License plate lights not working after replacing rear bumper

[closeshave2]

I replaced the rear bumper over the weekend on my 2011 2500. The new bumper came with a license plate light with 2 wires. In an attempt to install this light, I clipped the connector off of one of the existing lights and connected the wires to the light. No luck. I checked for voltage. Nothing -- well, 64mv. I checked for voltage on the other side (the connector I didn't clip off) and there's nothing there either. I tested the new light by touching the wires directly to the battery and it works fine.

I also noticed that the running light in my driver side tail light is out now as well. I took both tail lights out and connected it to the passenger side connector and it works properly, so it's not the tail light itself. The brake lights work on both sides.

I wouldn't think this could be a fuse issue. Maybe a resistance problem?

Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[Lyle Longboat]

Well you Clipped wires, start at those wires and follow to see where they run too and what other wires are connected. Check your fuse too as they may have a split from side to side fuses for the rear lights. I can’t remember on my 2011 1500, I messed with my wiring quite a bit and I forget right now. Sitting in my office or I’d check for you. Not sure if the 1500/2500 wiring are different or not in the 2011.

 

[closeshave2]

I did look through the fuses. I found one, which when removed, took out all of the lights. I couldn't find one specific for the license plate lights.

Being the ******* that I am, I clipped the connector too close to wire it back up. I think I'll stop at the dealership on my way home tonight and see if they sell that connector. Maybe wiring it back up will fix the problem.

 

[04fxdwgi]

If using LED lights, is the polarity reversed on the wires?

 

[closeshave2]

I tried reversing the polarity. No luck.

 

[04fxdwgi]

was worth a shot.

Did you convert from std bulbs to LED's? Don't know if the '11 is same as my '16, but using alfaOBD, there is a selection on mine for LED license bulbs vs conventional.
When I changed my fogs to LED, found out real quick things get pretty stupid, if you don't select LED in the BCM.

Just spitballing here.

 

[closeshave2]

Ok, full disclosure... I'm an idot! I took the truck to a shop and they found a blown fuse after all. I still don't understand how a single fuse can take out the running light on one side of the truck, but not the other. Oh well, lesson learned. I was so disgusted with myself that I forgot to ask them which fuse it was.

Everything is working correctly and I'm happy -- not very bright, but happy. Sorry to bother y'all with my ignorance.

 

[ibike]

Hey don’t be sorry, we all get senior moments. The sad part is you should never brag or tell anyone about your senior moment

 

[Jeepwalker]

Maybe that makes you smart (and you got it taken car of right away).

What kind of bumper did you put on? Just a straight replacement, or something different (just curious)?

Cheers

 

[EdGs]

Ok, full disclosure... I'm an idot! I took the truck to a shop and they found a blown fuse after all. I still don't understand how a single fuse can take out the running light on one side of the truck, but not the other. Oh well, lesson learned. I was so disgusted with myself that I forgot to ask them which fuse it was.

Everything is working correctly and I'm happy -- not very bright, but happy. Sorry to bother y'all with my ignorance.

I've never done anything like that in my life.....

We've all been there, and that admission just might help someone down the road in a similar pinch by getting them to take a second or third look at a problem.

Glad you got it sorted out.

 

[closeshave2]

Maybe that makes you smart (and you got it taken car of right away).

What kind of bumper did you put on? Just a straight replacement, or something different (just curious)?

Cheers

I got the Steelcraft Fortis HD bumper in the rear to match the front bumper I put on a couple months back. I'm pretty happy with the quality and the appearance!

 

[closeshave2]

I've never done anything like that in my life.....

We've all been there, and that admission just might help someone down the road in a similar pinch by getting them to take a second or third look at a problem.

Glad you got it sorted out.

That's what I was thinking... Hopefully my ignorance can help somebody!

 

[EdGs]

That's what I was thinking... Hopefully my ignorance can help somebody!

Not ignorance, crap happens sometimes.

 

[seanclark1503]

Some tuners are known to reverse the polarity of the reverse (back up) lights but not the license plate circuit. I gotta ask you though. You haven’t got these two things mixed up ? Right ? I know it’s probably not even possible, but you never know.

 

[seanclark1503]

Oh sorry, I skipped the part where you got it fixed. I am not going to say that I have never ( duh n ) anything like that in my lifetime , one thing I do know is that I now have those fuses that light up when they’re blown. They cost more but they are worth it ! I still have a tiny bulb socket in the center of my console that if I put the bulb in there it blows the right side out on the exterior. I don’t need it and have no time for to worry about it, but I’m sure it will at some point insist on being tracked down and repaired.

 

[GTyankee]

I always liked how we could look up wiring & several others things that are not mentioned in the Owners Manual

Well guess what ?
Stellantis has blocked us from seeing that information now.

All we had to do before was look up the BodyBuilders Guide for the year of the vehicle.
They erased even the information going back to 2005

Ram BodyBuilders Guide, will bring up this now

Ram Trucks Body Builder Guide - Upfit Your Truck

Ram Trucks Body Builder's Guide has information you need to upfit your truck. Explore the Body Builder Guide for dimensions, electrical & technical guides.

www.ramtrucks.com

Click Continue
https://www.converters-and-stellantis.com/signin

farkers !