2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2nd gen Headlight Switch

[dtygart]

Hi,

Anybody having headlight switch problems? In my 96, I replaced the switch a few years ago when smoke started coming from under the dash! Then I heard about the recall--went to Dodge and they said "No dice, son--you replaced the switch yourself, we don't owe you anything. " Then I heard about the pigtail extension, so went back to Dodge and they did that under recall. Now, last night my headlights are flickering and going out for a few moments. I can jiggle the switch handle and they come on again. I remember old cars and trucks didn't have a headlight fuse, but a circuit breaker that would at least let you drive home with lights going off then on. I think it is way too early to replace the switch, but who knows the way things are built now days. BTW the headlight switch on my 56 F350 still works!



thanks,

David

 

[RDelissen]

I'm interested in info as well, since it happened to mine last Sunday on the way to the airport towing my trailer ... (I haven't had time to tear into it, since I'm traveling for work)

 

[MHalloran]

Recall?

The headlamp switch problem on the 2nd Gens was a recall? I never knew it was an issue and I never received a notice from DC about this. I do remember my lights going off by themselves once & a wiggle brought them back. Anyone out there think I should visit the dealer about this? Opinions will be appreciated.

 

[bmoeller]

www.dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/819.htm



www.dodgeram.info

 

[gathomas]

dtygart, The answer to your (and anyone else's) headlight switch problems is at: www.summitracing.com part # SUM-890030 its a 9004 headlight relay package. It takes the headlight load away from the dash switch. you feed the lights directly off the battery, ie stronger headlights. Best part they just cut the price of these by 50%. I learned about this on TDR. you can search to check it out..... gathomas

westeren pennsylvania, on the ohio river

 

[dtygart]

Thanks gathomas and all others who answered. Order placed at Summmit!



David

 

[RDelissen]

thanks for the info, just ordered that switch set up

 

[rrausch]

About 3 years ago I upgraded to Sport Headlights, and I ran dims, brights, and the running/clearance lights off of 3 separate relays. I can pull back on the Multifunction switch and really blast the light at night if I need to--all without putting any overload on the poor feeble little Chrysler light switch.



I also bypassed the blower motor by running a relay so that the wiring under the steering wheel doesn't overload. Dodge's wire engineering is REALLY pathetic.

 

[dtygart]

Hey, guys, I ordered my wire loom and relays from Summit Racing yesterday, and it arrived already before noon Pacific time! Not only was the shipping free, but they included a ball cap! Summit Racing Rocks.

David

 

[RDelissen]

Hey, guys, I ordered my wire loom and relays from Summit Racing yesterday, and it arrived already before noon Pacific time! Not only was the shipping free, but they included a ball cap! Summit Racing Rocks.

David

free shipping ... they call it a 'handling' fee

 

[magaliasram]

Can anyone tell me if this harness from Summit will light both the high and low beams when the high beam is selected?

 

[terrywerm]

It might with some modification, but as it comes from Summit, the headlights work just like factory, but with the load removed from your headlight switch.

 

[RDelissen]

okay, educate me guys:

where does the blue plug connect to the head light switch or do you have to splice those wires into the OEM harness somewhere???

blue plug on Summit head light wiring harness ... where does it go?



If you got pix of your set up, or have recommendations/directionsfeel free to share



Thanks!

 

[WBraico]

Why would the headlight switch get hotter when I'm pulling a trailer with all LED lights on it? Dont tell me that the trailer load also goed thru the head light switch . I also seen smoke coming from the dash after pulling the trailer for an hour or so.

Dodge Wouldn't do that (would they ?)

Thanks Walt

 

[magaliasram]

It might with some modification, but as it comes from Summit, the headlights work just like factory, but with the load removed from your headlight switch.

So if I were to add a third relay into the harness and utilize the side of the high beam relay in the summit harness to excite the third relay with a hot wire from the battery with the relay on power through it to the low beams I think this would work. When the high beams were off there would be no way for the low beams to fead back to the high beams. I will have to draw up a diagram and see if you guys agree that it may work.

 

[rweis]

I got the same Summit harness and late one night I realized I needed to add a spare relay to the tool kit. I had low beams no high beams. Stopped at a AutoZone next day and picked two up (one for the harness, one for the tool kit), but might think about adding a standard relay to your tool kit.



Bob Weis

 

[magaliasram]

So was there any difference in the amount of light output using the Summit harness?

 

[Reno Guy]

Just had a similar problem myself. My thread is just down a couple from here "no headlights".

I'm changing my switch tomorrow (if NAPA deliveres as promissed).

Summit harness in the mail. I believe they have a new Part # amc-?????

Check my other thread for more info / link to the harness thread as I doen't know how to link.



Good luck

 

[RDelissen]

So was there any difference in the amount of light output using the Summit harness?

yes and it's more noticeable than some of them snake oil products (FIPK is one)