I wanted automatic headlights and like many can't believe that Dodge didn't offer this in the Ram.

Most of what I have done started from the post by CarGuyOhio here that uses the DEI 545t Nite Lite Unit. Great writeup and it includes all the steps to remove panels and power and ground locations. But I wanted to be able to turn off the lights when I wanted without an aftermarket switch that others driving the truck wouldn't understand (like my wife). I really like the factory look as well.

Dodge did offer automatic lights in other vehicles. For instance our smaller brother the Dakota has them. I found that the switch is the same as the Ram but the Ram does not have the automatic option. I purchased a new switch for a 2006 Dakota w/fog w/auto (I have 2006 Ram 1500 SLT CQ) from Rock Auto shipped to my house for $40.


This gives the look I wanted. I hoped for simple solution but our Ram does not know what to do with the "A" position. The switch works by placing a resistance value between pins 1 and 3. Depending on that value the lighting module turns on and off headlights and park lights. Fog, Cargo, and dash lights are separate parts of the switch.
Headlights on= 660 ohms
Park lights on= 1040 ohms
lights off= 2000 ohms
automatic= 4000 ohms

Because our Ram does not know what to do with the automatic value the switch has to be modified or it works as another off position. The switch has four screws on the back that allows you to get to the circuit board. (I don't recommend modifications unless you are good with small soldering)
I removed the resistor R14 by heating up the solder (3rd on up from the bottom, already removed in picture). This did part of what I wanted. With this resistor removed the circuit is open in the "A" position. The way the lighting module works it goes into a default mode and turns on the lights when the truck is started and off when the truck is off. It does not however allow the fog lights to work or have any sensor to turn off during day light. If you don't have fog lights or don't use them and you want your lights on whenever you drive this is all that would be needed.


By soldering three wires to the circuit board you can use a relay to turn lights on and off (including fog lights) by the method you wish (light sensor or keyed 12v). I drilled a small hole in the back of the light switch case and ran the wires to a relay and covered it all with shrink wrap then reassembled the switch. You want to use small wires and route them so that they do not interfere with the headlight switch but there is plenty of room. I used silicon RTV to keep wires where I wanted and to prevent them from pulling out.

The Common connection (right side of R14) is where the switch contacts the "A" position. The Normally-closed connection (left side of R14) on the relay will short where the removed resistor was and 2000 ohms will be placed on the 1 and 3 pins to turn off the lights. The Normally-open connection (empty solder point by R12) will do the same as turning the switch to the headlight position placing 660 ohms on pins 1 and 3 turning the headlights on.

I connected the coil pins of the relay to a plug so the whole switch, relay, and panel can be removed if needed.

Now for your options. You can connect one side of the relay coil to ground and the other side to keyed 12v. This is what I did because I want my lights on anytime I am driving. No light sensor.

I did order the DEI 545t Nite Lite Unit but decided not to use it.(FOR SALE) You could also very easily use this kit to operate the automatic lights in the "A" position. You will not need to add any extra resistors as in CarGuyOhio post because the headlight switch handles this. The DEI kit comes with two relays and only one is needed and will need to be connected to the wires modified and coming out of the new headlight switch.

If someone is interested in buying my DEI kit and willing to send me a new Automatic headlight switch I would modify the switch and send you the whole thing.

 

Curious I have a 2011 Dakota and have a headlight switch with fog, cargo. I want to buy a switch with Auto, fog, and cargo and wondered would I have to do anything additional or will it work when I put it in.

 

Every time I get in a car or truck I automatically reach down and turn on the headlights. This is a habit for me and it cost nothing

 

I don't know for sure but I would think Dodge would include everything in all vehicles for all options and only include the switch and sensor if you have that option. For only $40 I would get a switch and see if it works. Because the light sensor is not there the lights would always think it's dark but would get you part way there. You may be able to get a factory sensor to make it all work if you have the wiring.
If you are interested I still have the DEI module I can sell but you may not need it.
Rod

 

I knew this is 4 years out but it's a very well thought out write up thank you. Did the 2011 Dakota ever post on further on getting his light switch changed over to a Auto light switch and working.

 

I know this is old but I am trying this in my 2011 Dodge Dakota. I have the auto headlight switch that I am going to install and firstly see what it does with no other modifications, probably nothing. Then I will try this but I am wondering if I wanted to use a light sensor to trigger the lights do I need a DEI or similar module or could i not just connect the light sensor to the ground and 12v on the relay coil side? or does the sensor need to go through some module to get triggered? Wondering what the wiring would look like for the dei module to the relay coil side, if needed?

 

I don't know the answer but I think I still have the DEI module. If you are interested you can have it if you pay for shipping. I didn't sell it and don't think I tossed it. I would try the switch first and see if it works like daytime running lights, on all the time the truck is running. The DEI module would give you a light sensor to only turn on when it's dark. Been to long since I looked at it to give you any advice and I upgraded to a Gen 4 Ram so I don't have anything to test with. This mod did work great for me for many years and I traded in the truck with it working.
Rod

 

 

Thanks for the reply! Ya I can appreciate that its been a while, no problem. I am just going to test things out and see what works. I guess my main curiosity was if the light sensor would work without that module as I have a light sensor from some other cheap kit and wondered if i could just take the wires from the sensor and put them on the coil side (ground/power) if that would work or if the sensor needs to be hooked up to some module first and then run module wires to the coil side? Like if the sensor does anything or if its the module that monitors the sensor for the light condition and passes that state on?
Otherwise ya I could give that unit a try from you and cover the shipping. Thanks!