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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: Headlight Switch Problem

The headlight switch is tasked with controlling current flow to your Dodge Ram’s headlights. A malfunctioning switch is not only an annoyance, but can be a major hazard on the road, especially at night. Read on to learn how you can diagnose any problems you might be having with this particular component.

By Jeffrey Bausch - July 22, 2015

This article applies to the 2nd Generation Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

The headlights on your Dodge Ram are a crucial and legally required component. After all, they are responsible for providing you with visibility when driving in the dark, and also serve as a way of warning oncoming vehicles as well as road pedestrians that you are headed their way.

Figure 1. 1999 Dodge Ram Halo headlights.

The component tasked with activating the headlights is the headlight switch. If it is burned out or melted down, power can no longer be supplied to the headlights. Faulty headlights are not only a headache to deal with, but they are also a major hazard and could lead to an accident, or you getting pulled over by a police officer. If you feel your headlight switch might be malfunctioning, you should address this problem right away. Fortunately, diagnosing the problem is pretty easy—read on to learn how.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement headlight switch connector
  • New relays and wires

Step 1 – Check for a recall

Your Ram model year might qualify.

Chrysler issued a customer satisfaction notice that recalled all 1994 to 1997 Ram 1500 and 2500 trucks to have the vehicles' headlight switch replaced. The issue resides in the switch not being strong enough, resulting in it burning up and malfunctioning.

(Related Site: Customer Satisfaction Notice - DodgeRam.info)

If your Dodge Ram does not quality for the recall, move on to the following step.

Step 2 – Check the headlight switch connector

The switch may be overloaded.

If the headlight switch in your Ram is overloaded, chances are it is also melted. Your best bet would be to replace the connector and install a heavy-duty harness to take the load off of the switch. Doing this will extend the life of your switch and solve your issue with non-working headlights.

Figure 2. Dodge Ram headlight switch connector contacts.

If the switch is intact, move on to the following step.

Step 3 – Check the wiring

Too much power might be supplied to the headlight switch.

If the switch is being overloaded with too much current, it will blow out. The ideal solution is to splice in new wiring and add two relays: one to handle the headlights and the other to handle the park lights. This way, only the headlight switch handles low current to activate the relays themselves. Depending on your level of DIY skill and knowledge of wiring systems, this is something that you can do yourself in about an hour. But if you have the slightest bit of doubt, take the car to a mechanic and have it done professionally. An incorrectly wired system could lead to a car fire.

Figure 3. Melted headlight switch from too much power.

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