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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: Why Don't My Low Beams Work?

It's perplexing when your low beam headlights suddenly don't work, but the solution may be simpler than you think. Here are a few suggestions on how to fix it.

By Jared Hammond - June 26, 2015

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

If you've noticed your low beams no longer work, but your high beams still do, you may be wondering what could cause this. The problem is most likely either at the bulb or the switch. Figuring out which one is at fault should be simple enough if you follow the instructions below.

Step 1 – Check the bulbs

Before you do anything to tear apart your truck you should first check to make sure that both bulbs didn't happen to burn out at the same time. It's not as unlikely as it may seem, considering most people change both bulbs at once. To check, just look at the bulbs and see if the filament inside is either burned or broken. Replacing the bulbs is easy.

  • Reach inside behind the headlight housing and find the bulb for the low beam headlight.
  • Twist the locking ring counter-clockwise then pull it from the headlight housing.
  • Pry off the electrical harness clip and pull the bulb from the socket.
  • Insert the new bulb to the socket.
  • Reinsert the bulb socket to the headlight housing and twist the ring clockwise to lock it in.
Figure 1. headlight bulb socket.

Pro Tip

Be sure not to touch the headlight bulb or you'll get dirt and grease on it. If you must touch it, use a cloth or wear gloves.

If replacing the bulbs didn't resolve the issue, move on to Step 2.

Featured Video: How to Change the Headlight Bulb in a 2000 Dodge Ram

Step 2 – Check the headlight switch

Early 2nd gen Rams used a pull switch to control the headlights that was unfortunately prone to shorting out on itself. Later rams switched to a more modern rotary switch. Both switches are prone to problems with the connectors, but replacing them is not too difficult.

  • Tilt your steering wheel down.
  • Remove the cup holder and the ash tray. Each is held by two screws.
  • Pry off the dash trim; It comes off as one big piece.
  • Be sure to disconnect the cigarette lighter and electrical outlet.
  • To remove the switch simply remove the screws around the switch.
  • Slide it out and unplug the electrical harness.
  • Connect the new switch and seat it inside the housing.
  • Tighten the screws for the switch.
  • Reattach the dash trim then the cup holder and ash tray.
Figure 2. Burnt out headlight switch connector.

If the problem persists, read on to Step 3.

Step 3 – Move the wire near the steering column

Sometimes the wires for the low beam headlights will get caught by the steering column. If you've noticed that your low beams come on and off whenever you tilt the steering wheel, this is why.

  • Remove the steering column cover. It's held by screws on the top and bottom and it should come apart in two pieces.
  • Unscrew the lever for the tilt adjuster.
  • Look for a wire that's been pulled from the headlight switch harness.
  • Try to reinsert the wire and move it so that it not longer gets caught by the steering column.
  • If it doesn't reach, you can extend the wire by splicing an extra bit of wire to the end of it.
  • Make sure the wire won't slip out again by either tying it to the connector or soldering it.
Figure 3. One of the wires is pulled from the headlight switch harness.

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