[notar]

Hello all, this is my first post and I am looking for a little help with an electrical problem ..The rear turn signals (could be the brake lights) come on solid for no apparent reason after the truck is parked for a few minutes and they drain the battery dead.. I removed the brake light switch from the truck and they still stay on... I pulled nearly all of the fuses and they still stay on..the remote start quit working at the same time this problem started..if I start the truck manually they go out..only to come back on several minutes or...just a few seconds after I shut it off...seems really wierd??

Thanks

 

[dk1677]

Welcome notar! I have not heard of that one! Is your remote start factory or aftermarket? Sounds like a question for NitroTech! Hes our resident Nitro expert! Go on over to the Newbie Check in! and introduce yourself too! I hope you can get a quick fix! :wavey:

 

[ponchonutty]

Is the remote start OEM or is it an add on? My guess is that it's an add on and the main power or ground source is bad and it's backfeeding into the car's system.

 

[notar]

It is a factory installed remote start...the truck is completely stock. It is a 2007 R/T with about 6k miles.

 

[NitroTech]

At first glance considering they are staying on with the brake switch removed, its obviously not an input to the TIPM. The TIPM controls the brake lights. Secondly it makes total sense that the remote start isn't working because the remote start system looks at the brake switch position before allowing remote start operation.

I'm gonna say its a fault within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). I suspect if you bring it to the dealer and they check for codes with the StarSCAN they'll find fault with the brake lighting circuits. Hope this helps. :smileup:

 

[notar]

Update: first off thanks so far for the replies...however I took it to the dealer on friday ,they replaced the brake switch.reflashed for the brake recall...said that fixed it....and I took it home... it's still doing it,ran the battery flat again ! ,sometime overnite it decided to turn on the lights..back to the dealer again

 

[NitroTech]

Update: first off thanks so far for the replies...however I took it to the dealer on friday ,they replaced the brake switch.reflashed for the brake recall...said that fixed it....and I took it home... it's still doing it,ran the battery flat again ! ,sometime overnite it decided to turn on the lights..back to the dealer again

Wow!! Talk about a mis-diagnosis!!! Here you went and proved the lights stay on when you removed the brake switch and they go and replace it. The flash also would have nothing to do with the brake lights staying on.

I'm still going to say its gonna be the TIPM!!

 

[notar]

Just got back from the dealer...they decided to get advice from STAR? (is that DC tech support maybe?) and they ordered a new TIPM:smileup:..said it will be in tomorrow morning..they also said it was basically a whole new fuse box? I kinda thought it would just be a remove and replace computer module...I'll let you know how it works out

 

[Paladin021]

I don't envy you this problem - it would drive me nuts!

I hope they get it right this time!

 

[NitroTech]

Just got back from the dealer...they decided to get advice from STAR? (is that DC tech support maybe?) and they ordered a new TIPM:smileup:..said it will be in tomorrow morning..they also said it was basically a whole new fuse box? I kinda thought it would just be a remove and replace computer module...I'll let you know how it works out

Yes, STAR is Chrysler Tech support. Or you just use Nitroforumz for tech support!! :smileup:

 

[PA Nitro]

Very good call NitroTech!! You correctly diagnose a problem over the net & the guys with the vehicle in front of them replace a brake light switch. Really makes me wonder about some dealerships.

 

[Chaos872401]

I think they should just ask Larry forget all the other ways. JUST ASK LARRY
:rep:

ANDY

:wavey::Racing:

 

[notar]

Update!! The dealer replaced the TIPM ..again more programing..I picked up the truck and about 6 hours later the brake lights came on AGAIN while parked !!!!!!! and stayed on!!!! now I am begining to get angry!!! What a POS this thing is turning into..how many times before I can invoke the lemon law???

 

[notar]

so is there no fuse to pull to turn these damn lights off? I pulled nearly every one..I have to disconnect the battery every time after I drive this thing!! kinda sucks ass..is there any wiring diagram available online....maybe I can fix this POS myself......getting tired of taking it to the dealer .......4 times now....huge time waste

 

[notar]

Ok so does anybody know where the lighting grounds are located??

 

[Paladin021]

Notar - time to go utterly ballistic on your service manager.

I would tell them to give you a loaner, and keep the Nitro till it's fixed. Suggest that maybe HE drives it home, and HE can be inconvenienced every time the battery dies and leaves him stranded. You didn't pay all the money for a new car so you could search for wiring diagrams on the net to turn off your signal lighting!

You paid over $25k for a vehicle that you have every right to expect to be PERFECT. I know my Dodge dealer would never allow this to happen to me 4 times.

It's time for you to start making some noise about this!

(the opinions expressed above are those of someone who expects quality service and products for his hard earned money, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this station or its affiliates)

 

[notar]

Alright help me out here fellas...so far I have found that if I pull the fuse for the trailer lighting circuit (factory towing package)the truck brake lights finally extinguish? and they still work when I step on the brake pedal? WTF? ...short or ground issue in the towing pakage? Fyi ..No trailer ...Never have hooked a trailer up

 

[NitroTech]

Alright help me out here fellas...so far I have found that if I pull the fuse for the trailer lighting circuit (factory towing package)the truck brake lights finally extinguish? and they still work when I step on the brake pedal? WTF? ...short or ground issue in the towing pakage? Fyi ..No trailer ...Never have hooked a trailer up

Great find Notar!!

Now, go check the factory trailer connector at the hitch, see if its corroded causing the parasitic ground. Often the trailer hitch plug is at fault. If the plug is ok unplug the connector to the trailer plug and then reinstall your fuse. See what happens then and let me know. Hope this helps. :smileup:

 

[notar]

Check the plug and it Looks like new..unplugged it at the plug and no change..are there other connections? it looks like the harness runs inside the truck by a charcoal canister in the rear?

 

[NitroTech]

Off hand I'm not aware of other connectors for the factory trailer wiring. It would be worth while to pull the taillights and check those connectors as well. I'd have to check the diagrams on the factory trailer wiring to see what could be a possible cause. I can't do it right now, I happen to be at work, sorry. Got other Dodges to fix at the moment. But let me know if you find anything and I'll look into the diagrams as soon as I can.