2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help on Headlights

[hammersley]

Ok - 2 problems. 1. My left headlight burned out again - in about 3 months. That's teh 3rd one in about 2 years. Also when I switch from lhigh low - NOT every time but a lot - All the lights (headlights) go out HELP

 

[Thomas]

If the "loss" of your headlights occurs while switching from high to low or low to high, the problem is the multi-function switch (P/N 5269377). Twelve volts is always applied to both filaments of your headlight bulbs. The headlight switch on the dash, when switched on, provides a path to ground (switched ground). The multi-function switch on the column determines which bulb filament is grounded through the headlight switch.



I can't help you with the other problem—might just be fate.

 

[hammersley]

Thanks - is that switch hard to replace?

Is this just something that goes bad, or is it a poor design. The part # you gave, do you know if that is any sort of upgraded part?



Thanks a million... .

 

[Thomas]

Do a search using multi+function and read the first four or five results that have the word headlight in the title. Your problem sounds like the switch but it may be the connections to the switch. Switch failure is not unknown. The part number should be good. It takes a Snap On tamper proof Torx bit TTXR20B2 or equivalent. Unhook the batteries before you work on this.

 

[K5IP]

Hi,

I had the "lights go out" problem on my 95. The multifunction switch located in the steering wheel column was the culprit. I used this failure as an opportunity. I jumper-ed around the "low light" switch function so that lows would be on whenever the headlight switch was on. Then I bought an inexpensive lighting relay from NAPA and made a separate circuit for the high beams. I enabled the relay coil with the high beam signal from the multifunction switch which was still functioning.

This provided the four light scheme of Genos brite box and avoided buying a new multifunction switch.

Rog

 

[tntway]

my headlights are fine but i lost my factory fogs a while back... .

when i pulle the switch on when the headlights are on, the hi beams come on... is this the multi function switch also???

 

[K5IP]

tntway,

Sorry but I don't know. I am in Hawaii for the winter and do not have my manual with me. Since your headlights work OK however, I suspect they are switching the fog lights with an additional relay. The headlight switch probably can not handle more than the original load so an additional relay may have been necessary.

In short, you may have to get a schematic, or look for a relay.

Rog

 

[Thomas]

tntway - How are the transplanted Sport headlamps wired?

 

[tntway]

Thomas--are you asking for the directions?? if so PM me your email addy...



otherwise they have their own relays direct to the battery and are triggered off of one of the ole headlight sockets... ...



my fog problem developed BEFORE i did the headlights. the last time i checked... . the headlight switch WAS triggering to fog relay

 

[Thomas]

"Thomas--are you asking for the directions?? " Nope-just trying to eliminate things from the mix. I also use an OEM headlight socket to control the Sport transplant harness on my model year 2000 Ram.



The fog light relay on your model year 2001. 5 Ram is used as a normally closed relay. The relay contacts are in series with the fog light filaments and fog light switch. When the high beams are selected, the trigger coil of the fog light relay is energized, opening the relay contacts. This relay functions as an interlock, allowing fogs with low beam only. The relay does not lessen the current flow through the fog light switch.



I suspect your problem is in the multi-function switch as you have suggested. You might open up the PDC and see how things act with the fog light relay removed. Your horn relay is identical to the fog light relay and could be used in your troubleshooting. You can also tilt the steering wheel through its range to see if flexing the wires in the column makes any difference.

 

[tntway]

thanks thomas..... gonna go out and check the whell right now... ...