License Plate Light Out

[2019rams]

License plate light has been out since I can remember. I don’t ever remember seeing it on in the 4 years since I have had it. But now I’m looking into getting a trailer to tow so have been checking everything. When I went under to check the bulb I realized that it’s LED (even though the rest of my truck is halogen). This now makes me think that there is a wiring issue happening because both sides are out and LEDs shouldn’t burn out, right?

I have looked at the main connector and it is plugged in. How can I check if any power is being sent to the bumper? Is the trailer connector included in this system where if the license plate lights aren’t getting power the trailer connector isn’t either?

2019 5th gen 1500 for reference

 

[HSKR R/T]

License plate light has been out since I can remember. I don’t ever remember seeing it on in the 4 years since I have had it. But now I’m looking into getting a trailer to tow so have been checking everything. When I went under to check the bulb I realized that it’s LED (even though the rest of my truck is halogen). This now makes me think that there is a wiring issue happening because both sides are out and LEDs shouldn’t burn out, right?

I have looked at the main connector and it is plugged in. How can I check if any power is being sent to the bumper? Is the trailer connector included in this system where if the license plate lights aren’t getting power the trailer connector isn’t either?

2019 5th gen 1500 for reference

LED do go bad. And if they haven't worked for four years, why didn't you get it fixed when you were still under warranty?

 

[2019rams]

LED do go bad. And if they haven't worked for four years, why didn't you get it fixed when you were still under warranty?

I didn’t know or realize they were out until probably a year or more after owning the truck. By then the factory warranty was already expired. I bought used.

I’ve put off fixing them for a long time but now that I’m looking to get a trailer to tow want to make sure everything is buttoned up.

 

[LaxDfns15]

Should be able to take the connector out of the back of the light and test power at the pins. If your lights are on the plate lights should be on. Unfortunately they don't look cheap as it's the whole unit.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-license-plate-lamp-right-68259696ad?c=Zz1lbGVjdHJpY2FsJnM9bGFtcHMtaW50ZXJpb3ItYW5kLWV4dGVyaW9yJmw9MTQzJm49QXNzZW1ibGllcyBQYWdlJmE9cmFtJm89MTUwMCZ5PTIwMTkmdD1iaWctaG9ybiZlPTUtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-license-plate-lamp-left-68259697ad?c=Zz1lbGVjdHJpY2FsJnM9bGFtcHMtaW50ZXJpb3ItYW5kLWV4dGVyaW9yJmw9MTQ0Jm49QXNzZW1ibGllcyBQYWdlJmE9cmFtJm89MTUwMCZ5PTIwMTkmdD1iaWctaG9ybiZlPTUtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

 

[2019rams]

Should be able to take the connector out of the back of the light and test power at the pins. If your lights are on the plate lights should be on. Unfortunately they don't look cheap as it's the whole unit.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-license-plate-lamp-right-68259696ad?c=Zz1lbGVjdHJpY2FsJnM9bGFtcHMtaW50ZXJpb3ItYW5kLWV4dGVyaW9yJmw9MTQzJm49QXNzZW1ibGllcyBQYWdlJmE9cmFtJm89MTUwMCZ5PTIwMTkmdD1iaWctaG9ybiZlPTUtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-license-plate-lamp-left-68259697ad?c=Zz1lbGVjdHJpY2FsJnM9bGFtcHMtaW50ZXJpb3ItYW5kLWV4dGVyaW9yJmw9MTQ0Jm49QXNzZW1ibGllcyBQYWdlJmE9cmFtJm89MTUwMCZ5PTIwMTkmdD1iaWctaG9ybiZlPTUtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

Thanks. Are you talking about the connector that goes into each sides light? Or the main connector that runs from the front of the truck and plugs in at the back for the license plate lights?

 

[LaxDfns15]

The one that goes into the light. Easy enough to check there, and then work backwards if there isn't power.

 

[2019rams]

The one that goes into the light. Easy enough to check there, and then work backwards if there isn't power.

Would you test with a multimeter or a voltage tester pen?

 

[2025 Ram Limited]

You can also trace them and look for a faulty ground.

 

[2019rams]

You can also trace them and look for a faulty ground.

Don’t know much about electrical but how would that work if the wires are wrapped, not able to tell which is which. ?