LED tail light issues (Gremlins)

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REnnist

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Dec 26, 2021
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Location
Innisfil, ON
Ram Year
2013
Engine
HEMI 5.7
Hey all. I have a 2013 1500 RAM Sport (LED tail lights). In the last month I originally received a 'Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out' message. It was intermittent at first then more frequent. It seemed like the tail lights were working properly (checked with turn signal on and hazards).

Then I started troubleshooting a little more. after reading as many forum posts as I could. I swapped the tail lights to see if that changed the message to the Left.... and it sort of did. So now I get the 'Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out' message even though I have obviously put the lights back on the proper sides.

The Passenger side puddle light was busted so I replaced that in case that caused the issue but nope.
I've checked and replace the third brake light bulb just to be sure and no difference.
I've checked the trailer plugs/fuses.... that is all fine.

Both LED Tail Lights have all the LEDs working (low and high, all rows/columns, etc.).

So here is more detail with what is actually going on now that I have troubleshooted (troubleshot?) as much as I can.

1. The message comes on when using the LEFT signal now the first time after engine start and the indicator and the left puddle light flash quickly to indicate a problem although the Front & Rear signal lights were flashing normally.
2. When the Parking Lights are OFF.... the signals work properly on each side.
3. When the Parking Lights are OFF ... the hazards work properly.
4. When the Parking Lights are OFF ... each signal/light works properly with the Brake Lights ON (pedal depressed).

Here's where the fun starts....

5. When the Parking Lights are ON (with or without Headlights).... the Hazards work properly (with or Without Brake On).
6. When the Parking Lights are ON (with or without Headlights).... Right Signal works properly until you press the Brake then the Front & Side signal continues to blink but the Tail Light stops. (Third Brake Light & Left Brake light work normally).
7. When the Parking Lights are ON (with or without Headlights).... Left Signal works properly BUT the Right Tail light signal also flashes (like hazards) but the right side mirror and right front signals don't blink (as they shouldn't when the left signals on/blinking).

Sooooo.... everything works fine as long as the Parking/Running Lights aren't on.... but I do need to drive the truck in the dark so it's kind of a problem.

What the Actual EFF is going on here. Ready to pull out my hair if I had any left. Is there re-programming/resetting that can be done on the BCM ? Settings ? I really don't want to have to take it to the dealership where they'll just say replace the $400+ tail light and then that won't be it either.

Thanks for any help/advice.

Rick
 

NJ4X4

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South Jersey
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2022
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Hemi 5.7
This may not help with your situation...but, might be worth a try. On my '13, I changed the headlights and taillights to TYC OEM replica projector and LED's. Then, I changed the 3rd brake light to an aftermarket LED light. After changing the 3rd brake light, I started getting the "left rear turn signal out" even though everything was working fine. I checked every connection, multiple times and would still get the error. I finally went back and cleaned / added di-electric grease to the connections for the taillights and 3rd brake light. For me, it solved the problem. Four years later and I've never had the error message come back.
 

1999 White C5 Coupe

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Hemi 5.7
I would get the left turn signal out message when one of my center, high mounted brake light bulbs would burn out (due to water leaking into the assembly) - 2014 Ram Outdoorsman CrewCab 4x4.

The vehicle has all OEM bulbs (or bulbs that were replaced with OEM bulbs from the dealer by myself).

I replaced the center, high-mounted brake light assembly with a new assembly from Ram (the assembly was on about its 6th or 7th revision). The new assembly, with an improved seal (not sold separately), stopped the bulbs from burning out quickly and eliminated the leak and DIC warning.

GM has issued a TSB for the 9th generation Impala models stating not to use LED bulbs in the back up lights, as they cause battery discharge and warning issues. You may want to return to all OEM bulbs and check the center high-mounted brave light assembly, and see if that eliminates the error messages?

Are your LED taillights a factory assembly, or aftermarket?
 
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REnnist

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2021
Posts
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Location
Innisfil, ON
Ram Year
2013
Engine
HEMI 5.7
Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm going to clean all the connections and apply dielectric grease and see if that helps.

As far as I know the tail lights are OEM although it was involved in an accident at some point before I bought it... I'll check them when I have them off to clean the connections .
 
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