Hey there, I’m new here. Been a mechanic for long enough to know enough. But I’m also honest when it comes to things such as electrical, is NOT my strong suit at all. I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 and the tail lights/dash lights are inop. Headlights, turns, and reverse lights are all ok. I checked the fuses and they are ok. I have a new headlight switch coming just in case but if not, anyone have any other thoughts? Thank you in advance

 

Headlight switches and the connector for it are known problems on these trucks, worth pulling it, and having a look.

 

You may also need the headlight switch connector harness as well. They are known for burning up/weak electrical contacts due to heat, since so much amperage is flowing through the headlight switch wiring. For the best long term repair (if you plan to keep that 2nd gen truck for awhile), it's best to isolate that circuit by using a relayed headlight harness. LMC Truck sells one, as well as several other outlets..

 

$10 your front marker lights aren't working either Check fuse "F" in the PDC (20A). Then check for power at the pink/red wire (pin 2) at the headlight switch, and pin 1 black/yellow should have power with the lights turned on.

 

Copy that. Thank you all for the information. Switch should be here tomorrow. I’ll try that first and go from there. If not, I will start checking everything mentioned. I will keep y’all posted

 

All the switches i see today come with the pig tail. Years ago that was another story, I replaced mine 3 times already. Both the headlight and running light wires burn so the headlight harness will remove the load off the switch. But you need to replace most/all the running light bulbs to led get the rest of the load off the running light circuit. There was a recall(819) on the 3500's but the2500 and sometimes the1500's have the same problem. This was the 94-97 trucks, Not sure if there are any recalls/tsb's for the later years.

 

The OP has a 2001 which has the rotary switch and ground switched lights.

 

Hey, I haven’t received the headlight switch yet but I went ahead and pulled the old switch to check those two wires you were talking about and neither of them have power when the headlights are on?

 

The pink/red wire should have power at all times. Did you check for voltage at the fuse ?

 

So I originally thought the fuses were ok. The ones inside the cab were working. Then when I double checked under the hood. Where the parking light fuse should be, it’s gone. There’s no place for the fuse to go. The plastic is broken. This was before I bought this truck. Someone put an inline fuse in the spot for the parking lights. Every time I turn on the lights, the fuse pops. It’ll last a few seconds, the lights will come on but then pop again.