relays now? Every site seems to be sold out or discontinued... Thanks

[@moctezumavelazquez1615]

Can you share the link to buy the parts

[@mattbowen681]

How long does this last I put them in other day and now it's not working again

[@jamesgospursgo]

i have a similar issue with my dodge 1500 5.9L. My park light passenger side dont work. my blinker,breaklights,backup lights all work except the park light on the right hand side. any advice

[@justinwixom7397]

This could be a problem with corrosion on one of the pin connectors that are unplugged from under side of the fuse box in my video. The park lamps are feeding from relay 73 so if the left side is working then the connection between the integrated power module is good and the trace to the relay is good. I have never seen corrosion at one of the connector but it is possible. I am not sure of the exact connector or pin number but I bet with a little time searching the web or even calling a dealer will get you to the connector and pin to check. Good luck!

[@frankcurrent4575]

I’ve tried for hours to get the box apart only one end plus up

[@justinwixom7441]

There are some locking tabs around the edges. You will need to use a small flat head screwdriver and work around the edges until you find them and pop them open.

[@faustocosino5671]

Could you please share the part # for replacement relays?

[@carslover3509]

great work

[@Switchback71]

Hello Justin. I am having problems on my 2004 Ram 1500 trailer lights. I have tail lights but no turns or brake lights. So far I have narrowed it down to these relays( that the dealer parts man and a "tech" didn't know were permanently soldered INSIDE the fuse box) or the side mounted Forward Control Module. Obviously they want to sell me a new fuse box for almost $800. My question is....do you think the relay part numbers would be the same for my 04 Ram 1500? I predicament is that this is my only vehicle and I only have one day off work, which is spent doing house and yard work. I'm thinking it would take me around 2 hrs or so to pull this all apart to get the numbers of the relays and then put it all back together .

[@justinwixom7441]

I have not taken the 1500 fuse box apart but, I would bet that it is the same relay in all three (1500, 2500 and 3500).

[@Switchback71]

Well, logic and common sense thinking tells me the same thing BUT, logic and common sense does NOT put these relays inside the box. lol . I'm going to go ahead and search them out online and buy them. If they are wrong, I'm not out much

[@Switchback71]

+Justin Wixom Where did you purchase the American Zettler relays? I have been searching online for over an hour now and all I can find are just a few places that require a $50 minimum order on them

[@justinwixom7441]

I had to purchase $50 dollars worth and I sold the extras on eBay. That is the only way I could get them and it was still cheaper than a new fuse box. Pain in the butt to get the extras sold.

[@Switchback71]

Ok, thank you. That's the only way I can see to get them purchased also.

[@alanvancil6206]

I have been unable to locate the relay on line. Where did you get yours?

[@justinwixom7441]

The ones that I removed are no longer available. The new ones I installed can be found at Amazon. They are about $10 each.

[@justinwixom7441]

Alan Vancil, the relays can be purchased on Amazon. You will need to use the American Zettler part number that I talk about in the video.

[@hugoarbelaez]

how do you put fuse #52 and #53 back in?

[@lylewunder4608]

I thought I had a relay out because no right turn on the trailer. OMG everyone check first - Fuse # 46 and 47 in the fuse box first. They are 15 amp. They evidently run the relays. Yes you couldn't hear the right turn relay clicking but could the left when I turned them on. I got the truck and had it for 6 months before hooking up a trailer. Someone before me must have robbed the fuse out, same as burned out if yours. I put it in and all works. I already ordered the relays and was just checking before putting in. They call them Right 'tail light' and Left 'tail light'. They should have said 'turn' instead of 'tail'.

[@Siuuu906]

None of my lights work on my trailer switch will this be my problem 03 ram I plug my trailer to my other truck n they worked so it isn't my trailer it's something on my Ram

[@justinwixom7441]

I am not sure that this will fix you problem without having the ability to test the outputs from the fuse box. this could be as simple as a blown fuse to a broken wire or a problem in the fuse box.

[@stanleygraham213]

What are the part numbers on these relays?

[@justinwixom7441]

If you watch the video I read off the part number for the replacement. Sorry but I do not have that information in front of me at the moment.

[@stanleygraham213]

@@justinwixom7441 ok thanks I’ll have to watch more carefully

[@lukehyzny3410]

have a 2001 Durango my head lights and interior lights take a while to go on while the car is running

[@justinwixom7397]

I have not looked into the wiring for the Durango. Sorry!

[@typingforyou1856]

FOX is suppose to be FMC in previous post. Sorry for auto type screwing that up. Ugh!

[@mattwyatt9900]

Justin, I cannot for the life of me get those fuses desoldered!!!! what did you do to get them off? Please Help!!

[@justinwixom7441]

You need a really good soldering iron. You can also remove some of the solder with a die grinder to make it so a lower watt iron will work. Using a die grinder is very risky and you must use caution to not damage the board traces. Some people that watched the video used multiple irons to remove them. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

[@chadwick30529]

+Matt Wyatt put a little solder on the tip of the soldering gun to help transfer heat to the old solder.

[@angieweakley]

Where on the internet did you get the relays, thanks.

[@justinwixom7441]

Angie Weakley , web search American Zettler and the part number that I show on the relay in the video. you should find several places to purchase the relay. If you still have trouble send me an email and I will do what I can to send you information. Thanks.

[@justinwixom7441]

Did you find the relays?

[@jadams6128]

www.ebay.com/itm/3pcs-12V-30A-Relay-AZ988-1AT-12DSEC3R-VFM-21F42-S01-Dodge-Ram-Trailer-Tow-Lights/132826294449?hash=item1eed1068b1:g:BqEAAOSwG9FbypIO:rk:1:pf:0

[@nikoluts]

Where do you buy those relays from? thanks

[@justinwixom7441]

Search American Zettler on the net and you can find a dealer to order them from.

[@Handymanherb]

nikoluts www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_2094186_-1

[@timheineman9272]

So you would replace the same relays for the blinkers on the trailer lights becuase everything works on mine besides the left and right trailer lights

[@abjugaor]

how can u take off the fuse with black ears if u can tell me please

[@justinwixom7441]

The black relays must be unsoldered using a soldering iron. Then new ones soldered back on.

[@evildieselindustries]

Are u talking about the fuse like the air bag yellow tab fuses. If so the holder has a door on the top. unclip the door and remove the fuse. the 1 black and 2 yellow holders can be a pain to get back in. just push hard and wiggle slightly. hope this helps.

[@genesisreyes5047]

where can i buy those relays

[@justinwixom7441]

These can be purchased from Amazon. The price has went up from the time I did this video. You are looking for "American Zettler AZ988-1AT-12DSEC3R".

[@peterboissiere9684]

U didn't have felt pads under the terminals

[@stevekiss6277]

Part number Jason mentions.... zetler az988-1aT-12dsec3r

[@kimdobranski4137]

This makes me sick that dodge would engineer such a stupid setup. My trailer driving lamp circuit has no power, signals and brakes work, 2003 Dodge ram 3500 Diesel. How can I make sure this relay is actually the problem before I go through all this trouble? Also is this the same relay for the 2003? And I can't seem to find them anywhere.