New Trucks Headlight Switch

[Mike Wenrich]

Bought a new (2023) Laramie and have a question about the headlights being on all the time at nightfall. Full disclosure, it's a 6.4 gasser but the electrical should be the same and I still have my diesel. I plan to use this truck in a night Xmas parade and do not want the headlights on but they cannot be turned off as long as the engine is running. I figure this is the same on a diesel truck so would someone know if there is a workaround for this issue. It has the Level 1 package with the 12 inch display but I cannot tell if this computer on wheels can be programmed to have them off at will. (I'm not a computer person)

The switch has four positions but none of them turn off the headlights at night. I posted this on a RAM forum but don't expect to get an answer as it is not as popular as the TDR forum. Also there might be others interested in this issue on the TDR. Nothing in the manual tells me there is a way around this. Or addresses it at all.

 

[Diesel85]

We don't service gassers here. It can't have spark plugs.

Just kidding.... lol

As long as you aren't in Canada, you should have an option in your radio/touch screen menu to turn off the DRL under settings. Then make sure the headlight switch is set to the OFF position.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

It's not the DRl that is the problem although those would be good to have off as well. It's the headlights. Seems Big Brother won't let me use the truck at night without the headlights on. So say I wanted to wait in the truck on idle at night in a parking lot, the lights would be on. No way to turn them off.

 

[Diesel85]

Interesting. On the 2020 RAM 3500 I've been assigned at work, as long as I don't have the DRL option turned on and the headlight knob is off, the lights do not come on. Total old school darkness. I've done this plenty of times.

We do have a 2022 RAM 3500, but it's assigned out right now with a coworker in another state till like right before Thanksgiving.

Maybe something got changed in the 2023?

Maybe AlfaOBD might be needed...

Let's see what others chime in.

 

[Topzide]

Pop the head and pull the relay. That'll give you the darkness you seek!

 

[Ozymandias]

If there is a relay... very likely there is non.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Maybe this IS connected to the DRL function. I will try that disconnect as suggested by Diesel85. Things used to be soooo much more simple. Like me.

 

[Ozymandias]

I heard about a rant about these new "useless" light switch that has no "0" position in new Stellantis vehicles. But your Light shouldn't be full on during the day with that setup. It is controlled by the Light sensor within the rearview mirror assembly. Did you put a sticker or something on up there?

DRL Light should be off with Trans in P and maybe ebrake on. No matter if engine runs or not.
That was the standard on Chrysler vehicles since they started with that DRL.

Anyway I'd talk to your dealer about that topic, either it has a problem (Light always on) or he may can provide a solution for it.
You definitely shouldn't start messing around at the hardware of a 2023 truck under full warranty.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Correct OZY. The only thing I will "mess" with will be the computer screen. That will get me in enough trouble.

 

[Ozymandias]

Correct OZY. The only thing I will "mess" with will be the computer screen. That will get me in enough trouble.

I was reading now for half an hour or so, there are many people out there with the same problem. Your in for a trip to the dealer as your vehicle is defective.
Some had a broken switch, some had problems with wiring harness, another one was talking about " tunnel mode" where the vehicle thinks its in a tunnel full time. Anyway it isn't like it should be and RAM has to fix the problem.

Edit: the DRL function won't fix the Problem as DRL does not switch on or off the headlights and taillights. Same applies to the lights on with wipers.

 

[User113]

I'll bet there is an option for you in the uConnect screen to do this, as being completely dark is something that one would hope the designers accommodated. The option might be 5 or 6 layers deep though...

Otherwise your presence at attractions like drive-in movies or Lights Under Louisville would be frowned on.

 

[Road Dog]

In Canada, effective September 1 2021, the headlight switch is AUTO, PARKING or ON. The OFF option was removed because the DRL confused drivers who then failed to turn on their lights at night.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Comments on the other forum, the one that includes trucks with spark plugs mentions issues as well but this might be a program thing I can get around. My DRL are very bright but then dim when I move the switch to headlights on. As far as I can tell there is a headlight on with the DRL's in the daylight and then more headlight in the on position. I'm looking at these going back and forth without a driver and in gear. Would have to put my wife in the drivers seat to place it in gear while I look at the lights. Yikes! It's raining here and I will try to get into the computer screen and turn off the DRL function to see if thats my issue when weather permits.

Appreciate all the help and I will update what I find. So far really like the 8-spd trans and maybe that will someday show up in the Cummins. The only issue I have in my rolling hills/mountain terrain is keeping a constant speed when not on cruise control. The MDS system seems to cause a slight lag in the shifting so it's a little slower getting the torque from the go pedal. In cruise it's pretty seamless but that is a bit problematic with lots of residential driveways and intersections in my area. Getting used to it though. Just about have enough miles to tow with it so further to follow on that one.

 

[AnonEd]

I ran into that "can't go dark" problem in a 2023 as well...doesn't go over well in a campground with many people sitting below headlight height.
I'm glad Canada noticed some people forget to turn on their lights but kept the "parking" option.

 

[wyosteve]

Our second truck is a 3500 SRW 6.4. Really happy with it. Gets 17 mpg highway and the 8 speed is a perfect match for that engine.

 

[Diesel85]

Our second truck is a 3500 SRW 6.4. Really happy with it. Gets 17 mpg highway and the 8 speed is a perfect match for that engine.

That was the huge deciding factor on me getting my Gen 3 EcoD was getting that 8HP75 transmission. The 8 speed is an awesome transmission!

Only part I don't care for is the servicing. However, I was able to do it myself with the only problem of me wearing about a half quart of ZF transmission fluid.

I'm really hoping that we see an 8 speed in the Cummins. Preferably something based on the current 8HP series ZF.

Once that's the case, I'll be having a Cummins back in the garage next to the EcoD.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

I'm not getting that kind of mileage but close enough. Bought the 410 rear gears which will cost me likely 1MPG. Getting 15 combined mileage so far but engine still breaking in. Mileage is going up as miles pile up. Expect maybe 15.5 to 16 on a hwy trip. A friend here has the same truck/gears but drives very high speeds on the hwy and gets 15. Towing? That's not one I will like. Expect 8-10 from what I have read. But I don't tow often so it won't hurt too much.

 

[Ozymandias]

I'll bet there is an option for you in the uConnect screen to do this, as being completely dark is something that one would hope the designers accommodated. The option might be 5 or 6 layers deep though...

Otherwise your presence at attractions like drive-in movies or Lights Under Louisville would be frowned on.

That's not what he needs, his truck has an issue that needs to be corrected by the dealer under warranty.

For example, if the lightswitch is faulty or not connected to the harness the BCM switches the headlights on by default as a safety feature as soon as the engine runs.
He has a four position switch with a dedicated off (0) position that doesn't work.

 

[User113]

Thanks, Ozy. Allow me to elaborate a bit.

My DRL are very bright but then dim when I move the switch to headlights on.

Standard LED DRL programming, more brightness is needed in sunlight, unless headlights are on too. See owners manual text copied below.

As far as I can tell there is a headlight on with the DRL's in the daylight and then more headlight in the on position.

This "as far as I can tell" behavior needs to be positively verified, we are all making different assumptions here. If there are "headlights" of any sort shining, day or night, while the headlight switch is in the "OFF" position, then do as Ozy states and take it to the dealer for service. Off should have the headlight off, period!

I'm looking at these going back and forth without a driver and in gear. Would have to put my wife in the drivers seat to place it in gear while I look at the lights. Yikes!

If you don't trust your wife, you could maybe have the truck in "R" before walking in front of it. However, I suggest pulling into a parking space in front of a dark store with a plate glass window and watch your reflection.

It's raining here and I will try to get into the computer screen and turn off the DRL function to see if thats my issue when weather permits.

That might be part of the problem, at least in "Auto" mode. It seems default is:

IF

headlights in "AUTO;"​

AND

engine "ON;"​

AND

wiper system "ON"​

THEN

headlights "ON."​

But it can be changed in uConnect. Also:

IF

equipped with Rain Sensing Wiper​

AND

Rain Sensing Wiper is activated​

THEN

The headlights will automatically turn on after the wipers complete five wipe cycles within approximately one minute.​

To disable this behavior, deactivate Rain Sensing Wiper.

As to disabling the DRLs in 2023 models (from the owners manual):

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRLs)

The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) come on whenever the engine is running, and the low beams are not on. The lights will remain on until the ignition is placed in the OFF or ACC position, or the parking brake is engaged.

NOTE:

• For vehicles sold in Canada, the Daytime Running Lights will automatically deactivate when the front fog lights are turned on.

• If allowed by law in the country in which the vehicle was purchased, the Daytime Running Lights can be turned on and off using the Uconnect system -> page 226.

• On some vehicles, the Daytime Running Lights may deactivate, or reduce intensity, on one side of the vehicle (when a turn signal is activated on that side), or on both sides of the vehicle (when the hazard warning lights are activated).

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Here is what I found. Got into UConnect and disabled the DRL. Pretty easy, even for me. That turned off the headlight but not the U shaped "eyebrow" lights. Those were still on in the off position. The next position, the one with cat whiskers, the amber mirror lights came on, the headlights came on, the U shaped lights dimmed and the computer screen/interior lights dimmed. Auto mode made no difference. I previously thought the U shaped lights were the DRL's. So turning off the DRL's did help turn off the headlights. I can live with the U shaped lights being on in the parade but it also means the tail lights are on. Santa and Mrs Claus will have to look at those LED's. Unless I was to cover them of course.

Option B. Use my 2004.5 Dodge. Sigh! I have the rain sensing wipers but have not driven in the rain yet. I need to check with the dealer to see if my switch is defective. Thank you for the detailed responses. I did look in the manual (again) but the explanation above provides more clarity.