It started last week. I heard a whinning noise and then my dash, a/c and dome light shut off. So I checked the fuses and number 18 was burnt. So, I bought a new one, I put it on and turned the lights on, burnt the fuse. I checked the alarm cable, it was fine, but to be sure I disconnect the cable from the alarm to the light switch. I placed a new fuse, turn on the car, turn the lights on and it was fine. I reconnect the alarm cable to the light to make sure the alarm is culprit. It works fine with the alarm as well!. So I am a happy camper until the next morning when I turn the car on, turn the lights on and the whinning noise. I get to work and check the again. I disconnect the alarm wire, replace fuse, turn the car on and turn the light on, the whinning noise coming from the headlight switch. So, my switch is messed up right? I mean, it has to be. The headlights work fine, the signals, the brake, the tail, the plate, they all work, but not inside.

 

Yeah, sounds like you've got a short and luckily the fuse has done it's job. Def don't go putting in a larger fuse or youu'll have bigger problems than swapping out a new switch! i would pick one right from the dealer unless you trust Ebay for that sorta thing.

Here ya go http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__05-Dodge-Ram-1500-2500-3500-Headlight-Switch_W0QQitemZ400020184309QQadiZ2865QQadnZCarQ20 Q26Q20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQcmdZViewI temQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=it em400020184309&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65% 3A10|39%3A1|240%3A1318


Just make sure you get the correct one if you have fogs

 

Thanks man, and I was about to put a 20amp. What can happen, I never understood why one should never place a bigger fuse. I havent done it since my 80 cougar. I checked Dodge Parts OEM catalog, its cheaper and they are pretty good with shipping.
Thanks again.

PS- Can the switch with foglights work as well. I was thinking of maybe upgrading foglights later on. Can I use the foglight switch on a standard setup?

 

The fuse that is used is the maximum power supply that the wires can handle. If you try pulling 30amps of power through a 14ga line which is maxed out at 15amps at 80% current, you will heat up the wire, melt the insulation and start a fire all before the fuse pops because the fuse will never pop because the wire is the weakest link and in actuality would be the "fuse".

 

Damn. You the man, my friend. Somebody has a burning 1980 cougar somewhere. So, can I use the foglight switch or should I stick to the original non-foglight.

 

yes the fog light switch is exactly the same except it has a few more wires and you are able to pull it out for the fog lights.

 

good thing it didn't catch on fire!

 

First thing I'd do would be to take a meter and check the impedance of all your wires in the circuit, and the switch. No need to jump the gun and go buying parts blindly and praying you fixed it until you know exactly what's causing the short.