Flashing Headlights

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My headlights flash off & on. There is no pattern that I can detect. It does it when I start up or when I've been running. High beam or low beam. Dash lights go with them. There also has been a "bad" smell" in the cab as of late that I can't identify. The flashing seems to be worse when the smell is stronger.
Anyone have any I. D. 's?

Thanks in Advance,

Gene Earl.

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Gene Earl, White '97' 3500 Laramie SLT, Ext Cab, LB, 5 SPEED, 4. 10 Limited Slip, 4X4. Isspro Boost and Pyro, (pre-turbo), SW Fuel pressure, in a 3 guage A-Pillar mount. No muffler. K&N filter. (it's a start).

 

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Your headlamp switch is melting. My '98 3500 did it to me twice. Eventually they'll just stop working once enough plastic melts around the connectors.

My theory is that the headlamp switch isn't designed to handle the added current flow that a 3500 requires due to the extra running lights.

The headlamp switch was something like $30 which isn't too bad but the plastic wiring connector with the wiring harness pigtail was around $70. It's an easy fix (on my '98 at least--the '97 dash is different--I don't know about the switch).

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'01 ETH/DEE 4x4 QC SLT 3500 4. 10

 

[Archive]

Mike is right about the switch. DC redesigned the switch for the 99 and newer trucks.

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2001 HO 6spd,Quad cab,LWB,4x4,Flame Red,all options except for leather,Westin Brushguard/Push bar,Painless wiring,Radio Shack CB( so what it works},my own designed CB mount,Smittybuilt nerf bars,NW Custom rocker covers,Custom built stainless rocker light bars(more to come)

 

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MuddFlapp,
I'll second that. As a light switch bites the dust it usually internal components are getting to hot, burning/melting plastic. Burning/melting plastics have avery distinct odor.
The only other posibility for flashing lights is a loose/bad ground. But that wouldn't emit a smell.
Take out light switch smell it, odor should be the same that you have noticed when flashing.


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Missouri Mule 96 White 4X4 ST club cab,(grey int. ),5 spd, 3. 54 reg dif, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards, front and side of bed,Pofile V bug shield,
99 Freight liner FL60 blue Cummins 24v 215 hp, 520 torgue,6 spd 3. 59 no spin rear, 16 ft dry box (white) 19. 5 low profile tires,Weight 11,000, gvw 23000, 11 to 12 mpg
Bill Thomas (Wild Bill)

 

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Ok, Wed. (my day off) I'll be pulling the dash apart. Not a big deal really, I've done it twice. Guess I'll get the parts ahead.
So, should I get a switch and harness from the start? And are they dealer parts?

Thanks

Gene Earl.

 

[Archive]

MuddFlapp,

When I had my 97 3500, there was a recall on the headlight switch and part of the harness. You might check to see if your truck was included in that recall and that it was done.

I didn't notice anything about a Trailer Tow Package in your signature and if you don't have it and tow a trailer, you will continuly burn up your switch without a relay in the trailer light circuit.

Good luck, Bill

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Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, Rancho 9000, Air Lift 5000 Air Bags, 80% Towing Hitchhiker II 31', 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW, Lance 990 Camper, Torque-Lift Camper Tiedowns

 

[Archive]

I have a Question; I have a 98. 5 with the "Push/pull" type switch. Can I just Plug the Newer "Turn" Style Switch into the 98. 5 wire harness?.
Thanks.
Doug.

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1998. 5,2500,ISB,Auto,CC,4x4,4. 10's,Suregrip,White Sport,Isspro Boost & Pyro,275hp Injectors,VA,PS Boost Module,DTT Valve Body,BD Pressure Lock,Mopar Perf Alum transmission Pan,16x8 Eagles,285/75/16 Bridgestone MT's,2. 5" Skyjacker Lift,Stockland Seibring Shell. Uniden HR2510 Ham/CB

 

[Archive]

Both the switch and the harness are dealer parts. At my dealer they didn't even have to look the numbers up. I explained the problem and he just went in the back and got 'em. Common problem he said.

The parts guy suggested it should be covered under warranty but it's been my experience the less the dealership works on my truck the better. The cost isn't that much and I don't have to get an appointment or drop the truck off.

Some of the wires on the new harness are of larger gauge than on the original, some are smaller--go figure. At least the colors matched. Easy job, 30 minutes or so.

It's my understanding the newer twist switch won't replace the old push-pull type since they've made some other changes in the way the headlamps are wired.

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'01 ETH/DEE 4x4 QC SLT 3500 4. 10

 

[Archive]

Epilog:

I called DC about the recall but my truck wasn't included so I called the parts guy at my dealer and sure enough the switch and harness was around $90. But, he also had a recall kit for $55 that had the switch, harness and an inline relay for the tow package. Guess which one I bought. I think I have one of those rare breeds in my area called a "good dealership" #ad
#ad
. Anyway, I changed it out Wed. (mine was toast) and life is once again rosey on the Allie K. Ranch.
I have to wonder though if having the fog lights wired to come on with the highbeams maybe sent a little too much amprage through the switch causing it to get hot.

Any thoughts?

Thanks to one & all for the help.

Gene Earl.

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Gene Earl, White '97' 3500 Laramie SLT, Ext Cab, LB, 5 SPEED, 4. 10 Limited Slip, 4X4. Isspro Boost and Pyro, (pre-turbo), SW Fuel pressure, in a 3 guage A-Pillar mount. No muffler. K&N filter. (it's a start).

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by MuddFlapp:
Epilog:

I have to wonder though if having the fog lights wired to come on with the highbeams maybe sent a little too much amprage through the switch causing it to get hot.

Any thoughts?

Thanks to one & all for the help.

Gene Earl.

Just wanted to bring this to the top once more to see if anyone had any thoughts on rewiring the fog lights.