1997 Dodge RAM 1500 electrical problems

Filed Dec 24, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 150,000 miles · CA

Head lights go out when driving or sometimes flickers on/off when driving, traced wiring and noticed that wiring was burnt at pig tail connector which is the head light switch at the part called bezel... Never had any trouble with it until this year and couldn't understand why wire burnt, the plastic/bezel melted first rather than fuse tripping. This occurs when driving anywhere but it occurred first when I was headed to work at 3am in highway 74 which is mountainous and very curvy road... Extremely dangerous. I believe this is a defective part and is safety risk.

Filed Dec 21, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 155,000 miles · WA · fire

The low beam headlights cut out while I was driving at night to the store a motorist flashed their lights at me while I was at a light.. Checked all fuses and had mechanic look it over. They narrowed it down to the steering column it will be 400$ to fix. The wire harness pin plug had overheated and melted. Almost caused a fire. I had smelled burning electric smell. Was only able to hold hi beam lever to keep hi beams engaged to be able to drive with lights till problem is fixed.

Filed Nov 19, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 150,000 miles · TN

Dash starting cracking and falling apart, wires got messed up and some things don't work. Parts of the plastic of the dash come out the vents when you turn on the heat or air. Part with the VIN went somewhere to parts unknown.

Filed Feb 28, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 98,000 miles · NC

My report is not necessarily concerning a specific incident. Approximately the date and time specified above I noticed my dash cracking, since that time the entire dash of my truck has cracked and broken. I have had the cupholders break and spill on me and now my dash backlight has stopped functioning. It is only a matter of time until it completely falls apart. I have applied adhesive to a dash cover to prevent further degradation of the plastic. From what I see on my truck and my father-in-laws 2003 dodge ram it is a fundamental flaw in the material the dash components are made from. I fear it unsafe to drive since I don't know when catastrophic failure will occur. Numerous other dodge trucks that belong to friends and coworkers have the same problems. Any attention you can give to this issue will be appreciated.

Filed May 26, 2010 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the instrument panel had been breaking into pieces over the past few years. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that he would be responsible for all repair costs. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The current mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Body, Electrical · DC · 1 injury

1997 dodge ram 1500 dashboard shattered under consumers hand.*cw the consumer also wanted to add that chrysler pt cruiser has the same dash problem. Updated 03/08/10

Filed Jun 26, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · TX

I own a 1997 dodge ram 1500 4 wd pickup. I have had it for 3 years and have had numerous problems with the head lights cutting on and off, and then going off and not coming back on. I spent several hundreds of dollars to have the problem fixed, but it still does it. I have been told by mechanics that do this type of work for a living that this is a manufacturers defect in the wiring somewhere. And that there are several vehicles( dodge trucks) with this same problem. I believe that dodge needs to put out a recall on this issue and got the problem resolved. I like many people take my chances having to drive at night.

Filed May 10, 2009 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · MO

I bought a 1997 dodge ram slt 1500. It is used and has 135,000 miles on it. However, I like the truck and I don't want to sell it because it is not safe for my family and I to be in. It has cracks all in the dashboard...and they are getting worse every day. I can actually see wires and the internal part of my dash components. It squeaks and I can also see steel mounting post that look really dangerous for a sudden stop or even I miner fender bender. It is actually caving in....and completely deteriorating. Nothing has been done to correct this problem by dodge as far as I know. I have researched this and there is no recall that I can find...and I do not feel that the original..or even a second owner should have to pay for this...nor do chryslers job...and make the vehicle safe for driving. I take good care of the vehicle...and not only is it unsightly...but is a hazard that needs to rise concern in all dodge owners.I am requesting a replacement dash for my vehicle either from dodge...or a safety certified after market dash that will not do this again!!!! This is also the second dash to do this on this vehicle...that is apparent.

Filed Apr 28, 2009 · Airbags, Body · 40,000 miles · MS

I have a 97 dodge ram that started cracking around 2004 and has steadily gotten worse and worse. As a result I have a terrible looking interior and I believe my electrical problems are a testament of the dashboards exposing my electrical wiring to the sun. The only way to halfway fix it I've found is to mount formica squares(not cheap mind you) over the wholes with mounting squares, though it looks terrible. My electrical problems are but are not limited to: power door locks that only unlock the driver side door and power windows that only work half the time and a cupholder that has fallen out on more than one occasion and caused me to rig back into place. Of course besides inconvenience of having a lousy dash that sticks out like a sore on a usually sound truck, I am afraid of the other problems it can bring I.e.: worse electrical failures and the possibility of an airbag deploying when it's not supposed to or not deploying when there is need.

Filed Oct 24, 2007 · Body, Electrical · 57,000 miles · FL

Dashboard cracked/split into pieces causing wires to be cut. Loss of headlamps, taillamps, and brake lights. Unknown if any damage has been done to the airbag system. How do I check that?