2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission '94 2500 headlight switch

[jalex]

My '94 2500 Ram has 108,000 miles and is in above average overall condition. I noticed last night when I pulled the headlight switch out that the headlights failed to come on. By moving the switch handle up and down in the on position the lights came on. I see a dangerous problem in the furture so would like to fix it before hand. Do these trucks headlights have relays or directly connected to the headlight switch. I remember reading of this type problem in the TDR but seems it was on the first generation trucks. Has anyone else had this problem. Thanks jalex

 

[Joe G.]

I think there was a recall for a headlight switch melt down problem. Check here to see if all the recalls have been done for your truck: Dodge - Contact Us)

 

[jalex]

I think there was a recall for a headlight switch melt down problem. Check here to see if all the recalls have been done for your truck: Dodge - Contact Us)

Hi Joe, The link said there were no unperformed recalls or customer satisfaction notices

 

[Joe G.]

Your year may not have been covered by the recall or it has been fixed once in the past. Mine had the recall. Then after looking it over before I added some more lights, I installed relays so that only low current goes through the light switch. If I recall correctly, using the dimmer tends to make the switch hotter.

 

[jalex]

Your year may not have been covered by the recall or it has been fixed once in the past. Mine had the recall. Then after looking it over before I added some more lights, I installed relays so that only low current goes through the light switch. If I recall correctly, using the dimmer tends to make the switch hotter.

Joe, I keep my reostat all the way open because one night I went to cut my lights off of my '01 3500 and it was so hot that I could not touch it; I had the guage lights turned very low. Are there aftermarket switches or is this a dealer only item? I will probably get a new switch and install relays. Thanks Jerry

 

[Joe G.]

I don't know about any aftermarket switches. The stock switch works fine unless it is overloaded. Relays will take care of that. I wired my lights so that they work like the Brite Box gadget. I also wired a couple of 100W running lights to be on when high beams are on. That is way too much current for the stock light switch, thus the relays. Feel free to email me if you want to talk about modification wiring.

 

[robbiesworld]

My 95 3/4 ton and my 95 1 ton burned up so many switches and plugs I got tired of dealing with it so I bypassed the headlight wire and ran it stright through this little switch I picked up at the parts store. with a little drilling and trimming it has worked great for a few years now.



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[WilsonF]

Relays are the way to go especially if you are doing any towing. I made my own from info from the internet. You can get complete systems from Summit and this site:Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
I also think you can get the switch from NAPA.

Floyd

 

[RMcKinney]

Jalex,

I got the switch replacement from NAPA and a harness adapter from JEGS. It pluged into the orginal harness light bulb socket but uses relays and is wired to battery.

Problem solved and my dim lights are brighter that the Bright Lights were prior to fix. Rex McKinney 1995 2500 Stock at 260000 running fine. (The 1995 had switch recqall but I wanted to do it myself. )

 

[jalex]

Relays are the way to go especially if you are doing any towing. I made my own from info from the internet. You can get complete systems from Summit and this site:Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
I also think you can get the switch from NAPA.

Floyd

Floyd, I read Daniel's article; It is very easy to follow and seems very efficent. I am going to do both of my Rams because I am sure the factory wiring is marginal. Thank you for your reply. Jerry

 

[jalex]

Jalex,

I got the switch replacement from NAPA and a harness adapter from JEGS. It pluged into the orginal harness light bulb socket but uses relays and is wired to battery.

Problem solved and my dim lights are brighter that the Bright Lights were prior to fix. Rex McKinney 1995 2500 Stock at 260000 running fine. (The 1995 had switch recqall but I wanted to do it myself. )

Rex, I will check out napa and jegs for the suggested parts. I do want my headlights to work properly because in the 1960's I was left in the dark at 70mph-------bad feeling and very dangerious. Thanks Jerry

 

[jalex]

My 95 3/4 ton and my 95 1 ton burned up so many switches and plugs I got tired of dealing with it so I bypassed the headlight wire and ran it stright through this little switch I picked up at the parts store. with a little drilling and trimming it has worked great for a few years now.



#ad

Hi, I love this forum also; it has been a blessing to have other peoples experiences shared rather than learn from experience. Thank you, Jerry

 

[jalex]

I don't know about any aftermarket switches. The stock switch works fine unless it is overloaded. Relays will take care of that. I wired my lights so that they work like the Brite Box gadget. I also wired a couple of 100W running lights to be on when high beams are on. That is way too much current for the stock light switch, thus the relays. Feel free to email me if you want to talk about modification wiring.

Thanks Joe, I will e-mail you. Jerry

 

[Dave M]

All very good suggestions so far. Here is another headlight harness I installed in my 97 from LMC Truck $29. 95 plus shipping (scroll down to bottom of screen):



LMC Truck Parts - Page 20



Dave

 

[JacobsonD]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. My headlight switch failed a few weeks ago while towing our travel trailer. We had to run only during the daytime all the way from MN to southern CA. I'm glad this forum exists to help solve these problems right.

DJ

 

[jalex]

All very good suggestions so far. Here is another headlight harness I installed in my 97 from LMC Truck $29. 95 plus shipping (scroll down to bottom of screen):



LMC Truck Parts - Page 20



Dave

Dave, I checked out the site and that looks like a quick and inexpensive fix. Have you had any problems with the relays? Thanks Jerry

 

[Dave M]

Dave, I checked out the site and that looks like a quick and inexpensive fix. Have you had any problems with the relays? Thanks Jerry

No problem with the relays but it's only been 3-4 months. I'm sure if they fail any brand will fit since they have connectors on each of the 2 relays. I had to extend the passenger side to make it fit and added split loom but otherwise its an easy install. Search my user name for the thread I did on it.



Now I'm thinking of eventually going to sport headlights which means a different harness ($133 from sunlights). If you are considering that then get the sport conversion harness and install it until you get the sport lights. I have to remove this harness when I go with the sport one... oh well.



Dave

 

[jalex]

No problem with the relays but it's only been 3-4 months. I'm sure if they fail any brand will fit since they have connectors on each of the 2 relays. I had to extend the passenger side to make it fit and added split loom but otherwise its an easy install. Search my user name for the thread I did on it.



Now I'm thinking of eventually going to sport headlights which means a different harnes ($133 from sunlights). If you are considering that then get the sport conversion harness and install it until you get the sport lights. I have to remove this harness when I go with the sport one... oh well.



Dave

Dave, I don't think I will go with the sport lights. I have some aftermarket lights that I will probably just add separately. Thanks for the warning though. Jerry

 

[biggy238]

One of the LMC harnesses will let you go to sport headlights I think.





Buy one of those harnesses. It's so Easy. I misunderstood how a bright box worked and bought one when I installed my sport headlights. The bright box burnt my switch in record time. (factory switch) I cut up the harness they supplied and added some relays and now have what they sell with no hassle.



I would recommend finding a sufficient diode and place between the the high and low beam relay triggers so that the high beam circuit will trigger the lows.

 

[Dave M]

One of the LMC harnesses will let you go to sport headlights I think. ... ... ... ... ... ...

I could not find a sport harness and remember it needs to be a CONVERSION harness to adapt to the sport headlight. Only one I found was suvlights.com for the finished harness ($133) or Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply for a kit to build it ($79)or I believe he will build one too.