1997 Dodge RAM 1500: headlights failing or too dim

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 Mar 2, 2013 · Lights · 105,000 miles · MI

I am the second owner of this vehicle the night after I bought it I repositioned the steering wheel closer to my lap and the headlamps went out causing me to not be able to see I flicked on the high beams and was able to see again. But if I hadn't done that I could have had an accident.

Filed Jan 22, 2012 · Body · 139,550 miles · CO

The plastic dashboard top suddenly began breaking into large, sharp shards and falling apart. Once this began, electrical problems inside the dash began, including radio feature failures, headlight switch wiring, etc.

Filed Nov 2, 2011 · Lights · 83,500 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the headlight switch malfunctioned. The tail lights, dashboard lights, and exterior running lights also would not activate when the headlights were engaged. The contact did not call the manufacturer nor was the vehicle taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The contact stated the faulty headlight switch made it difficult to drive at night. The failure mileage was 83,500.

Filed Sep 6, 2011 · Lights · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the headlight switch would operate intermittently. The dealer was contacted and determined that there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 200,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2011 · Lights · 94,500 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the headlights were abnormally dim. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed an unusual yellow film on the headlights lens. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact did not call the manufacturer regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 94,500 and the current mileage was 95,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2009 · Lights · 140,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. While driving 40 MPH the headlight switch failed. Upon further inspection he noticed that the wires in the housing had melted. After he purchased the parts from the dealer, he performed the repair. The failure mileage was 140,000.

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 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?

Filed May 2, 2007 · Body, Electrical · FL

Cracking of dashboard and short in headlights.

Filed Oct 7, 2005 · Lights · NC

Consumer complaint in reference to a 1997 dodge ram 1500 pickup truck with defective paint and headlight switch, request a recall investigation. *ts the primer was not bonding to the metal and as a result the paint was peeling off the vehicle. The consumer did some research on the headlight switch and found that the dodge 3500 series pickup was recalled for the same exact problem. The consumer believes his vehicle should be included in the recall because it is safety related.