Break Light Flashes
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5244
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 5:28am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Break Light Flashes
Posted By: vnapoli
Subject: Break Light Flashes
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2014 at 7:54pm
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I have a 2014 RPOD 171 and on our recent trip my wife who was following me said that when I applied my breaks my left break light flashes as though I was making a turn. This only happen when the vehicle in running. In addition, the speed of the flashing is slower than a turn signal. So my question is: Is the left one flashing when it shouldn't or is the right one not flashing when it should? Thanks in advance. ------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |
Replies:
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2014 at 9:12pm
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Sounds like a bad logic module light controller on the truck. If yours has one. IE: If your truck has separate brake light & turn light bulbs on each side, then you truck has to have a logic module to adapt that system to the single brake/ turn light bulb on the Rpod. Sounds like that little black box is bad. Or it may have a poor ground. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2014 at 9:32pm
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If your running lights are on while you're breaking with the turnsignal, then yes, it might look like your description; but that'd be it. Except, the flashing frequency shouldn't be noticeably slower - well, not on a truck built in this century (wow, it feels very strange saying that); a 90s truck's flasher might slow down a bit due to the voltage drop from powering all the lights. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2014 at 5:58pm
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I agree it sounds like a problem with the tail/turn light combiner. When mine went bad both brake lights flashed exactly like a turn signal. Be careful to order a new one that supports LED lights, not all can drive LEDs. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: vnapoli
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2014 at 8:37pm
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Thanks. The unit is under warranty so I'm expecting my dealer to replace it when I take it back for other warranty work.
------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2014 at 8:46am
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This would be mounted on your tow vehicle, so not a pod warranty item. However, if they installed it then I would ask them (or whoever did install it) to replace it. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: vnapoli
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 7:04am
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I've isolated the problem to the truck by using my sons truck as a test and the brake lights on the RPOD don't flash. The only black box I can find is the electric brake controller. Where do you think the combiner would be installed? ------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 7:09am
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Start at the trailer plug on the truck & work your way forward following the wiring. Usually they are under the back of the vehicle. But it could be under the dash too. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: vnapoli
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 7:19am
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How large of a unit am I looking for? There is a flat wire going into the trailer plug. I originally had a 4 hire connector and when I got the RPOD they converted it to a 7 pin.
------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 11:07am
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Approximately the size of a large pack of gum, and half as thick. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: vnapoli
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2014 at 6:25am
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I found it. Dealer installed. It was behind the brake light assembly. Any way to test the unit? or just replace it?
------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2014 at 5:33pm
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Bingo. I would just replace it. The flashing lights were your test. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2014 at 8:39pm
^^ What he said...^^   ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2014 at 8:41pm
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And to make it a worry free installation, use heat shrink butt connectors at every connection. Saves a lot of corrosion issues down the road, literally. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |