| From | Message |
Matt97SLT
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/27/2004
20:28:36
|
 Subject: Taillight problem
IP: Logged
Message:
My drivers side running light won't come on. The brake light works fine. I bought a new bulb and same problem. So I switched the bulb to the other side and it's fine. Ok so it's not the bulb. I used a multi meter on the working side to see what I get and compared it to the non working side and everything seems the same. I can't figure it out. If the power is there and the bulb is fine then what the hell? Could it be a low voltage problem or would the bulb still glow dimly in that situation. I figure there's no need to take my truck in for a bulb change but now I don't know what the hell to do.
Any suggestions?
|
NightTrain
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/28/2004
07:17:42
|  RE: Taillight problem
IP: Logged
Message:
Sounds like a mechanical problem with the bulb socket. The contacts are spring loaded, so you might be getting an open or a short somewhere after you put the bulb in.
|
Matt97SLT
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/28/2004
13:10:59
| RE: Taillight problem
IP: Logged
Message:
I also tried switching the bulb socket to the other side with both bulbs and it worked fine there too. I tried every thing I can think of and got frustrated before giving up. I guess I will just have to use the multi meter and check all the way up the line to see if there is anything different on each side of all the connections.
|
peedee
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/28/2004
15:45:53
| RE: Taillight problem
IP: Logged
Message:
It sounds like a feed-back situation. If there is another bulb/device in the same circut -especially if that items neutral wire is close-by, the neutral side can get the same voltage as the positive and you won't have a flow to negative. Look for other bulbs that are out or too bright. The volt check will sometimes indicate that everything is ok because there is no load on the circut. An example of a common problem is those hitch/receiver lights with the manufacture logo. They tap the trailer poug and if the bulb blows then the feed-back can cause all kinds of problems with the related circut. When you checked the socket, then removed it, did you use the socket and then the wire harness neutral,or did you use the frame? That could make the difference in the diagnostics too. I know you switched the whole assembly ruling out the socket (probably) but check the connector from the harness using both wires for the meter. Also: try to use a swing/analog meter ( with a needle) sometimes digital meters can mislead. That is a suggestion. Could be something else, but that is what I would look for first. Ever see the guy who has his running lights on and the back-up lights come on. Or the dash lights that light/or go out when the brake is applied. That is usually feedback from another circut because of a bad bulb somewhere or a dirty/loose connection. The current is trying to find a path home. If that positive wire is shorted, or the trailer harness wire for that side is shorted a digital meter can show 12v, but under load it would not. Even an analog could show good, but the analog usually puts some load on the circut so you would see a difference. With a test light, you can connect to the positve but use the frame for ground, then use another source for positive and connect to the neutral wire.
|
Matt97SLT
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/28/2004
20:29:47
| RE: Taillight problem
IP: Logged
Message:
OK that sounds more like something I should try. I am actually using an analog multimeter (with the needle) And one of the contacts for the bulb show the 12 volts and the other shows very litte. I didn't think this was an issue though because the side of the truck that lights up shows the same thing. There is a mess of wires under the bumper for trailer connections. A couple of tee connectors and so on. I only used the frame for a ground so I will try a few of the things you wrote about. As I go I guess it's also a good idea to clean any contacts along the way. Hopefully tomorrow I will have some time to find the problem or atleast narrow it down.
|
Noltz
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/28/2004
20:44:51
| RE: Taillight problem
IP: Logged
Message:
Also check the resistance from the ground wire at the bulb socket to the battery ground. Should be nearly zero. I know the turn/brake is working fine, so there shouldn't be a problem, but I've seen more than my fair share of poor grounds.
Good luck!
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
