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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: Why Don't My Parking, Running or Dash Lights Work?

If you have any issues with your parking light, running light, or dash light in the Dodge Ram, you are in the right place. Learn how to diagnose it here.

By Jeffrey Smith - June 25, 2015

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

Are your lights malfunctioning? Have you checked the fuses and found them to be in good working order? This situation is quite puzzling and frustrating. Don't fret, there are some tried and true resolutions to the problem and you may not need to start tracing every single wire. There are a few things to check out, some are a little complex, but you need not to worry about these being too difficult to repair on your own. The cost savings over having a professional diagnosis and fix the problem is staggering. You will be overjoyed having saved yourself up to $600 or more by taking some time and fixing the problem in your own garage.

Materials Needed

  • Clear spray lacquer
  • Wire snips
  • Shrink wrap for wires
  • Multimeter

Step 1 – Check for burnt fuses

If you have a cut wire somewhere, it will likely have blown a fuse.

Sometimes when owners add a hitch and change the wiring harness, issues can arise. Check the wiring harness, many have reported to find it completely melted. If this is the case, re-check all the fuses in the fuse box. You will likely find one to be blown. If you replace the fuse, wait a few minutes, turn the ignition to ON and watch to see it that fuse will blow again. If it does, there is definitely a shortage. Replace the wiring harness at the switch. Trace the wires back from the hitch to make sure there isn't a break or more burns farther down the line.

Figure 1. Check the wiring harness for shorts or melting, and trace the wires back to look for cuts or shorts.

(Related Article: Fuse Box Diagram - DodgeForum.com)

Step 2 – Pull and re-seat radio

Sometimes the radio connections can cause interior lights to malfunction.

The interior light controller can blow the under hood fuses for the dash and the parking lights when the dimmer switch is turned on or off. This is more common when an alarm or aftermarket stereo is installed; however, it has been reported even with a stock radio. Sometimes pulling the radio and re-seating it will solve this uncommon problem and is a simple fix.

Figure 2. Check the radio for bent or broken pins, and any cut wires before you re-seat it.

Step 3 – Check the fuse box

A common problem with earlier model trucks is that moisture gets into the fuse box and causes corrosion.

If you have ever driven your truck in the pouring rain or washed the engine like a proud owner, water could have gotten into the fuse box and corroded the circuit board. It is very important to nip this in the bud before it gets any worse. By far, the easiest fix, which happens to be very costly, is to replace the fuse box. Newer generation fuse boxes do not have this problem, but be sure the fitment is correct. New fuse boxes will run anywhere from $350 to upwards of $600 just for the part alone. You can save yourself a lot of money by spending $5 on some spray lacquer and following this simple procedure:

  • Pull the fuse box out.
  • Use a small drill bit and drill out the plastic tabs inside.
  • Pull the box apart to access the circuit board.
  • Use some compressed air to clean it up, note any corrosion.
  • Clean up as much corrosion as possible, you may need to use some conductive solder to create connections.
  • Spray the board with clear spray lacquer or silicon to protect the components.
  • Let it dry completely and hook it back up.

Alternatively, you can run a hot wire relay from the parking lights at the bulb and a wire from the headlights to the relay as you turn on the switch. This will make the parking lights always on with the headlights, but they will turn off with the headlights as well.

Figure 3. Clean up the corrosion on the circuit board and spray with clear lacquer.

Step 4 – Check for breaks in parking light wires

Another common problem is breakage in the parking light wires.

Many Dodge owners have dropped their spare tire to find that the wires to the rear parking lights have been broken. The spare tire assembly can sometimes rub the wires until the outer sheath is worn away and the enclose wires won't last very long after that. This is not a difficult fix as the wires can be spliced together and new shrink wrap placed over it. This should solve the problem of burned out rear parking lights and is a very quick and easy fix.

Figure 4. A wiring diagram will help with diagnosing and locating the correct wires for parking light issues.

Step 5 – Replace light switch

The light switch may be corroded or otherwise burned out.

It is not uncommon for the light switch or the relay to have gone out. This is a simple fix as well that you can do in your own garage in a matter of minutes. If your fuses aren't blown but your headlights either won't come on or won't turn off, the switch may need to be replaced.

Figure 5. Replace a bad or corroded switch to fix the problem with your headlights.

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