2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight recall issues on '98??

[JGheen]

Headlight switch recall issues on '98??

So my headlight switch had recently burned out and fried the connector on the back of the switch. I had the headlight switch replaced about 3 years ago and back then according to the service tech it was a recall on these trucks. I found the recall info on Dave Fritz's website but it states it is only for the 94-97 trucks. Since mine is a '98 12v, is the headlight switch the same as the 94-97s?? I had the dealer order the headlight switch kit that comes with all the necessary recall equipment(switch, harness, etc. ) but according to the service tech I just talked to, there is no recall for my year of truck or history of them doing the switch. I'll have to dig for the reciept for that headlight switch done back then but why would there be no recall info on my year of truck when the switch burned out as the 94-97s would have?? Has anyone else's '98 burned out the switch??

Just for quick info, the dash lights were the first to go, then the parking lamps and now only the headlights work. All fuses checked out Ok. Pulled the switch and the large connector on the back was fried as well as a couple wires going into the connector.



Thanks for the help guys, Joe

 

[GOlsen]

98 was the first year they redid the interior, so it's probably a different switch all together.

 

[Nate]

My 98 has the pull knob like the older 2nd gens. 99 has a twisty knob

 

[JGheen]

Yeah, my '98 has the pull knob switch as well, but what gets me is if this recall was supposedly fixed on the '98s, why did mine burn out?? Dealer won't fulfill the recall cuz it only goes for the '94-97 trucks. So has anyone else's '98 switch burnt out as well?



Joe

 

[Hammer]

I have 150k on my 98 and no problems with it at all. Most of the problems I know about on the 98's headlight switches come from owners overloading the switch with the aftermarket gauge lighting wires. The 99 and up trucks with driving lights also had a pull option on theirs for the driving lights... ... Andy

 

[Michael Hughes]

I had a 99 that I had the switch go bad in. It was do to the after market trailer light cable that I had bought. If your truck didn't come with the trailer tow package and you are pulling any type of trailer you will have this problem.

 

[JGheen]

Well guess i just need to get another switch and see how things go. I only have an EGT and boost gauge tapped into the dash lighting fuse and according to the 94-97 recall, it is only on the 3500 trucks that have the cab, fender ad tailgate lights. Just glad it didn't catch fire.....



Joe

 

[RBrunson]

Joe, mine went out just like yours, same symtoms. I replaced mine with an after market Accel brand. Don't know if its any better but it works. The thing that I think we need to do is install the relays to the headlights to prevent the switch from getting hot in the first place. Mine will be done this spring before I hit the road again.

 

[ChrisM]

Your not the only one I replaced the switch in my 98 about a year ago near meltdown,. I have noticed that if I dim the dash lights that the switch gets hot maybe this the route of the problem,every thing is stock no extras

 

[The patriot]

My early 98 is fine. 100K + miles.

I do have the headlights relayed though.

 

[redram3]

You are on to something Chris, I read some where years ago that dimming the dash lights on our 98. 5s wiil cause switch to heat up and possibly burn it out.

John

 

[KcoleKennyc]

Never dim dashlights on my 98. 5 and have replaced the switch 3 times. The last time I drilled some cooling holes in the ac duct and no more trouble. Those switches aren't much good.

 

[WDaniels]

Joe,

That SB is 819 I believe. It was only for the 95 and 96 or 94/95 3500's. My truck has had the headlight switch changed 5 times. The last time it went out I bought the 819 kit and said that the next time the switch goes I'll replace it with the new one.

WD

 

[isb360]

I'm on my 3rd switch. Bought one from Dodge dealer, bought one at much lower cost from NAPA. I did notice that the connector that mates to the switch is partially melted, so when the weather warms, I am going to buy the "recall retrofit kit" and go at it.



I do know that dimming does heat the switch and it probably doesn't help that the driver's door vent routing brings warm air right near the switch... .



... on the plus side, I can smell when it's starting to go south on me.



I also fought with the dealer about the recall and it's strictly VIN limited, so although the switch is same in 98 as it was 94-97, if your VIN doesn't ring the magic bell... you've gotta pay for the retrofit kit.



Strangely, the pull switches in both of my 1965 Chryslers are still functioning... .



Tim

 

[JGheen]

Strangely, the pull switches in both of my 1965 Chryslers are still functioning... .



Tim

:-laf Now that is just unbelieveable and funny at the same time.



Friend of mine works for an AC Delco distributor and he ordered me up a new switch so we'll see how well it works. Gonna have to eventually replace the burnt connector but maybe the switch will be the momentary fix.



Thanks guys, Joe

 

[The patriot]

isb360 what kind of 65's do you have?

My Dad had a Newport with a 383. Nice car, and fast for a land yacht!

 

[isb360]

Since you asked... .



One car is a Newport 4-dr hardtop with 383 2-bbl engine and 2. 76 gears. I bought it in 1990 with 36,825 miles on it. It was my only car for 5yrs until I had it repainted and didn't want to drive it every day anymore, so I bought... .





... a New Yorker 2-door hardtop with 413 4-bbl and 3. 23 gears. I drove that pretty much exclusively until May of 1998 when I got my truck. The New Yorker has 150k-ish miles on it, but speedo/odo stopped working long ago, so it's a guess. That car is tired and rusty and I am dreaming of making into a very rare C-body drag car... . mid 11's would be nice!



The Newport now has 73k miles on it and other than "regular failures" like voltage regulators, alternators, batteries, etc, I have never had any trouble with it.



I actually pressed the Newport back into daily service in Nov '06 due to foot surgery I was having (can't drive my truck... ), so drove it for almost 8-wks straight.



My problem now is I have no garage, and my driveway is hardpacked material, so I have the worst of both worlds from standpoint of weather and ground moisture.



If I knew how to add a pic to the post, I would.



Tim

 

[Bob4x4]

:-laf Now that is just unbelieveable and funny at the same time.



Friend of mine works for an AC Delco distributor and he ordered me up a new switch so we'll see how well it works. Gonna have to eventually replace the burnt connector but maybe the switch will be the momentary fix.



Thanks guys, Joe

Joe, once the insulator is damaged from heat you should replace it and the wires. The resistance will create heat and the new switch will not last. The upgrade switch has better connector pins and the harness has a relay to operate the running lights. This will prevent reoccurance. I have done this on many trucks that were not covered under the recall.



Bob

 

[isb360]

Good advice Bob, thanks. Additionally, have you been able to get "special pricing" or discount or something of the like from the dealer when ordering the revised connector/relay harness for trucks not covered under the recall?



Frankly, I am astonished that the 98's aren't covered.



Tim

 

[Bob4x4]

Good advice Bob, thanks. Additionally, have you been able to get "special pricing" or discount or something of the like from the dealer when ordering the revised connector/relay harness for trucks not covered under the recall?



Frankly, I am astonished that the 98's aren't covered.



Tim

If you have a GOOD relationship with your parts man he may sell you the recall pkg,recall parts are always less than regular part #s.



Bob