The tail lights on your 1999 Dodge Ram are an essential safety feature that keeps you visible to other drivers on the road. If your tail lights aren’t working, it’s important to diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 1999 Dodge Ram tail light wiring diagram, including common problems and solutions, frequently asked questions, and more.
Understanding the 1999 Dodge Ram Tail Light Wiring Diagram
Before we dive into specific problems and solutions, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the 1999 Dodge Ram tail light wiring diagram. The tail light system on your Ram includes several different components, including:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Tail light bulbs | Illuminate the rear of the Ram when the headlights are on |
| Turn signal bulbs | Illuminate when the turn signal lever is activated to indicate the direction you plan to turn |
| Brake light bulbs | Illuminate when the brakes are applied to indicate to drivers behind you that you are slowing down or coming to a stop |
| Ground wire | Provides a path for electrical current to flow back to the battery |
| Fuse | Protects the electrical system from surges in voltage that can cause damage |
Each of these components is connected to the others through a series of wires and connectors. When one part of the system fails, it can cause the other components to malfunction as well.
Tail Light Bulbs
The tail light bulbs on your 1999 Dodge Ram are a crucial part of the system. These bulbs are responsible for illuminating the rear of the vehicle when the headlights are on. The bulbs are located in the tail light assembly, which is held in place by several screws or pins depending on the model.
If your tail light bulbs are not working, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes of tail light failure is a blown fuse. Check the fuse box located under the dash on the driver’s side of the vehicle to see if any fuses have blown. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
If the fuse is not the problem, you may need to replace the tail light bulbs themselves. Turn off the vehicle and remove the tail light assembly from the vehicle. Then, remove the bulb from the assembly by twisting it counterclockwise. Replace the old bulb with a new one and reinstall the tail light assembly.
Turn Signal Bulbs
The turn signal bulbs on your 1999 Dodge Ram blink to indicate which direction you plan to turn. These bulbs are also located in the tail light assembly and can be accessed by removing the assembly from the vehicle.
If your turn signal bulbs are not working, start by checking the fuse box for blown fuses. It’s possible that a blown fuse is preventing the turn signal bulbs from functioning properly. If the fuses are fine, you may need to replace the turn signal bulbs themselves. Turn off the vehicle and remove the tail light assembly. Then, remove the turn signal bulb from the assembly and replace it with a new one.
Brake Light Bulbs
The brake light bulbs on your 1999 Dodge Ram are located in the tail light assembly and illuminate when the brakes are applied. If your brake light bulbs are not working, it could be due to a blown fuse, a faulty brake light switch, or a bad bulb.
To diagnose the issue, start by checking the fuse box for blown fuses. If the fuses are fine, the next step is to check the brake light switch. The brake light switch is located under the dash on the brake pedal arm. When the pedal is depressed, the switch should close, allowing electrical current to flow to the brake light bulbs. If the switch is faulty or misaligned, it may prevent the brake lights from functioning properly.
If the fuse and switch are both functioning correctly, the problem may be a bad bulb. Turn off the vehicle and remove the tail light assembly. Then, remove the brake light bulb from the assembly and replace it with a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my tail lights are flickering?
A: If your tail lights are flickering, it could be due to a loose or corroded connection somewhere in the wiring. Check all of the connections and clean them if necessary. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the wiring harness.
Q: Can I replace my tail light bulbs with LED bulbs?
A: Yes, you can replace your tail light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are more energy efficient and can last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, be sure to check your owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic to make sure that LED bulbs are compatible with your vehicle.
Q: What should I do if my turn signal bulbs are blinking rapidly?
A: If your turn signal bulbs are blinking rapidly, it’s usually a sign that one of the bulbs has failed or is close to failing. Try replacing the turn signal bulbs to see if that fixes the issue. If the problem persists, it could be due to a faulty flasher relay or a wiring issue. In this case, it’s best to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Q: How do I know if my brake light switch is faulty?
A: If your brake light bulbs are not illuminating when you apply the brakes, it’s possible that the brake light switch is faulty or misaligned. To test the switch, locate it under the dash on the brake pedal arm. Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the two leads when the pedal is depressed. If there is no continuity, the switch may be faulty and need to be replaced.
Q: What should I do if my tail lights are completely out?
A: If your tail lights are not functioning at all, start by checking the fuse box for blown fuses. If the fuses are fine, it could be due to a bad ground wire or a wiring issue. In this case, it’s best to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
The Bottom Line
The 1999 Dodge Ram tail light wiring diagram can seem intimidating at first, but with a basic understanding of the system and a little know-how, you can diagnose and fix most issues at home. Remember to always practice safe electrical procedures and consult a mechanic if you’re unsure about any aspect of the repair process.
