Hey everyone, I have a 97 Ram 1500 4x4 that I just recently picked up. I'm guessing I've got a burned up/out headlight switch. I've got no headlights, but everything else seems to be fine. It's got the pull switch on the far left upper portion of the dash. Pull the switch and I get my running lights, but no headlights. Doing some reading here it seems these switches were a problem for lots of people. The darn thing is expensive, cheapest I've found so far is sixty bucks. Anyway, my real question is how to get into the dash to replace it. I'm not terribly mechanically inclined, but I've managed in the past. I'm certain this has been addressed here somewhere, but after an hour of reading, thought I'd just post the question. Thanks for any help anyone can offer, even if it's just pointing out the thread that answers this for me

 

unscrew and remove the dash trim, the switch is held in by 2 or 3 screws, easy to remove

have you checked the fuse

 

The black outer dash trim is just snapped in, pry it carefully from one edge and work your way around paying attention to where the other clips are.

 

The fuses all seem fine, switched them around, no difference, so from my reading here, I'm guessing headlight switch. I'll be taking my first real look at it in the morning, been on the go since they went out on me. Thanks for the help! I'm sure I'll be back for more help before I'm done

 

Sorry Z, there's a little more to it than that on the 97's and below.
You have to remove the ash tray (2 screws) and then the drink holder (2 screws) Some people might find it easier to set the parking brake and then move the gear selector down to 1 to get it somewhat out of the way. It's not necessary, but some people insist. Also, don't forget that both the power port and the cigarette lighter plugs have to be unplugged, or you can swing the bezel away. Just don't yank it out as you'll mess those plugs up, and it's not fun.

Best word of advice I have for the OP is to be damn careful with that bezel. Just like all dodge plastics, it's brittle.

 

Wow, didn't know that obviously. I have to move the shift arm down if I need more clearance, but other than that, it just snaps off.

 

...is it possible your headlight bulbs are blown....

 

I've put 3 HL switches on my truck,one was crap out of the box and hadto change it a month later.I think the heat vent being directly under the switch contributes to the problem.The last one I put on was under $20 for my 95 model, may be a little different for a 97.

 

Truthfully, I only pulled one out to look at it, and it looked fine. My little girl is sick with the flu, but I did go out and look at the dash, I see how it comes apart now. And yes, there are screws in the drink holder and ashtray that seem to have to come out. Thanks for all your help!! If for some reason changing the switch is above me, I'll be back

 

Even though I was wrong at first. You pretty much just need a phillips screwdriver. Which you need anyway to remove the switch.