2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission dash lights out

[Cordy]

Dash lights and 5th wheel tail and running lights out. Had lights on all day while driving in the rain on our return trip from the west coast when the lights quit working. Head lights,brake and turn signals still work. Checked all connections and grounds and fuses and found nothing to cause problem. Thinking now that it may be in the light switch,thought would ask for help before I ordered one that I might not need. Thanks for any suggestion.

















1999 3500 Ram drw. with a few upgrades.

2005 Hitchhiker LS 34. 5 5th wheel

 

[JLandry]

A quick check of the wiring diagrams in the factory service manual suggests the headlight switch could indeed be the culprit. I came to this conclusion because there doesn't seem to be anything in common between the instrument cluster illumination and trailer running light circuits except for that headlight switch. It's worth noting that the headlight switch normally won't last the life of the truck, probably due to the intense heat generated by the dimmer rheostat.



Of course it's possible there's something wrong with the wiring behind the switch.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[Cordy]

John, Thanks for the information. I did know about the switch problems this one is not the original. We were returning home after two months at Fadalgo RV Resort in Anacortes. Was able to spend time on Whidbey Island salmon fishing off Possession Point. Love your part of the country during the summer time. To hot here in Alabama.



Thanks again



Cordy

 

[JLandry]

Love your part of the country during the summer time.

Me too!



My wife and I were driving back from the SW coast of Washington this past weekend along a small two lane highway with some incredible scenery. I thought to myself how lucky we are to be able to actually live here instead of just having to visit.



Let us know how the switch thing turns out.



Happy wrenching,



John L.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Most likely the switch. I see a lot of trucks that are not wired properly, especially ones coming out of the generic camper stores..... They wire the trailer lights into the vehicle lights, instead of using the trailer wiring loom, which is designed to take the load off the main wire loom and switch... . Not saying that's your problem, but it could be..... This was a BIG problem on the older 93 and earlier trucks. I don't understand, it's so simple. There is a truck wire loom, and then there is a trailer loom at the back... . where the triler hitches..... and plugs in..... Why hack the factory loom?!?!? :shakehead:

 

[Bob4x4]

Dash lights and 5th wheel tail and running lights out. Had lights on all day while driving in the rain on our return trip from the west coast when the lights quit working. Head lights,brake and turn signals still work. Checked all connections and grounds and fuses and found nothing to cause problem. Thinking now that it may be in the light switch,thought would ask for help before I ordered one that I might not need. Thanks for any suggestion.








1999 3500 Ram drw. with a few upgrades.
2005 Hitchhiker LS 34. 5 5th wheel

There is a wiring repair kit for the overheated wiring you will most likely find at the switch