2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Smoke from dash

[FD5]

I was driving home the other night when I started smelling an electrical odor. As I pulled into my driveway I could see a small amount of smoke coming from the dash on the driver side by the windshield. I am hoping this is my headlight switch going bad and not some other electrical problem. Is this a common problem? How hard is it to replace the switch? Do you have to take the dash apart?



Thanks for any input.

 

[Todd G]

Take it to the dealer. Let them do it. I believe there was a recall on the headlight switch.

 

[illflem]

Yes it's covered under recall that has been expanded to 2500s since this notice. Click here

 

[Blakers]

Bill, when did they add the 2500s? Can I get reimbursed for the one I already bought and replaced myself?



Thanks,

Blake

 

[illflem]

Blake, if you save the receipt for any recall parts you can get reimbursed, not for labor though. Good way the keep the dealer's hands off your truck, just don't say you want recall parts, they won't sell them to you. The notice for my 2500 came around two years ago, but that doesn't mean much since the shock tower recall on it came just six months ago when others had it come over a couple years ago.

 

[Blakers]

I haven't received any recalls in over a year and never received one on the switch. Nor on the shock towers. Do they cover 95s?



Blake

 

[illflem]

Recalls I've had on my '95 2500 4wd:



638 - replace hood latch

720 - add vacuum pump check valve, replace vacuum hoses

95V088 - replace steering wheel rear cover

709 - steering shaft sleeve

819 - headlamp switch

97V084 - automatic trans - replace trans fluid cooler line connector fittings, (dealer did this recall accidentally on my truck when they thought it was a gasser)

all the above were done on one day, I recieved notices long before but never went in



835 - Coil spring tower reinforcements, required welding, dealer sent it out

875 - Ignition Switch Wiring (blower motor wiring)

970 - throttle cable, I did this one before recall, was reimbused for parts

973 - Secondary Hood Latch



The recall and TSB lists on this site and Fritz's are incomplete, go here for all the recalls http://www.alldata.com/recalls/

 

[FD5]

What is the difference between a recall and a TSB? Does D/C pay to repair both?

 

[illflem]

A TSB is just a bulletin that describes known common problems and how to fix them, has nothing to do with warranty. If you are under warranty a TSB will be covered only if it is exhibiting the symptoms, no preventive measures unless you pay. After warranty it's your buck.

 

[FD5]

Local Friendly Dodge Dealer

Well I called my LFDD and they told me that recalls were VIN# specific and that my headlight switch was NOT covered under the recall. WHAT NOW?

 

[onestackdram]

According to DC, and unless this has changed in the last 90 days, it is NOT a recall item yet. It is simply a service bulletin for now, and may SOME DAY be recalled. Until they make it so, they WILL NOT pay for the part or the labor. The part is about $90 at the dealer, and takes about 30 min to swap.



I know this because mine went out 3 months ago, I changed it out and then heard about this "recall" so I called the dealer I bought it from and told them I wanted a refund, they said NO. So I called DC directly and talked to them, and that is when they informed me of the above. Now like i said before if this has changed in the last 90 days someone let me know.



Russell

 

[illflem]

Like FD5 said it must be VIN specific since it was done on mine. If yours isn't covered buy the part, save the receipt in case it is ever is recalled then do the work yourself, instructions here http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/819.htm

 

[onestackdram]

my VIN was in the group according to DC but they refused to cover it, so I was out $90, not a big deal just an aggravation. And I already did the work myself.

 

[aram2nv]

Easy swap!! Just did mine about 2 months ago, after it died on the way home from work in the dark one night. I hope they turn it into a recall, it would be great getting more money from them. Money equals BOMBS..... Good luck

Jason

 

[illflem]

Go here http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ and file a complaint if you had a failure.

The NHTSA takes smoke, potential fire and loss of headlights very seriously, it won't take more than a half dozen complaints to force a recall since the precedent has been set with other VIN numbers. I'm sure it was due to a tdr complaint campaign that finally forced DC to address the failing throttle cable problem on 12 valves. Make sure you mention smoke and have your VIN handy.

 

[BigPapa]

Warranty Reimbursements

Would someone please tell me how you are getting reimbursed on the warranty claims. I took my truck to my local dealer for the throttle cable recall. 6-months later one of the throttle linkage joints broke on me in Nashville, so I took it to the closest dealer and had them put a new linkage rod on. Parts plus labor was about $70. 00. I got to thinking about it later and went back to my dealer to ask why the metal joints were not installed and to get him to reimburse me for the $70. 00. They said that the dealer in Nashville should have done it under warranty as a "failed warranty". The dealer in Nashville said that my local dealer should reimburse me. I'm getting dizzy going around in circles!

 

[illflem]

The info for reimbursement is on the warranty card that is mailed to you. It reads:



If you have already experienced the problem described above and have paid to have it repaired, you may send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to;

DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center

PO Box 1040

St. Charles, MO 63302-1040

Attention: Reimbursement.

 

[dseabaugh]

I never heard about a steering wheel cover recall. My steering wheel has a patch the size of my thumb where the cover has peeled off. can anyone elaborate?

 

[illflem]

The steering wheel recall was for a different cover because on the old one any other keys hanging from the ignition key could work their way into the steering mechanism possibly jamming the steering. No good.