2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Different Headlight Dimmer Problem

[InThinAir]

Here is the problem: After 165,000 miles the headlamp switch on the 1996 started to have problems. First symtom was that the rheostat wouldn't adjust the instrument panel down very far. Then about a month later when I pulled out the switch the headlights wouldn't come on, I had to push it back in a little to make the lights come on. So I got a new switch from NAPA and replaced it yesterday. Now the lights come on no problem but the dimmer seems to work even worse. Now the dash lights are either on high or off. I checked the wiring on the plug and there was no visible damage. Am I missing something on the dimmer. Something not connected properly or is the dimmer control somewhere else. Any help on this would be appreciated.



---Doug

 

[InThinAir]

Any ideas on this?



---Doug

 

[redram]

There was a Dodge recall on the headlight switch and wiring harness to address a potential overheating problem when towing (added load of the trailer lighting).



Have you had this update performed?



Have you checked the fuse for the dash lights to make sure it is still fully functional?



Have you added any aftermarket gauges to the circuit that may be having an adverse effect on the rheostat in the headlight switch assembly?



Bad ground / poor ground?



Good luck.

 

[InThinAir]

As I recall, no pun, The recall was for 3500's, so no. Never really had a problem with over heating. The Truck is going on 7 years old I have had it since new. Is it possible that a wire in the harness is only allowing a current to pass through once it gets to a certain level. It just doesn't make sense to me. If it was a short than I would think that it would be as precise that at exactly the same position on the turning of the dial the dash lights come on and are on full.



There is no additional load on the lights, no gauges or aftermarket stuff af any kind. I have not checked the fuse, I will do that. I guess I am gonna pull the thing apart and play with it.



---Doug

 

[Bigramguy]

A lot of the aftermarket switches are very cheap. Not sure who makes the switches for NAPA,but you may want to try another one.



The replacement DC switches have been beefed up a fair bit over the years.

 

[Big White Beast]

Bad one out of the box

It's happened. If you take it out see which terminals go to the dash lights. Measure the resistance and if it doesn't fluctuate it's probably a bad switch.



Garrett

 

[InThinAir]

Thanks I am gonna take it out this weekend!



I will give that a try!



---Doug