Three problems related to tail light switch have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, another driver alerted that the tail lights and park lights failed to illuminate when engaged. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, however the vehicle was not repaired because the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.
Left brake light failed around end of January 2011. 1 1/2 weeks latter the right brake light failed. Replaced bulbs. Did not fix problem. Replaced stop light switch. Did not fix problem. Made phone calls and was told that Dodge was having alot of problems with this, that it was the (tail light tree component) and that it was left up to the consumer to have this fixed and to pay for it themselves. Thats not fair, it's not the consumers fault it quit working, it's a part malfunction and should be repaired by Dodge @ their cost beings they have already known about this problem and have not done a recall on it. This is very dangerous to the consumer and could kill someone.
I drove to a football game one evening, when I pulled in the parking lot, a man asked if I knew that my tail lights were not working. He told me the turn signals and brake lights worked, but no tail lights. I had to drive home that night on the interstate with no tail lights. The only way I had to notify people coming up behind me that I was on the road was to turn on my cargo light. This posed a very dangerous problem on the interstate with not only passenger vehicles behind me but also semi trucks that would not see me until they were right on top of me. I had no clue that the lights were not working because all the dash lights were working. I had all the fuses checked and the relay and everything was ok there. The garage told me I would have to take it to the dealer so they could check the front control module. I am scheduled to take it in to the dealer in two days. I have found alot of people saying they had the same problem with the module malfunctioning. This causes a very dangerous situation while driving since the drive has no idea that they are out and if driving on roads that are not lighted after dark the vehicle behind you has no idea that you are there until they get right on top of you. Fog, rain or snow could compound this situation.