2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission head light switch prob. on 97 2500

[Got Smoke?]

Past 2 nights in a row I've noticed my light switch being very sensitive, and the lights kind of illuminating a little more if I pull on it slightly when its already all the way out



Then tonight on a country backroad I flipped to my brights and like 3 seconds later my headlights went completely out!:--)



Luckily I did not panic, and reached up and barely touched the head light switch and they came back on.



Any idea's?? Hope this won't end up costing a lot.

 

[RVPILOT]

switch

Check with the dealer, there is a recall as a safety related item. R V Pilot

 

[RHARVEY]

I have a 97 and the last time I had it in to the dealer for the throttle linkage recall. . I ask about the light switch. They could not find a safety recall.

But we do have a problem with the switch. The Dodge updated switch is much heavier than the stock one.



Here is a link to where I found the information... .



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/819.htm



Rick

 

[San Felipe Bob]

switch

I replaced my switch about a year ago.

The cost was about 20 or 30 bucks.

Labor was free (I am my own Warranty station!).

It took less than an hour.

At first they tried to sell me a complete switch with a replacement harness.

150 bucks?

I opted for just the switch and I checked my connectors to be sure nothing was burned.



Been working great.



SFB

 

[grtescpa]

Use a relay

Put in a set of relays to take all the load off that junk switch Dodge sells. The headlight switch will only see the ma load of the relay coils. I used (2) 12volt 30 amp relays (weather proof type) One for lows and the other for the highs. I mounted the relays on the left front fender. I can switch the lows and highs together for added brightness. My headlights are much brighter.

 

[QRTRHRS]

When you make your little tweaks to get the lights back works, thats all well and good. In the meantime, your switch plug and wiring could be getting fried. Don't put off the repairs.



grtescpa has the correct idea. Even with the so called upgraded switch, there is too much current demand.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by QRTRHRS

When you make your little tweaks to get the lights back works, thats all well and good. In the meantime, your switch plug and wiring could be getting fried. Don't put off the repairs.



grtescpa has the correct idea. Even with the so called upgraded switch, there is too much current demand.

Well I kinda had to seeing as I was doing 45mph down a narrow 2 lane country back road! :-laf

 

[C. Harlan]

Just replaced mine.... too bad the recall is not on 98's

my harness was pretty much fried, and thank God for a Leatherman... used that little sucker to get the wires back on the right prongs!



-Chris-

 

[Got Smoke?]

Re: Just replaced mine.... too bad the recall is not on 98's

Originally posted by charlan

my harness was pretty much fried, and thank God for a Leatherman... used that little sucker to get the wires back on the right prongs!



-Chris-

Nice sig Chris :-laf

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by Got Smoke?

Well I kinda had to seeing as I was doing 45mph down a narrow 2 lane country back road! :-laf

I understand that. I did the same thing only I kept doing it to defer the repairs. After about a week, I made it home with my fog lights. About half the wires and the plug were toast. I wanted to warn you not to do the same as it makes repairs a bit more complicated.

 

[Blakers]

I recall, awhile back, someone - perhaps Bill F. - said they had expanded the recall on the light switches to include the 94-97 2500s in addition to the 3500s. I'd like to see if I can get reimbursed on the switch I had to buy last year and I can't find that info. Anyone know?



Thanks.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Yeah I ended up buying the switch and only needed the switch not the wiring but they are only sold together for $65



Oh well no probs sense!