Dodge Ram Turning Signal Electrical Problems

In this video we diagnose a turning signal problem this 2008 Ram 1500. I wanna hear your thoughts. Feel free to comment and leave your thoughts. As always refer to your shop manual for the proper procedure and specs.

[@glenharper3136]

It was a good video and you are a good teacher, Don't ever sell yourself short.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Glen Harper Thanks

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Awesome! This is my favorite one so far. That's sharp logic to pull out the fuse and see which side has the unwanted voltage. IMO the longer diagnostic vids where you show wiring diagrams and explain the thought process (ScannerDanner-style) are the most engaging and fun to watch for sure. That's why I subscribed!

[@SouthMainAuto]

I'm pretty new to YT so I'm still finding my niche. In the mean time I appreciate the views and comments! Learning how to be a teacher is all new so we will see where this evolves.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Hey man you are doing a great job! Being humble, patient, and clear is what it takes to be a good teacher, and it looks like you have all those qualities! I've played with the idea of putting up some diagnostic vids of my own if I can get over being camera shy...the YT automotive community has grown by leaps and bounds these past few years. It's awesome!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Yeah the whole camera shy thing takes a bit to get over but hey ya get use to it or I am attempting to ha I appreciate the compliments and encouragement and I encourage you to do the same . If you have the willingness to share and the knowledge, I say go for it. Nothing to loose!

[@fomoco300k]

South Main Auto Repair LLC, Yeah, what could possibly happen, right?

[@EquallyContradictory]

Ditto

[@spelunkerd]

In the real world, dealing with partial information is a fact of life. You made a brilliant call there, starting with very simple testing methods mixed with a little curiosity. Yes, as you've discovered, viewers are interested in real time diagnostics. I like to think you're converting 'we who would be part changers' into critical thinkers.

[@SouthMainAuto]

That is kind of you, thanks!

[@mohawkmike142]

I work for the NYSDOT. We are the sponsor of the green puss but you should see what that crap does to our stuff. With Mag Chloride in it now it's turbo charged nasty now. Rots everything it touches. Can't wait to see how these new Ford trucks with their aluminum frames make out in a few years. { "stay tuned as Eric O shows how to weld the frame of a Ford"} LOL . I've seen that back feed from a rotted 4 pin before but you showed a perfect methodical approach to the diagnostic. Well done. I wasn't nearly that fast. Don't undersell you teaching abilities your doing fine.

[@SouthMainAuto]

moomike laloo First of all sir thank you for your services in clearing our roads and laying on the liquid gold! It is the fine men and women of the NYSDOT that keep my garage full. Lay on the salt my friend... extra thick in Steuben county if you will :) I do love what this stuff does to aluminum, pretty much skips the corrosion process and turns it straight to powder. Good luck Ford haha.

[@scottyakoubian9238]

You are an amazing teacher with troubleshooting skills out the wazoo! You’re definitely gifted and skilled.

[@steveandmaggyb5721]

Oh my gosh, can’t believe what this video saved me! Hyper flashing and weird opposite functioning turn signals on my ‘06 1500 and was totally ready to do the TIPM deal…and my problem was the corroded trailer hitch plug! Packed full of green corrosion junk, cleaned it out and ITS FIXED!! Thank you sooo much!!👊👊👊👊

[@buzzardwhittle4336]

Here I am four years later and you just solved a similar Dodge problem for me. Thanks for your expertise.

[@JeffreyStrader]

I always take a Tylenol before I EVER attempt electrical issues.................yes sir!

[@montehyler]

I like the real-time videos because that's how it is for most of us as we work in our home garages and driveways to keep our vehicles running. Many times, the fault turns out to be something simple... but finding it... now that's a different story! Keep up the good work!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks for watching! Yep its the finding that's the fun part :)

[@southpike1000]

This video will now be training for my technicians. Thank you!!

[@DirectCurrent4u]

Awesome diagnostics on this one. It's amazing how you can get corrosion that cause electrical feedback everywhere!

[@samorlucas]

I don't have a clear understating of all things electrical but you make sense. You are through, assume nothing and teach without talking down. I could learn from you any day and your "thought process speech" helps. Keep it up!

[@freddyflintstoned913]

My father in law worked his way through college as a mechanic. Eventually, he earned his doctorate in Electrical Engineering after getting degrees in both Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. He was the hardest working and smartest man I have ever known. I learned very much from him. I was never able to tune a dual carb VW like he could. He was amazing. He always worked on his own cars. He had more than enough money just to buy new cars. He taught me to repaired ours too. His methods were methodical and logical. He was not a parts replacer. Your methodology reminds me of him . PS, He was the one who taught me to come to a complete stop before shifting from R to D. You are a very good teacher. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@drvnucrzy]

Love learning about electric diagnosis on this channel! I've been watching as much as I can in my free time. great vids

[@themalewhale59]

Just watched this one as an avid viewer of all the current releases. It is really great to see how your camera craft has grown with experience and confidence. This was not a "bad" video as the practical element is spot on and valid. Your newer stuff retains the robust technical content and is now enhanced by your much more natural personal style which turns your stuff into quality entertainment. I get really excited when I see a notification come up for a new video. And I would venture that you now actually enjoy presenting a lot more now than you did 5 years ago. You da man!

[@GunfighterWyo]

Love to see you thinking and thought processes that keep you from purchasing unneeded parts and so on. I have learn a lot from this video. It is amazing what one little part can do.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Great solid troubleshooting & a happy customer and your diagnostic skills are second to none which is why you have so many subscribers. Your videos are informative because you go further in depth and explain what the problem is and your thought process to diagnose & repair it with some humor thrown in which makes your videos enjoyable & informative to watch & Ivan is following in your footsteps so keep the videos coming...I will keep watching!

[@sting1111]

Exactly same symptoms happened to my 2008 Ram. My problem was the previous owner tapped into the tail lights and did a piss poor job causing short circuits from exposed wires. I have no idea why he just didn’t tap into the aux trailer harness. Thanks to what I have learned on this channel, I downloaded a wiring diagram and chased it down. Thanks again!

[@martinmoeller123]

AWESOME VIDEO, you pass a lot of info on to others bu thinking out loud, make more videos on electrical problems :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

Hey thanks :) Well I can't make electrical problems happen because we can only fix and record what we have time for and what comes through the door.

[@johngoold1218]

This was very helpful, even 4 years later. Thank you.

[@heyitschinoable]

Another great vid Eric. Never would i have thought to look at the trailer plug without a wiring diagram. Nice work.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+heyitschinoable Thanks

[@rusco321]

Great job there. We technicians don't mind to hear your thought process on these diagnostic cases. It's always helpful to hear how another technician goes about fixing the same or similar problem.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh great, always makes me wonder when I'm babbling lol. Thanks for watching!

[@billysmith6131]

Mr. O great teaching skills and explination of what you do. Easily understood.....keep up the great lessons you run into and love the way you approach them.

[@MemphisApplegate]

Fascinating. I watched the Caravan video and was amazed how you figured out that similar puzzle. This one was even more amazing. It would seem impossible to figure this out without your understanding of those wiring diagrams, unless you had seen this issue before.

[@windage]

watching you 'think, looking at a diagram, talk out loud ' is EXACTLY what we want to see..it's why your channel has grown and survived this long 11-2019, 4 years later..

[@StopDropandLOL]

2008 was a horrible year for TIPM issues on the Ram trucks. I remember stocking 5-6 of them at a time in 2008-2009 when I worked for Dodge. They had a bad run of them. That truck has likely had one replaced already under warranty. Also Eric, I think you're a great teacher. You are very calming and have a great personality for hosting how-to videos on KZbin. This is why your channel has become so successful over the last year!

[@banditxyz100]

good find. I was one that was screaming at the video to go check the trailer plugs. When i was in the army another mechanic stuck a paper clip in the trailer plug and acted like he didnt know what was going on . Nice trick

[@workingshlub8861]

i know this an old video but i had same issue with my 2001 ram....spare tire was not tight and rubbed thru trailer harness wiring causing all kinds of problems...no brake,hazards etc.. .i remembered this video and probably saved several hours on a wild goose chase. thanks eric

[@BobY52944]

This video popped up on my KZbin feed. It is amazing how your comfort level in front of the camera has changed since 2015. No problem getting thoughts from your brain to your mouth now! Shmooth.

[@raybraun]

Thanx.. testing both ends of fuse.. great explanation

[@John_Ridley]

"I don't know if anyone wants to watch me think" Here 8 year later they're the best videos Eric puts out.

[@OldAdventureBikes]

Had this same problem with one of these trucks a few years ago. Great idea you had with identifying the fuse feeds/backfeeds. Your videos are better then most Motorage articles.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Mike Lange Ahh motorage is my favorite trade magazine

[@wysetech2000]

Interesting theory in your diagnosis and I do like watching you diagnose problems. It shines a different light on my own diagnostic procedures. As far as your videos go I really enjoy them. You do a great job IMHO.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Appreciate that wysetech2000 , means a lot coming from you and other fellow wrenchers out there!

[@josephpuchel6497]

I think you did great job explaining and going thru possible causes and effects.

[@wyattoneable]

That owner got lucky. Thank you for the explanation of the process. I find that very interesting. I actually love diagnostic's.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+wyattoneable Thanks Wyatt

[@benbeshoner4747]

I’ve been hooked on your videos for the last couple weeks. I really find the diagnostic process very helpful. I had a short on the rear taillight on a 2007 Escalade about 5 years ago which I accidentally found. Wish I had been exposed to this back then.

[@NabilChouchany]

Nice one! I think that watching you talking to yourself and thinking (diagnosing) while looking at a wiring diagram might be somewhat therapeutic:)))

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Nabil Chouchany haha thanks :)

[@robanderson84]

yah i like how you are talking your way thru the problems out loud, so we can follow your train of thought, you are a good teacher, i learn something in every video, keep it up Eric!

[@leebarnes655]

Not knowing internal wiring will always leave us out in the cold. We once 'repaired' the bed on a Chevy 3/4 ton pickup and before I could get there one guy had bolted the rear light ground wire between the bed and frame. I left it as is but many years later the cops pulled me over in that truck because I didn't have ANY tail lights at all. As I pulled over I turned on the 4 ways which DID work perfectly - they allowed me to proceed with 4 ways on the further 30 miles to home to fix it at my leisure. What I found was that same ground wire had finally been pinched right in two such that it didn't conduct from either side but wasn't grounded either. One single ground shuts off all rear lights except the 4 way - flashback to the 70s when we were such bad apples running around drinking beer and other dangerous things and wanted to put in a switch that would kill our tail lights but only when we were up to no good and wanted to be evasive at night. Thanks Chevy what ever you did there works out perfect if only I could understand exactly what that was. Just don't drive right by the cops with your headlights on while in stealth mode. Kismet squared and cubed.

[@EquallyContradictory]

I like it when you do the diagnostics and think while you talk out loud cuz it helps me to understand the process of the troubleshooting . By all means, more diagnostics. I have an 02 Dodge Ram 1500 and I have a headlight issue. Im fairly certain it's a shorted out wire but I haven't gone deep into the harness yet. I have a jumper wire from one light to another and a jumper from the parking lamp relay running them both. Hillbilly ingenuity I guess.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

The diagnostic videos are great , cause they show your thought process on how you use it and apply it to solve the problem..please make more if you Get a chance. Thanks.

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** I try to. Had to pass up a chance on some really great ones lately just because of time restrictions :/

[@lexalford358]

Was having trouble with the lights on my pickup watching this video then went back and studied on it found the problem and fixed it for free. One relay was in the wrong place in my fuse box pays to read before you start cutting wires.

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Great job Eric ..... I live in Florida and the only salt we see here is usually on the table or in the ocean ....I feel for you guys up north ....Paul and Chris have the same green crust and rust and all three of you troubleshoot really well thanks for the Entertainment you provide.... keep on rockin brother....

[@earlcousins6635]

NIce job. GREAT seeing you go the extra step and saving the customer a bunch of change.

[@mikepowell134]

please help my 2016 dodge ram 1500 right tail light works sometimes. when it doesn't all I have to do is lightly touch the cover and it starts working.

[@greygoosemafia]

I would love to see diagnosis videos. great job! corrosion can be a bugger!

[@tam1381]

Hi, worked on Volvo's for a while and that was a very common problem with the tow-bar sockets.I liked you chain of thought.Excellent job.Tam ,Edinburgh ,Scotland .

[@pedroequis9396]

This video was made in 2015. Here we are in 2021 and I had a similar problem on my truck. Thanks Eric O.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Absolute brilliant Eric O 👍🏻

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice find Eric O on the diag and finding the backfeed from the trailer circuit interesting @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

[@KevinSmith-vv2jd]

Ha! thanks for uploading the vid, had a similar problem on my Dakota, checked my trailer wires and must have backed into something as the wires were pinched into the frame and the wires stripped.

[@localcrew]

Always like the diagnostic videos. They’re fun!

[@janshand7092]

Amazing. Great troubleshooting and painless fix. I have a very similar problem. I'll check the trailer lights plug first! I also have a battery/alternator/pcm issue. Which led me here as indicator lights are sometimes the cause. 2004 Ram 1500. Thank you for your videos

[@kenmelluskie2769]

Fantastic and informative video. I have a 2004 3500 dually 5.9cummins. My blinkers hyper flash when I turn on the park lights. I've removed fuse 34 (LH tail) and backed probed the fuse to find a very faint pulse coming up the LH tail circuit. Thanks for your video, you've saved me a heap of time chasing this fault.

[@jollyjoe1544]

YOU ROCK!! Just had the same problem. ended up similar issue, not the 4 prong but it was a bad wire to the 4 prong. you saved me hrs of work tracing wire and such. thanks again!

[@SANTANMIKE]

Great video. I'm also from upstate NY LAND OF THE SALT, I'm having the same feedback problems with all my tail lights and after researching I found your video and you saved me a bunch of time THANKS. I will be looking at the 4 connection plug first thing in the morning. Again THANKS!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Cool hope you find it

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey Excellent video on solving electrical issues. I have a older 89 K5 Blazer that had several electrical issues and one was the trailer connector filled with the green goop. I also have a 2006 Dodge crewcab diesel and aware of the electrical gremlins. Keep up the excellent work.

[@dwn3576]

Thank you so much. Just got a 08 dodge in our shop doing the exact same thing and was looking at your video while eating lunch and went to look at the trailer light plug and the exact same thing.

[@alextipple8650]

And now....... You've become an amazing teacher 😊

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

I totally get it. I especially liked the explanation of determining which side of the fuse is the circuit side. I know this is an old video but the info is just as relevant today. This could have definitely slid you. The shop I work in see's a lot of Chrysler products and I have changed more TIPM's then any person should.(lol) Great way of determining which way to go with a diagnoses. Keep up the great work.

[@VideoNOLA]

Amazing how much younger/clearer your voice sounded just 2 years back (early 2015), compared with how coarse and gravely it's gotten lately (late 2017).

[@dejonsmall9886]

EO, I'm all over your vid since I found you. This weekend I plan on getting a 12 Pack and start from the beginning. I wish you were in Las Vegas so I can have you look at the wiring on my 95 Silverado, left side tail/brake/signal lights don't work. You da man.

[@FRDMLIBERTY]

A smart and honest mechanic!! i'm subscribed Thanks.

[@philllsxga.7737]

Very rare... Good guy.

[@chosipian]

and the legend begins... what a delight to see the early days

[@andrewk778]

Yes, I do enjoy a live disgnosis like this. And yes, I do enjoy you talking to yourself. Now I know I'm not the only one talking to himself.

[@andythomas2358]

Awesome job! I can see the dealer throwing a tipm at it and crossing their fingers.

[@davidpotter8412]

Great video. I too was thinking of bad ground, you show don't jump to conclusions. Test, before replace.

[@SouthMainAuto]

test don't guess

[@SteveRobReviews]

Well done - actually I learn more from professional techs like you and ScannerDanner and many others by watching and hearing the thought process. Terry at Stuzman52 is another fantastic teacher that takes the time so it can sink into my thick skull. LOL Learning how you got to the fix is the best part - it takes a little longer, well I think is a good thing because next time when we try to fix one of these it's probably not going to be the same fault. So in the end we had two positive wires touching each other in the 4 pin trailer connector joined only buy the little green goblins :) Thanks Steve.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Yep that was the verdict! The green puss sacks I call them haha. They plague us here in the salt belt. I like to test, if you don't you get sloppy and it can get costly. Some times you have to slow down to go fast! Thanks for watching!

[@chadpowell7983]

@@SouthMainAuto its actually amazing that the so called green puss is conductive lol

[@a.c.williamsjr.6652]

The thought process that you use is very important, for those of us that have not had your level of training. You father trained you very well. The ability to constructively use a test light is also very important so that you don't harm computers, etc.

[@iceandhotwax]

I thought it was a good vid -even though I do this sort of thing very often working for a trailer dealer, Keep them coming

[@stuzman52]

I think you're doing a great job in explaining your thoughts Eric, and although you don't think you're a good teacher, you're ace in that department too. Also, it's good that you're showing your steps along the way as people can see why you're moving in each direction in diagnostic procedures. Great video!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks again! I am trying my best and well that's all I can do so I'll keep moving forward and keep the camera rolling. Got a few coming up this week that may be a little longer. I have a head job on a Subaru and some 4x4 work on a dodge.. You think folks will be interested in those even though they may be on the longer side?

[@stuzman52]

South Main Auto Repair Sure Eric....When I did the video series on a head job for a Suzuki Forenza, my first thoughts were, who the hell is going to watch 18 videos of how to pull a head and reinstall it. Turns out that those videos were the most watched. So, go for it Eric as people will watch it, especially if they have those vehicles and needs to do that repair. Take care and have a good night!

[@SouthMainAuto]

OK all I needed to hear, 11 hour job gonna take 20 now because of video... ha well we'll see where it goes . Have a good nite Terry.

[@somethingsomeone5440]

Nice well thoughtout trouble shooting. A lot of people have trouble understanding electrical circuits. You've got the mind for it. Maybe someday when you're sick of turning wrenches you can do advanced diagnostics for other shops, for a hefty fee of course.

[@davidbires2351]

No tail lights no break lights 07 dodge ram your video helps a lot keep checking thank you

[@braedenvarao792]

excellent diagnostics this was an interesting repair. Keep up the good work.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks Braeden Varao

[@ericcorse]

Good video and I see why folks hate auto electric problems.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Eric Corse I don't mind them

[@mikechiodetti6737]

CORROSION! NICE FIX, GREAT VIDEO! You did great, I like your analysing! !

[@jimoliver5758]

Awesome video. Very interesting on how you isolated that integrated power module

[@potskie420]

I was damn near shouting the trailer plug! the trailer plug! See this on the Ford at work ALL the time. Get a little chunk of crap stuck in the 7way between the posts causing some funky things to occur. I like the long diagnostic vids I've seen from you so far. I've learned quite a bit.

[@markwheeler202]

I guess we saw how effective the cover on that plug was. Probably worse than no cover at all.

[@randytaylor5684]

I only recently saw your videos...you have been most helpful on a couple issues I had

[@jaaackhammer]

That was awesome. I'm having the same kind of problem and I also have a trailer connection. I'll check it tomorrow.

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

Good afternoon Mr O, and thanks for the new string of videos.

[@SouthMainAuto]

No prob!

[@christopherdherman1518]

Thank You! Your video helped me solve my problem of the right parking lights staying on. Sure enough it was the wiring for the trailer. In my case the wires melted together. You didn't babbled that much. I enjoy your videos.

[@StarTrekforever3698]

You are doing fine don't change a thing. I like that your explanations are simple and to the point, along with you going through steps to solve the problem then showing repair.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks Timothy Elliott I appreciate that!

[@abrahamsalcido9174]

Good video! Thank you for your time. Great call on the problem.

[@mikeguilbeau3940]

Great job, you are a great teacher. and great logic by pulling the fuse and checking both sides for power. with your scope on a rope great video thanks.

[@ngl-kd7tn]

Great Video. It seems like a lot of work for a simple fix but I presume it could have led you down a different path to a more serious and expensive problem had it existed. I am sure the customer was happy that is was nothing major. These steps where performed to rule out or confirm your initial thoughts and for your customers benefit too. Cheers Eric. Thanks for sharing.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+ngl777777 yep ya need to start and keep it simple to find out what the problem is

[@abbas1872]

Good Video, I wouldn't cut the connector off just fill it with thick silicone grease. That way if the owner sells the car the new owner could still use the connector.

[@airbrushinmotion]

Awesome vid! I actually had a similar problem once with my trailer plug lol

[@erg0centric]

my first thought would be back-feed through the TIPM protection diodes great videos!

[@erg0centric]

dim because of the diode voltage drop and the resistance of the green goo

[@OneRealConservative]

Great video. Currently having right blinker and brake issues. I get a "ding" and quick blink. bulbs good now. I did have a burnt light. crawling under rig this weekend. 2007 ram diesel. oh, btw, you do speak well.

[@scottmiller5053]

Love watching your old stuff! Back then you were so much more subdued! I like the new stuff better for that reason. One thing that just makes you the best, is you don't seem to cheat people! you could have sold him a body mod! you could have sold him anything that sounded good because most people are scared to death of electricity! I know, I am an electrician! even auto electrics which is so different! but when people are scared and naive, it's very tempting! so thank you!

[@walterk1221]

Until I saw the "four pin" dangling I was suspicious of the connector at the rear of the seven-pin. I presume the harness still plugs into that connector rather than the seven-pin being hardwired. My '01 developed a high resistance short in the connector between B+ and ground; I now have a hardwired seven-pin. I enjoyed the video.

[@johnkennedy528]

You were spot on, take two steps back and rattle it around in your noggin awhile. I've seen too many part changers in my long career that waste time and money and leave the problem for somebody else.

[@roelcoy9722]

Roy Great video...keep them coming. One question where do you get your wiring diagrams?

[@Rayofsunshine11]

Great video. I also have signal problems with my 2016 Ram 1500. With my headlights on my rear right brake light is always on. I Haven't had the time to troubleshoot what the problem is.

[@josephbryer9558]

Thanks for the info. Having issues w my turn signals you gave me some options. Came across your video as I suspected a turn signal relay, purchased one for my 06 2500, but was trying to find a video on its location. Not a mechanic but try to save a dollar doing what I can myself . Joe B

[@josephtucci3666]

Eric that was a easy fix due to you TALLENT. Do not sell your self short.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Joseph Tucci Thanks Man

[@ureasmith3049]

Thanks for the video. My blinkers , haz lights and high beams are spazzing out on my 2004 dodge ram..Same symptoms 5 years ago and I fixed it by replacing multi function switch. Having similar issues again and replaced the multi function switch again. No luck this time. I checked that same connection and what a mess! Same corrosion. I never use it so will cut off and see if that helps.

[@theidahodian4518]

Excellent! Great deduction and common sense tracking. Liked.

[@prbowe]

I have seen a very similar problem with the vehicles that need the turn signal converters for trailer connections. ( ones with separate turn signals from brake light) When those things burn out internally, or get a case of the green death, they can cause freaky stuff. I had dash lights blinking and everything with mine. I live in Wisconsin, so we see lots of the same salt related issues you do. Great video.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh yeah I know what u are saying. Hey it is the salt that keeps us going right :)

[@bgesjackson2011]

Hell of a video!! Damm you calm but straight to the point man.. thank you so much… mine does the same but when I turn my running lights on the brake barely shines.. so it’s backfeeding somewhere along those spots… thank you!!

[@wolfrum9081]

Love The video I think you do a great job I love the thought process I love the diagnostic approach that you take keep up the great work and keep doing what you do because what you do is what makes this great