2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Head/Fog light questions

[sparks57]

•Are the 2002 headlight switches known to burn up like those on the earlier second gens?



•I've heard Silverstar bulbs are pretty good, has anyone found better bulbs?



•Does the "Brite Box" work pretty good? Been wondering if it would be a good investment... or if it's something a shadetree mechanic could fashion up himself?



•Are the foglamp bulbs replaceable? As in, are Silverstar bulbs made for them too?



Thanks everyone!



PS: I kinda like the "blue" look... do the silverstars tint the headlamps and/or foglamps blue?

 

[Got Smoke?]

If I'm not mistaken fog light bulbs are # 893's and several different companies make them.

 

[slo-ryde]

Headlight switch gets hot if you dim the dash lights, works okay otherwise.



I have the SilverStar bulbs installed, marginally better than stock. The headlight assembly is poorly designed, there's only so much an aftermarket bulb can do under those conditions.



Fog light bulbs are replaceable, part number is in owner's manual.



I've read where members have had harnesses burn up when using the Brite Box. There are some good posts on upgrading the harness to carry the extra load.

 

[claykelly]

I run Silverstars in both my trucks and like them better than any other bulb I've tried. Kinda spendy, but worth it in my opinion. Wal-Mart sells them in pair packs for a little less than most places.

 

[Thomas]

... Does the "Brite Box" work pretty good? Been wondering if it would be a good investment... or if it's something a shadetree mechanic could fashion up himself?...

I'll assume you're talking about the 2002 Ram in your signature. You can see what the Brite Box will do by pulling the stalk of the multi-function switch toward you and holding it. This should light both filaments of the 9004 bulbs. This "poor man's" Brite Box will place a greater load on the headlight switch.



I would be surprised if the actual Brite Box created any problems with OEM wiring. The only additional load it puts on the switched ground 2002 Ram headlight wiring is 45 watts through a 15 amp fuse in the PDC and a short run of wire to a bulb.



There have been discussions here in the past about do-it-yourself modifications for the Brite Box effect. Perhaps the search feature can help you. You'll need an understanding of the basic headlight circuitry if you make your own. In my quest for more forward light I followed this path:



brighter bulbs > Brite Box > PIAA 60XT's > Sport lamp transplant > homebrew Brite Box harness



If I were to do it again I'd start with the Sport headlamps. IMHO stock Sport lamps are way better than the non-Sport/Brite Box combination they replaced. Add the Brite Box effect to the Sport lamps and it's no contest. I almost never light the PIAA's now.

 

[sparks57]

Very good advice!



About how much $$$ is involved in changing over to sport lamps?



Thanks everyone!

 

[Thomas]

A number of TDR members use the non-OEM sport lamps from ImportVision Motorsports ($210 + shipping). They will fit your 2002 though the ImportVision site says 1994-2001. You will need a harness which can be made up prior to lamp transplant to minimize downtime. My version will cost you two or three relays, four sockets, a plug, fuses & some wire. I'm sure there are other ways to come up with a harness.

 

[DODGEDADDIE]

HOWDY...

My little GREEN LIGHT on my FOG LIGHT switch no longer lights up !!!!??

Is there a replaceable bulb in there or do you have to replace the whole switch??



THANKS... ... .



Mike In Maine

 

[jkalchik]

A number of TDR members use the non-OEM sport lamps from ImportVision Motorsports ($210 + shipping). They will fit your 2002 though the ImportVision site says 1994-2001. You will need a harness which can be made up prior to lamp transplant to minimize downtime. My version will cost you two or three relays, four sockets, a plug, fuses & some wire. I'm sure there are other ways to come up with a harness.

If you've got an http://www.certi-fit.com shop nearby, you can get the same lamp assemblies for about $40 cheaper.

 

[ERobinette]

The above link should be www.certifit.com