Passenger side Rear tail light will not turn off on Isata 3

[pgeraghty]

I have a 2016 Isata 3 - we are camping in Florida and I just noticed that the passenger side tail light will not turn off. The RV is parked, not running. It just came on when we were parked. The only thing I did that might have caused this one was to lower the Big Foot stabilizers.
Here are the conditions:
1. Tail light remains in bright mode - whether the running lights are on or off, engine on or off.
2. When you turn on the right turn signal, the front signal flashes, but the rear remains steady bright
3. When you turn OFF the right turn signal, the front signal turns off, the rear remains bright and the Sony display continues to show the right side camera view
4. When you press the brake pedal, the passenger side rear light goes from bright to dimmer (running light bright). The driver side goes to bright.
It sounds like a wiring or control issue - any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Patrick Geraghty
2016 Dynamax Isata 3 ISC24FWM

[flyflotrtim]

Start with the easiest approach and put new bulbs in the rear lights. Probably won't help but its a place to start. Next I would pull the rear wiring and confirm that everything is tight and there aren't any shorting wires.

[pgeraghty]

I started to take out one of the 2 rear passenger side tailightst - took the 3 screws out - cover did not pull out easily - did not want to force it - is it just a stuck fit?

[pgeraghty]

The problem is the passenger side rear tail lights (2 of them, LED) will not turn off.
I camped all night with them on - fortunately they are LED and the MB battery charge is ok.
I'm trying to find the turn signal/ relay -

[JLeising]

Believe in 2016 Forest River was using the Curt taillight controller. Try searching the forum - e.g. one resulting thread:
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...er-104116.html

FYI, Jim

[pgeraghty]

Thanks for the link - lots of posts, but I don't know where the Curt controller is on my 2016 Isata 3. Any ideas?

We're down in Florida - were going kayaking for my birthday, but this takes precedent...


Patrick Geraghty

[JLeising]

Not familiar with Dynamax. Believe most Forest River MBS owners find it under the vehicle by following the wires from the trailer light connector.
Good Luck,
Jim

[JLeising]

Here’s a link to the recall notice. It does list Isata as included:
https://dealers.forestriverinc.com/d...lerCentral.pdf

FYI, Jim

[aircommuter]

Disconnect the battery ground cable for 5 minutes and see if that resets it.

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by JLeising

Believe in 2016 Forest River was using the Curt taillight controller. Try searching the forum - e.g. one resulting thread:
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...er-104116.html

FYI, Jim

It is located to the right and aft of the generator, by the Black/Grey Tank drain. I inspected my 2016 Isata3FW when it was new and found it flopping around so I double bagged it and strapped it to the frame member to protect it. Never had a problem but have read about lots of other people with problems at their tail lights similar to yours. I inspected the underneath totally and found lots of chafing and loose wires. Used lots of tie straps and insulation to protect them. Worth the time.

[pgeraghty]

I'm looking into the wiring for the rear lights. Followed the wiring harness from the trailer plug and it seems to wrap around to this - whatever it is. This is located underneath in the rear of my Isata - 3 well rear of the rear axle.

I'm still exploring, it's full of grit in there - but goldish ceramic looking connectors are very warm to the touch. Again, the issue is the passenger side rear tail lights will NOT shut off. The right rear turn signal will not blink.

I bought my 2016 Isata 3 used, with about 8k miles on it. I can't believe this was done at the factory, so it must have been done by the original owner - looks like I have a mess on my hand.

Patrick Geraghty

[bclemens]

Others have got it right...it is likely the Curt Controller. I would check your VIN for the recall. That was the only way to get the Mercedes Benz to properly communicate with our tail lights.

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Others have got it right...it is likely the Curt Controller. I would check your VIN for the recall. That was the only way to get the Mercedes Benz to properly communicate with our tail lights.

40 pages of VINs not in order on that recall. I download the PDF so I could do a search on it. My 2016 wasn't on it. Never had a problem on the tail lights on mine,

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by mlmay12

40 pages of VINs not in order on that recall. I download the PDF so I could do a search on it. My 2016 wasn't on it. Never had a problem on the tail lights on mine,

I will say (and this is not a scientific result) it appeared that most of the issues came when the Curt Controller overheated. This mainly appeared when someone had an incandescent tow vehicle that overloaded it. The newer module was just the same thing with a higher rating (if memory serves me)

[pgeraghty]

I will check on the recall.
We are camping at this spot for another 10 days - won't be driving the RV - but we do have a 1,7000 mile trip home ahead of us. I have a 2016 Dynamax Isata 3 ISC24FWM - VIN ends in 8G9648740

So for now, can I disconnect the 2 grey plug connectors to get the rear tailight to shut off?

[pgeraghty]

And I have never towed anything with my Isata 3. I do have a hitch mount bike rack that carries our 2 bikes!

[bclemens]

Like I said...not scientific. I don't see why you can't unplug them for now.

[pgeraghty]

ok - thanks. will look into the recall. nice having this forum!

[pgeraghty]

I unplugged one of the grey connectors and the tailight went off - so good for now.

Also checked my VIN with the ones listed in Recall Notice #16V465. It matches.

I am here in Florida for 10 days, what options do I have to get this done?

Patrick Geraghty

[bclemens]

You would have to contact your service rep directly.

https://dynamaxcorp.com/contact-us

There is a map, but Colleen handles the east coast.