2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight switch recall kit

[rmrc]

Has anyone replaced their headlight switch with the recall kit ( CAJM8190 ) that Dodge has for the 3500’s? This kit has a relay incorporated for the headlights to avoid the “ Hot Headlight Switch “ issue. I just purchased the kit but it doesn’t have any instructions. It seems like you have to make a new harness with the wires and connectors they supply. Any suggestions or instructions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[tgbol]

That kit is for the overheating of the switch caused by the running lights. When equipped with cab lights, and a trailer there is too big of a draw through the switch and it burns the conntacts and harness. It does nothing for the hot switch caused by dimming the dash lights. which is the cause of my hot headlight switch.

 

[RAPID RICK]

What trucks does this recall include??

Rick

 

[QRTRHRS]

See here for instructions.

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

 

[rmrc]

Thanks for the information and instructions. I know of another TDR member who installed this kit on his 99 and it worked fine. I never dim my panel lights but I do have the cab lights and the tail light bar light. Even without my panel lights being turned down, the switch is still very warm. Just want to do some preventive maintenance!!!

 

[D6Diesel]

I also noted the very hot switch last summer when driving through the night. Will it really run cooler with panel not dimmed? Are there any other fixes to consider? I've got a stock 2001 3/4 ton CTD.

 

[rmrc]

D6diesel,



If you dim your panel lights, it creates more of a load on the resistor which must be incorporated in the switch, thus more heat. I'm sure that some of the other TDR electronic guru's have a solution for a cooler switch while dimming the panel lights.

 

[tgbol]

There have been a number of threads about this.

There is a large heatsink on the back of the switch assembly. Only problem is it seems to be in dead air. Since I always have air coming through my dash vents, I drilled a couple of holes in the top of the air duct. Allowing some air flow over the heatsink on the back of the switch. Another member has put a small electronics fan to blow air on it.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I replaced my switch with relays and micro switches. I don't have dash light dimming yet because I did not have the right reostat on hand but I prefer them full bright anyway.



I have a month or so on this mod with no trouble. I have some tweaking and changes to try before I try to document the work for others. This cold weather has that at a standstill.



Flipping a smooth micro switch is really nice compared to pull that "raspy, junky" factory switch on/off.

 

[onestackdram]

ok now i have a question, i did not know about this recal until i read this a few minutes ago. the problem is that i literally just replaced both the switch and the plug this morning. it cost me $83. 00 from the local dodge dealer who had one in stock. so my question is how the hell do i get my money back? since they were supposed to fix it and didnt tell me while i was standing there in front of them

 

[rmrc]

Originally posted by onestackdram

ok now i have a question, i did not know about this recal until i read this a few minutes ago. the problem is that i literally just replaced both the switch and the plug this morning. it cost me $83. 00 from the local dodge dealer who had one in stock. so my question is how the hell do i get my money back? since they were supposed to fix it and didnt tell me while i was standing there in front of them

The DC recall number is 819. I'd go back to your dealer and give them the recall number. Your truck should qualify. I guess it all depends how, "customer oriented", you dealer is.

 

[onestackdram]

greatly appreciated, on my list of things to do today. thanks

 

[onestackdram]

i just thought i would let everyone know that I went to the dealer and they told me that there was no such and recall and that its my problem i spent the money. So I called DC them selfes and was told that there is no recall its just on the list of things that could get recalled and that anyone who has had to replace the $90 part before if ever it does get recalled is just out the money. You gotta love corprate america.

 

[cscott]

I looked at the recall it says 94-97 3500's. I have a 99 3500, do I still need to install this?

 

[tgbol]

The 99 3500 already have it from the factory.