headlamp switch

[BHerring]

hey all.

I know the stock headlamp switch is a POS, now that I am planning a decent road trip, and I have seen my lights fliker sometimes, do I replace this switch with another mopar part or should I use aftermarket? comments and suggestions are welcome



thanks

Brad

 

[Tippin Spotted Cow]

Ah, the headlight switch claims yet another soul... .



From my own experience and from what I hear, it seems to be that switch is really a toss up as to if you get one that lasts or not. I had to put a new one in, then again no more than 2-3 months later, and now this one has been going strong for 9-10 months. If you start burning them out left and right, its more likely a short than anything. I believe I picked mine up for 12 bucks, and if your going on a long trip it might not hurt to have an extra. I'd hate to be in the middle of nowhere far from home and from civilization and the headlights go out.



The only real fix I know of to make them last longer is installing relays for the headlights so the load isnt on the switch. Me and Jimmy (jgrefenstette) had a whole big long post discussion how to wire them in. I even drew up diagrams in Paint and all... . https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/1st-generation-ram-forum-1989-1993/196594-left-dark.html

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

I second the headlight relay conversion. The only problem I've noticed is that the extra power to the headlighte tends to shorten their life - still well worth the change over. I also went 100% LED on all other lights to further reduce the load - both on my truck and my trailer.



Bob

 

[tugboatphil]

Brad, there is a switch "upgrade" kit for 2nd Gens that I put on last time. The kit was cheaper than just the switch, go figure. In addition to the switch there is a wire extension set so you can pull the thing out a bit further to work on it. A couple of the wires are different colors than ours, but there is a conversion chart... . somewhere. I posted a thread on this when I did it.

Bob, how's that LED upgrade working out? I was reading on an LED website that you should put the same color LED as the color of the lense. Did you do that? Does it shine bright enough for you through the lenses? I bought the rectangular replacements for my dually fenders and tailgate. They're great!

 

[BHerring]

Bob,

Please more info like part numbers and such for the led lights.



I will most likely do the headligh realy conversion or even do the "upgrade" and keep a spare switch in my tool box, for the just in case.

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Try SUPER BRIGHT LEDS home on line. That's where I got my lights and info on LEDs. Yes they are much brighter when you use the same color LED behind the lens color you are using. My front marker/turn signal have 18 LEDs in them - the largest number that will fit in the lens. P/N 1157-24A - Narrow. The narrow stands for the angle of view - narrow works best in front. The brake/tail light P/N is 1157-R24-WV - Wide this works better on th rear so they can be seen from the side. They also have 18 LEDs in them. You will also need a different flasher - I used a "no load" flasher. The side markers have 6 LEDs. You can find everything you need there.



Bob

 

[BHerring]

Bob,

This is cool, for the front our lens covers or my lens covers are clear, so I would use the clear/white leds? My current bulb is orange. . what color is your lens and leds for the front. . thanks brad

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

My front lens are clear also but the amber LEDs work quite well - I would suggest amber. Most states do require amber (red or amber on the rear) on turn signals/running lights.



Bob

 

[BHerring]

Bob,
Thanks

 

[BHerring]

Bob,
Did you install any of those load resistors for the side markers?

Is there a reason why you didnt get the 30 led bulbs?

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

I used LEDs in the side markers and with the "no load" flasher they worked fine. Also some LEDs are polarized and might just need to be rotated 180 degrees in the socket. I found that out when I did my trailer lighting and had to switch wires on some marker lights.



Since our bulbs mount into the lens from the rear the ones I got were the largest that would fit through that hole. They have a diagram of the light that gives you dimensions - check those out for fit.



Bob

 

[BHerring]

Bob,
Will check the dimensions, on a different note and I really don't want to pull the flasher at the office, do you remember what flasher you got?

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Re the flasher I will have to check that out for you - will let you know later today.



Bob

 

[BHerring]

Bob,
dont worry, if you can find the part number great, if not thats ok too, I am going to take the flasher out when I get home to figure out which one it is

 

[BHerring]

Bob,

I will need the part number to the flasher, the one I got doesnt work, here is the part number that I got CF12ANL-01. If I leave the side marker lamps in the flasher works, (with all my other lamps being LED). would you please check to see what the part number of the flasher is.

Thanks

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

The P/N on the flasher is as follows FF552NLF. NLF stands for No Load Fixed. The only other writing on the flasher are the letters ALC. Don't know if you've got a Baxter Auto Parts where you are but that's where I got mine. Hope this helps.



Bob

 

[BHerring]

Bob,

Thanks, that really helps

Brad