2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight Switch

[MBurtch]

I did a search, but did not see the answer to my question so here goes. I have a 99 2500. The wires behind my headlight switch melted togather the other night when I turned my headlights on. The dealer sounded like it happened because I tow my fith wheel with the truck.



Anyway I bought a headlight switch with relay in it. It is all in pieces. I can slice the wires togather. Problem is where to connect the new individual wires to the back of the new switch. The black plastic part that goes on new light switch has numers like B1, B2, B3, R, D, g and so on. The part number for the kit is CAJM8190 and description is wiring package headlamp.



Can anyone help me out. Can e-mail me at -- email address removed -- if want.



Thanks/Michael

 

[Blakers]

Michael,



When I replaced mine I think I just went by color - was not hard at all, but the newer truck might be different.



The lights for your trailer should be fed off a relay, so it should not put any additional load on your switch.



Blake

 

[MBurtch]

I went back to the dealer and got the directions to install the switch kit. Interestingly, the directions are titled Safety Recall No. 819 - Headlamp Switch. The dealer said the recall was only for the 3500 truck. I guess the rest of us with 2500's are not supposed to pull trailers. The dealer said it was all the lights on the trailer that overloaded the switch. Oh well, the upgrade switch kit only cost about $44. 00. This comes with a relay. The switch is all metal. The replacement wires also come with shrink fit to protect solder joints. Just thought I would let people know what I found out.

 

[Joe G.]

Michael,



You should ask for a copy of the recall and see if it really is restricted to 3500s. You may have been ripped off. It's a safety recall that applies to 2500s and 3500s if it's the same as was done to mine. Maybe it's a different situation for your '99, but I would make sure if I were you.



I think there are some "silent" recalls being done too. I had an occasion to roll my dash down recently. In the past I had trouble with the pull cable for the heater/AC air mixture valve. When I rolled the dash down I noticed that the mixture valve cable stuff was different. The new one can't come off easily like the old one did. Apparently the dealer had replaced it at the same time they did my headlight switch recall.



My truck is a 2500 and so far all recalls for the '95 have been done to my truck with no charge. However, I have a pretty good dealer who does good work.

 

[Thomas]

Looks like 3500's only.



Recall 819



All the 2500's got was Customer Satisfaction Notice 820.



Neither of the above apply to Rams built after October 21, 1996.