2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Head lamp knob illumination

[Joe Mc]

I just noticed tonight (after 5 years of ownership) the my head lamp switch knob isn't illuminated. The rest of the knobs on the cluster; fan, temp, heat/AC selector and the radio all have a little slash that is illuminated. So the question is, "isn't the head lamp switch also supposed to be illuminated?"



If so is the switch itself bad, or is there a replacable lamp within the knob? I tried to pull the knob but it wouldn't slide off? Is it fastened w/set screw to the switch shaft? Or should I just get a new switch? Not a 911 for sure but just wondering.



Thanks

 

[moparmikeJ]

Just went outside and looked at mine. If you mean the little "pointer" slash, Nope! My actual knob itself is dark. Things that make you go hmmmm. Mike

 

[Joe Mc]

Just went outside and looked at mine. If you mean the little "pointer" slash, Nope! My actual knob itself is dark. Things that make you go hmmmm. Mike

hmmmmm wasn't sure. And of course last night was the first time I noticed it wasn't lit - hmmmm. Very perceptive on my part



Anyone else wish to check so now the both of us will be sure it's either not working or isn't supposed to be illuminated. :-laf

 

[Nate]

Mine doesn't light. I have the pull out style on my truck though.

 

[Joe Mc]

Thanks Nate.

 

[BTowler]

Mine use to light, went out recently. From what I have heard you can't replace the bulbs, which makes no sense, but that is what I was told and read somewhere here.

 

[Joe Mc]

Great! At least now I know that it's "supposed to light up". Thanks.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YUP - the knob pointer on my '02 lights up just fine...

 

[kelly4463]

Thanks joe i got to go look at my light switch now :-laf

 

[AndyMan]

I disassembeled my switch last night to see if I could locate a bulb for the pointer. That turned out to be a big mistake. I can confirm what BTowler mentioned reading about not being able to replace the bulb yourself. I don't know where that bulb is, but I can tell you from recent experience that if you try and disassemble it, you'll tear up the fog light switch, and spend about 30 minutes balancing springs and copper rollers trying to get it all back together so you can at least have headlights.



... anybody got a spare fog light ready headlamp switch?

 

[THinton]

E-BAY HAS ONE http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-Dodge-Ram-2500-truck-Headlight-Head-Light-Switch_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ40017QQihZ019QQitemZ290046636005QQrdZ1QQtcZphoto

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I wonder if they use fiber optics for the switch illumination?



Or, perhaps an inbedded (molded into the knob itself) LED...

 

[AndyMan]

There are two bulbs on the back of the switch assembley. One appears to be for all the lighting (sans the switch knob evidently), and the other bulb is for the fog light indicator.



I'd say there is probably just a regular old bulb that is molded into the knob. Evidently mine is burned out.