2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Hot Electrical Smell?

[tfarnham]

Alway from home this weekend this happened with the lights on.

I stopped, checked all the fuses. None were warm to the touch.

None were blown. No smoke. Later the dash lights went out. Still all fuses O. K.

I searched the TDR web site. I discovered recall 819, Headlight switch replacement. This covers trucks up to Oct '96. My 3500 has a build date of Aug-97.

Also found TSB 8-13-98 this only covers the switch knob.

Guess I will go out and pull the dash off, remove the Headlight Switch and go from there.

 

[JFaughn]

I don't think you have to remove the dash , I think that you can reach up from underneath and press a button to pull out the nob & shaft and then unscrew the nut or ring that hold the sw. inplace.

 

[RustyJC]

Were you towing a trailer? There's also a TSB that covers the installation of an overlay harness to reduce load on the headlight switch from the trailer lights.



Rusty

 

[tfarnham]

Cured for Now.

After pulling the dash bezel and removing the headlight switch I found the source of evil odors.

The Head Light Switch looked as if it wanted to melt itself down. Also the connector.

My local Dodge dealer parts counter man knew just what I needed for the price of 92. 90 (parts only).

Part # 1-04886449AB Which is a new Head Light Switch, Connector with wires attached, heat shrink tubing, and written instructions.

I took this home, fired up the soldering Iron. All is Well.

This early '98 3500 only has 73,000 miles on the clock. I feel as I should upgrade the electrical system to lighten the load on the switch. Relay time.

I pull a trailer at times. Not this Trip