Tail Light Switch problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500

Two problems related to tail light switch have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Tail Light Switch problem

Failure Date: 08/06/2014

While driving on the freeway at night the headlights, tail lights, blinkers, 4-ways, brake lights, and tail lights went out and when slowing down to pull over the engine stalled. The engine started back up to get to the side of the road and stalled again with no warning. The truck now stalls at all stop lights and stop signs and is not giving any codes. The truck now has a large draw and kills the battary shortly after turing the truck off. The truck is still in the shop and so far the fcm, pdc and some wiring has been replaced but the power draw persists and the engine stalling still persists. Researching the issue on the internet this is a comon problem on this vehicle and has been for quite some time. This is a very dangerous issue and needs to be addressed.

2 Tail Light Switch problem

Failure Date: 01/12/2009

I have to keep replacing the rear tail light bars because they seem to overheat and scorch the sockets. The lamp out light and warning bell is constantly coming on. The bell is beyond being tolerated while driving. I have to turn off my front light switch for the bell to go off. Lots of fun at night. The Dodge forum says this is a very common problem with 3rd generation Dodge ram trucks. There should be a recall on this system. I can not ethically sell this truck with this constant problem.




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Ram 1500 Defect Investigations