[Ciulster]

So it looks like 2001/2002 and up the Dakotas and Durangos went to that wonky integrated turn signal hazard flasher unit that looks like two standard 5 pin relays smushed together with 4 extra small pins beneath.

My question is what exactly are those small pins used for and are they necessary? Couldn't I just get two standard turn signal flashers like the 2000 and older trucks used and swap them in?

I'm asking because apparently back when these trucks were relatively new that module only cost about 20-30 bucks. Now where I am the dealer and auto parts stores want over $250 for the stupid thing... Whereas two standard 5 pin flashers would run me like $20. Anyone ever try swap back to the old school style?

 

[immattj]

I was on a thread a little while back ago in which the OP's left & right brake lights didn't work but the 3rd brake light & everything else in back did work. Anyway, after looking at the schematic, everything except the 3rd brake light goes through that multi function switch/flasher. I don't think you could make that conversion work.

This is an excerpt from that thread:
"[. . .]The combination flasher integrates brake light, turn signal, and hazard light inputs and sends to the appropriate lamps on the vehicle. This is not your grand-dads simple two- or three-pin flasher though. It's pretty sophisticated, [. . .] and has a 14-pin connector attached to it [. . .]"

I believe that went from at least '01 through '04.

 

[immattj]

. . . here is that thread that I just alluded to, (it's for an '03), and someone suggested that that switch/flasher could be had at Rock for around $75: (I think the Durango & Dak are different, and the OP on this one had a Dak.)

03 Dakota...All lights work but rear brake lights

New to the forum and looking for some help. I'm having issues with my rear brake lights not illuminating. All other lights work, tails, headlights, reverse, turns and hazards. Even the third brake light on the cab illuminates when the pedal is pressed but the rear brakes do not illuminate. I've...

www.dakotaforumz.com

 

[andyvh1959]

I have a 2001 SLT and lately the left directional flashes much faster than the right. Checked the lights, connections, grounds, all good. Then I started getting random chimes going off when everthing was working normally. Other minor issues has me thinking the multi-function flasher control is failing. O"Reilly's sells a 14-pin aftermarket replacement for $72. Or, go to the local parts puller and get a used one from another Dakota or Durango for less than $20.

 

[immattj]

I have a 2001 SLT and lately the left directional flashes much faster than the right. Checked the lights, connections, grounds, all good. Then I started getting random chimes going off when everthing was working normally. Other minor issues has me thinking the multi-function flasher control is failing. O"Reilly's sells a 14-pin aftermarket replacement for $72. Or, go to the local parts puller and get a used one from another Dakota or Durango for less than $20.

I must have lost track on your thread . . . I thought I remembered that you had changed that?