2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight Problems

[Posm]

I have intermittent headlight failure when I switch from bright to dim. I have tried to tilt the wheel up and down to cause a problem but it seems to be in the dimmer switch or a relay. If I switch lights quickly and positively the light always work. If I do it slowly they will go black sometimes. This makes me think it is a sticking relay. Where is the headlight relay?



Thanks for your help

 

[Blakers]

I would guess it's in the switch as the relay either gets power from the switch or it doesn't.



Good luck,



Blake

 

[KWentling]

I'd be interested in what you find. I have noticed that on my truck a couple of times recently.

Kim

 

[Posm]

Kim

I see you have the Bright Box. Those people should know the headlight system back and front. Maybe you could contact them and they could tell you where to look. I hate electrical, especially if it is intermittent. I still suspect a sticking relay, I just don't know where those relays are. I am sure the switch does not carry the full load of the headlights. Let me know if you find out anything.



Bryan

 

[Thomas]

Your problem is in the multi-function (dimmer) switch. The model year 2000 Ram uses a relay in the high-beam circuit of the quad headlamp setup (Sport option) only. If you don't have the quad headlamps you won't find a relay.



Twelve volts is always present at the head lamps. The headlamp switch supplies a path to ground. Apparently, the headlamp switch can only handle the current from one pair of lamp filaments at a time, hence the need for a relay with the quad headlamps. The BriteBox supplies a ground for the low beams when the multi-function switch is in the high beam position and doesn't overload the headlamp switch.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Last truck I had had a floor button switch that would black out the lights once in a while. Problem was, you had to frantically tamp away at it sometimes cause it would get stuck on the floor with the lights off. An interesting experience.



Yup... I agree, sounds like the switch.

 

[Ed]

Headlight switch

I had the same problem. It is the multi-function switch on the steering column.

It is really fun when going down the road at night and having the headlights go out as you switch from low to high or high to low.





Ed

 

[Posm]

How do you replace the switch? Do you need to pull the steering wheel? How long will it take?

 

[benhall]

What month of 2000 was your truck built? If your lucky, you might still be under the factory warranty and that is a covered part.



Ben

 

[Posm]

Naw, this one will be on me. I'm just 109,000 out of my factory warranty. Do you think they will make and exception. Do you need to remove the wheel and airbag or can you just remove the column shield?