2003 Dodge RAM 1500: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Apr 20, 2016 · Brakes, Lights · 201,281 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, black smoke emitted from the rear of the vehicle without warning. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes, calipers, and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hub bearing, wheel hub, axle shaft assembly, and driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Lastly, the front driver side headlight failed to operate. The head lamp was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,281. Updated 06/29/16*lj

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 155,000 miles · MN

While driving on the freeway at night the headlights, tail lights, blinkers, 4-ways, brake lights, and tail lights went out and when slowing down to pull over the engine stalled. The engine started back up to get to the side of the road and stalled again with no warning. The truck now stalls at all stop lights and stop signs and is not giving any codes. The truck now has a large draw and kills the battery shortly after turning the truck off. The truck is still in the shop and so far the fcm, pdc and some wiring has been replaced but the power draw persists and the engine stalling still persists. Researching the issue on the internet this is a common problem on this vehicle and has been for quite some time. This is a very dangerous issue and needs to be addressed.

Filed Nov 20, 2012 · Lights · 72,000 miles · WA

On my way to work in the dark my headlights went completely out while doing 50 MPH, luckily I was on a straight stretch of road and was able to pull over on the shoulder. As I came to a stop the headlights came back on so I started to pull back on the road. Within a few seconds the headlights started to flash off and on. I was able to get the truck into a parking lot off of the road where I sat for awhile with the lights off. I turned the headlights back on and they seemed to work for the time. I made it to work with out the lights going out again. I left the truck running in the parking lot with the headlights on & noticed that they would go out and come back on again. Unable to drive the truck in the dark now due to this problem. This is a huge safety concern that dodge needs to fix.. Now driving in the day the turn signals will flash incorrectly, if I turn the right signal on it may start flashing the left signal or just quit all together.

Filed Sep 12, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 58,000 miles · KS

The problem began with the ignition remaining on with the key out. The next thing was the headlights not switching between bright and dim.third came the wipers not turning on all the time.now the turn signals are working improperly.

Filed Dec 1, 2010 · Body · TX

The dash board develops major cracks and overall material breakdown exposing wiring under the dash for a possible catastrophic failure of safety and electrical systems due to inadvertent exposure (airbags, headlights, taillights, gauges, ignition, ventilation, etc) . It threatens the occupants (riders) with possible projectile shards of plastic if there is an accident, causing more damage than an impact itself. Possible injury upon exiting the vehicle if a hand is placed in the dash area and it collapses. The integrity of the structure is faulty creating a unsafe environment. The cracks are not from abuse or mistreatment of the vehicle. The part is not a wear item that mechanically deteriorates over time. The vehicle is garaged and well kept regardless of mileage. Inspected regularly, registered as individual use not a commercial vehicle.

Filed May 1, 2007 · Body, Electrical · FL

The dash board in my 2003 dodge ram is cracking. I didn't think much if it, until I saw on the news that others were doing the same and continuing to collapse until there are electrical problems, such as head lights turning off.