The headlight switch in my 99 Ram Van went bad on the freeway last night. This is the second time in 5 years that this has happened. It's NOT fun to be driving late at night and suddenly have no headlights, and my wife likes out even less than I do.


The first time, I replaced the headlight switch with a new one from O'Reilly. This time I replaced it with a new one from AutoZone, but I don't expect its quality to be any better.

Is there a specific brand of headlight switch I can buy that I can expect to last significantly longer? Would a switch from the dealer actually last longer, out would I just be spending more for another switch that will die in 4-5 years?

I'll happily replace it preemptively if I can count on the new one laying 15-20 years.

 

The trick is to get the load for the headlights OFF the switch. They make relay harnesses for the trucks, and that would likely work just as well for the Vans.....

 

Get an actual Mopar 56021889AA headlight switch.
https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/part...6021889aa.html
https://www.ebay.com/itm/167907664738

 

The added benefit of doing a relay is you will have brighter headlights.

 

Is the Mopar switch actually more durable? Or will it have the same failure from heat?

 

My van is 26-years old with the original headlight switch, so no complains here.