John Deere 2382.03 – BLC (Basic Lighting Controller) or RLC (Roof Lighting Controller): Clearance Light, License Plate Light or Tail Light, External Voltage

The controller is detecting voltage on the side light/park light output pin even when the lighting circuit is commanded off. This is almost always caused by a short-to-power or a voltage backfeed within the wiring loom, where a constant power source is bleeding over into the lighting circuit.

• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 6090MC
• 6090RC
• 6100MC
• 6100RC
• 6110MC
• 6110RC
• 8245R through 8400R
• 9470RT
• 9520RT
• 9570RT

1. 1

   Inspect trailer lighting receptacles (if equipped) for internal corrosion, as this is a highly common cause of 12V auxiliary power bridging into the tail light circuit.

2. 2

   Inspect the lighting circuit wiring and connectors (clearance, license plate, and tail lights) for signs of a short circuit to power, such as chafed wire insulation, melted conduits, or pinched harnesses.

3. 3

   Remove bulbs or disconnect LED assemblies for the clearance/tail lights one by one to determine if an internally shorted light assembly is causing the backfeed.

4. 4

   Disconnect the harness at the BLC or RLC module. Test the module pin to ensure it is not internally shorted and outputting voltage when off, then test the harness-side pin with a multimeter to confirm the voltage is coming from the loom.

1. 1

   Disconnect Power

   Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts during repair.

2. 2

   Isolate the Short

   Based on your diagnostic checks, isolate the section of the wiring loom where the backfeed is occurring.

3. 3

   Repair the Loom

   If the wiring harness is chafed or melted, cut out the damaged section of wiring. Splice in new wire of the same gauge using weather-sealed heat-shrink butt connectors. Wrap the repaired section in high-temperature loom tape or corrugated conduit.

4. 4

   Clean/Replace Connectors

   If the backfeed was caused by corrosion bridging the pins (e.g., at the trailer plug or a main harness junction), thoroughly clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease. If the connector is heavily corroded or melted, cut it out and wire in a replacement pigtail.

5. 5

   Reassemble and Clear Codes

   Reconnect the battery, turn the key to the ON position, and use a diagnostic tool (like John Deere Service ADVISOR) to clear the inactive 002382.03 code.

6. 6

   Verify Repair

   Turn the lights on and off multiple times to ensure the code does not return and the lights function normally.