2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission headlight problems while going from hi to low

[Weidner]

01 2500, having an intermittent light problem. Driving with high beams on, hit switch to change to low beams and the lights go out. Hit the switch a few times and the lights come back on. Sounds like the turn signal/high beam switch to me. Has anyone experienced this?

 

[johnmoore]

I once had a Pontiac Grand Am that did the same thing. After a few days of this happening both low beams went dead. You may be due for some new bulbs shortly.

 

[PaulG]

i had the same problem, need to replace the light/blinker stalk not a big deal i think $50

Paul G.

 

[illflem]

Same problem but it happened only once then never again for the last two months.

 

[lkuykendall]

I had the same problem in my 2001. Like Illflem, the problem suddenly stopped and hasn't occurred for a few months now. If it happens again, I will be checking on the replacement part mentioned above.



Len

 

[dremelts]

Mine has done the same thing twice within the last couple of months... guess maybe I'll just leave it on lo-beam.

 

[jrollins]

yes it has happened to me also, but not in a while, i also think that the multifunction switch on the column is the issue

 

[Mundgyver]

I had this problem awhile back. Had a few other issues with the electrical system and every thing boiled down to the dash harness. The problem was in the steering wheel section with the wire flex from the tilt wheel. Dodge did not allow enough harness for proper flex which resulted in the wires at the back of the ignigiton switch and the hi-beam mutli function switch, cracking and shearing off of the connectors to the switch. This created intermitten connections which gave me the symptoms that your are describing.



I was able to find the problem and show it to the local dealer who happly replaced the whole dash harness under warranty. Since my truck was built and prior to this, I was told that the dash harness had gone through 3 revisions/improvements.



Thats my experience. Check the wires at the back of the multifunction switch and see if any are cracked or broken from the connector. Good luck

 

[IWeiny]

Same problem here

my 99 had this problem, scary on a dark mountain road.



Dealer replaced turn signal switch under warrenty and all is fine now.

 

[JGorman]

I am haveing that very problem now. When I pull the lever to change it feels funny, like maybe dirt in the moving part of the switch. I'm going to take it apart and see. If no luck, I gurss i'll put in a new switch and see what happens. JGorman 2001 2500 HO 6 speed 2WD club cab. Love it.

 

[RichK]

My 96 has done this on a curvy, two lane highway, while towing a trailer. It was just about time for an underwear change.



I'm happy to see this thread, as I have always wondered if I was the only one. Someone is gonna get injured on this one.



Rich

 

[dresslered]

Mine does it during my mountain commute. When I encounter an oncoming car, I go from High Beam to Low Beam and sometimes there is total darkness (except for the fog lights). Toggle it once or twice and the Low Beams come back on. Other car sure must be wondering whether I'm coming straight from the bar. Sure wonder why the turn-signal in my '46 Willy's has worked flawlessly for 58-years?

 

[Thomas]

David,



If you install a jumper from pin 18 (low beam input) of the multi-function switch to pin 6 (output from beam-select switch) of the headlamp switch, the low beams will always be on when the headlamps are on, whether or not the multi-function switch is working. This should be easy for someone that enabled the halo light on a 2001 Ram



This jumper would also be a cheap way to create the "BriteBox" effect. The only downside I can see is that the extra load through the headlamp switch with OEM wiring would probably take out the headlamp switch in short order This should'nt be a problem with your custom Sport harness, even though you don't need the "BriteBox".



Or you could replace the multi-function switch.

 

[dresslered]

Thomas-

Your idea is definitely a possibility. I remember when I built my custom quad harness, I debated whether I should use my own relays for the low beams as well. Instead, I opted to keep the low-beam circuit completely stock. Perhaps if I had modified them, I would have lessened the loading on the multi-function switch.

 

[WDaniels]

Did you buy your truck new or used? One thing that isn't covered here is that it could possibly be a Canadian truck brought into the US and the dash converted for US use. We get ALOT of those from Seattle where dealers go into Canada and buy up lots of cars and bring them and convert them for US sales. I almost bought one that was a 3500 TD that that had that exact problem. In Canada full time lights are the law. Over here they convert that so that they are not on all the time. The problem is that the headlights don't always work properly. Do a carfax on your rig if you bought it used to see where it was ment for. The last time I used carfax it only covered the United States. So, if it doesn't show up in carfax, it is canadian. Hope this helps.

WD

 

[hammersley]

Can we get a part number for this switch -

 

[dresslered]

As near as I can tell from the 2000 parts manual:



12 5269 377 1 DBB SWITCH, Multifunction (DBB = All Manual Transmissions)



I sure don't know what the Auto people use?

 

[Thomas]

Before you buy a switch, see if adjusting the steering wheel tilt through its extreme positions has any effect on the "no lights". Some on this board have reported loose connectors/broken wires at the multi-function switch

 

[dresslered]

Mine's been working for 5 straight days now... . I'm not touching a thing! Good advice and I would definitely pull things apart before going to see my friendly neighborhood Dodge parts man.

 

[hammersley]

I always have mine in the almost top

position - are fols having a problem there or at the bottom??????