2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight Switchq

[rnolen]

The other night I lost my headlights and started smelling a burning plastic smell. I automatically that about the headlight switch. I just put a flatbed on the truck and with all the new lights I am sure it burned it up. Just as I suspected when I took the switch out I could smell the burning plastic in the switch. The way I see it is that I can order a new switch, but it is going to burn up again since my truck is a 2500. The recall for the 3500 94-97 would address this problem, but would it work with my current nob and wiring harness? If so what would be the part number for a switch that could handle this?



Thanks

Russell

 

[nps]

There is a bright box kit that adds a relay so that the switch is only activating a relay - not carrying all of the headlight current through it. Think Genos sells it. Also dimming the dash lights causes the switch to heat up more so than keeping the dash lights bright - how did you have your dash lights set?

 

[WadePatton]

I just went through the deal. The smell is the pigtail melting. I got a junkyard switch and piggy and installed it all. I didn't cut wires.



THEN I installed a new light harness from Jegs. Wasn't perfect but I made it work.



Lights are brighter. Switch still gets a little warm, but isn't melting now.



ABSOLUTE BONEHEAD design.

 

[rnolen]

I was lucky, the pig tail wasn't melting. The smell is coming from down in the switch. If I ordered a replacement wouldn't it just burn up again? Since the new flatbed has gone on it has probaby 6 new lights it runs? In my thinking the 3500 recall was to be able to withstand all the fender well lights and the tailgate lights. So I was going to get that part so it wouldn't burn up the switch again.



Russ

 

[RDelissen]

must be the time of year, since there have been quite a few recently that ran into the same problem :-laf



Here's some reading for yah:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141761

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142761



HTH

 

[rnolen]

I guess I need to order some parts from summit, but will these parts fit a 2500 vs a 3500. I would think that it should, but don't know for sure.



Russ

 

[Tomscreek]

I guess I should have checked here first. Lost my headlights the other day so I took it to the dealer and they replaced the switch to the tune of $150. Then a couple days later the hazard lights wouldn't work so $89. later and a new flasher and they work now. I'll tell ya, I'm about sick of this nickel dime crap!!!

 

[CarlJensen]

The Summit kit will fit both 2500 and 3500. Easy install and inexpensive. Does a good job of taking load off the OEM cheapo switch.

 

[Highfinance97]

Headlamp Switch Package

rnolen I to had the same problem and i put the 96 recall in and it fixed it it is a very easy install. The part# is CAJM8190 HEADLAMP SWITCH PACKAGE here is a link for simple directions http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/819.htm





Michael