Archived No parking,Dash Lights; Fuses GOOD!

[JGabl]

Help! Just pulled in the driveway. My parking and dash lights went out! Still have turn and hazzards. Checked all the fuses and they're still good! What's next? Thanks in advance, Jim.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

JGabl



First thing that comes to mind is a bad headlight switch. You could take it out, look for any signs that it got overheated. Check the connector that pushes into the back of it.

 

[JGabl]

Thanks Hemi- I'll go check it out!





BTW- Awesome name! Mopar or NO car! Jim.

 

[rkressg]

Light Switch

First, the light switches will burn up if you drive with you lights on all the time. Mopar claims these switches are not made for continous duty. Now, when you pull the switch, shake it. If it rattles, the copper metal contacts have fallen out of their holding location in the switch. If shaking causes a rattling you can try to dissamble the switch and reallign the copper contacts (I do not know how to exactly describe the contacts, but you will understand if you look). Chances are the electronics have burned up in the switch though. A replacement switch assembly for a 2001 should not run more $25 from the dealer. I will try to find the part number for you. I know this happens to these trucks. I am on my 3rd light switch. My dealer just gives me the switch, I change it in the parking ot, they get the warranty for the core. Like I said, the part is around $25 and labor for installing the switch assembly is about $45. With the age of your truck, it should still be under warranty. Just my 2 cents:-{}

 

[Bigramguy]

Why not add a simple relay to stop the switch from burning out?My 97 ate headlight switches until I added a relay for the park light circuit. I also added two headlamp relays as my 80\130 watt headlamp bulbs would get it pretty hot too.



Also check the connector,as sometimes the heat will damage it causing high resistance,and that will just kill the new switch even faster.



I think Dodge actually makes an overlay harness for some of our trucks to prevent this problem,just not sure what year it fits.