Overhead console lamp switch

[alexanderJ]

Apparently there is no availability on replacement lamp switches for a 2005 Ram 2500. I was curious if anyone has come up with a third party switch solution?

I have one switch that fell apart, and based on past posts on this forum and others, trying to repair the plastic switch just offers a short term solution to the problem. If I can't find a switch that will work I'm thinking about re-wiring where the lamps will come on when the doors are opened only. That will eliminate the need for a switch. Seems better than having no lamp at all.

 

[bighammer]

I have the overhead lights and console from my '03 in my barn. If you want them, let me know.

 

[alexanderJ]

I have the overhead lights and console from my '03 in my barn. If you want them, let me know.

PM sent.

 

[georgeevans]

I also have the same issue with my 04.5 2500. Has anyone come up with a more permanent solution?
Thank you

 

[alexanderJ]

Well I just tried something that I feel will provide a easy, cheap quick fix.

I pulled the overhead console and removed the broken switch. This is a SPDT switch with one leg providing 12vdc to the bulb when the doors are opened, and the other leg providing 12vdc to the bulb when the lens is pushed (activating the switch) when driving.

I wired the 12vdc "door" leg direct to the bulb lead, and taped the other leg. So now I have no active switch on that side of the console but I have both left and right bulb activation when the doors are opened. If I need these overhead lights when driving, I can turn the wheel next to my headlight switch all the way to just before it activates the cargo lights, and both overhead console lights come on as well as the dome light.

This works for me.

 

[Ozymandias]

I also have the same issue with my 04.5 2500. Has anyone come up with a more permanent solution?
Thank you

Get another console from fleabay, they go for the dime.

 

[alexanderJ]

Get another console from fleabay, they go for the dime.

Not sure what you mean by the dime, but if they are used that means they are old and the plastic switches have deteriorated. Unfortunate they don't break, the upper and lower part of the switch body separate, probably due to heat.

 

[Ozymandias]

That depends heavily from the location, the heat kills the plastic.
I got one from the Detroit area and it was in perfect shape.

But I hear you, it would be nicer if the switch itself would be available as a spare part.

 

[alexanderJ]

If someone just has to have the switch active in the console, I think this would be the answer:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/judco-manufacturing-inc/40-4169-00/611176

I'm not certain this would be a drop in replacement and that you could still push on the lens and activate the switch, but it would be close. As a good alternative you could drill two 3/8" holes in the console and mount two of these switch's, one for the left and right light.

I'm still happy with the way I did it.