I am good to go on installing relays for headlights, but have another question on the wiring harness. there is a small wire going from the switch to the steering column. it has a stripe on it. when we installed new switch/pigtail and applied power, this little wire burned. can anyone tell me what this wire is for??

 

^^ Not entirely sure.

If these relays were added for the headlights, would it be okay to pull a trailer and not worry about burning out the headlight switch, since there is less load on it? Would a separate lead be run to the rear of the truck for running lights anyway? I'm just asking because I've heard that if you pull a trailer with the lights on you will burn out the switch.

 

I do not usually post here even though I do come here and read all the time, all of you guys have given me some great ideas.
Now to the point, I have this same problem, I got lucky and has only recently happened to me a couple of months ago and I have a 1996 Ram 1500 4x4. And like most of you playing with the dimmer started it working again but only for a couple of weeks.
Mine still do not work now, but if I hold my dimmer in the high beam on position like I’m changing from dim to high my lights will come on so I use that for emergency trips only for maybe like a mile or so if I get stuck after dark.
But I did find this today after 3 hours of searching, it may help some of us and maybe not.
Here is a URL that gives the recall number and issue date, if you print it and have it with you when you go to your dealer I have been told that many of them will repair the problem at least one time.
I am also told that there are some really stupid conditions about this recall so good luck, and I hope it works for at least some of you.
I will let you know if it does for me.
Here is the URL for the page
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_is_t...Dodge_Ram_1500
Also here is a URL for a complete list of recalls for our trucks.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recall.htm
From what I read they will only fix the 3500 series because according to some kind of stupid *** page they added to the Manuel saying that if you have a factory installed towing package that this problem should not happen and if you do not then it tell you what to do in order to keep it from happening.
Well guess what? I have a factory installed towing package and it still happened to my truck.
I was going to just post all of this from the web pages but it would be 2 or 3 pages long.

Hope this helps some of you.

Terry White

 

As to replacing the switch and the plug. Been there done that.
First all wires were melted on the plug, so chop chop replaced the burnt wires, new plug, new switch... worked for 10 maybe 20 minutes, until I put the dashboard together again. Then it magically stopped working...

Took it apart again. The Yellow wire that is on a separate plug, (plugs into the switch), was melted, and it started melting the new wires that were touching it... So at least i know which wire is overheating.

Also my passenger side headlight casing has literally melted! the hole for the light bulb is about twice the size now. Next thing I was going to try was replacing the actual plugs for the headlights, but after reading some forums I will try following recall #819, #820 instructions, and see what happens...

 

i got a problem with my 97 360 slt laramie my headlight are just not working i have no low beams just daytime running lights and my high beams work but dont stay on also my fog lights dont work to get them to work you have to play with the high beams and the fog light button at the same time does anyone have any idea on how to help me

 

Failing mutli-funttion switch, or, failing relays.

 

Fixed mine with the LMC upgrade works very well One night lights went out again found bad relay on the LMC no hi beams now Unable to find replacement relay LMC only lists complete harness just something to consider

 

i am having the same problem in my 95 ram 4x4 with my low beam headlights, all they do is flicker and then turn off and i already instaled the pull out switch.

 

1998 RAM 3500...just replaced all 9 wires and harness along with new switch.all lights are now working except cargo light and dome light.Also no instrument lights unless **** is turned all the way to the left as to turn on interior lights.

 

Go to the FAQ/DIY section and download the service manual. Wiring diagrams are in there. Need to see if all fuses and connectors are made.