1996 Dodge RAM 2500 lights problems

Filed Nov 8, 2021 · Lights · 54,900 miles · AZ · fire

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was functioning normally. The contact stated that the next morning the headlight switch did not feel normal as the switch was easily pulled out. The contact stated he removed the instrument panel and noticed that wires and connectors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that he ordered the parts himself and would do the repairs. The contact stated that he found manufacturer recall number: 918 for the 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 3500 online, however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 54,900.

Filed Sep 13, 2019 · Lights · 300,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate at night time. The contact mentioned that the high beam headlights turned off after ten minutes and the low beam headlights flickered. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred periodically. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 300,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2015 · Lights · 200,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 70 MPH, a burning odor and smoke emitted inside the cabin. The headlight switch ignited into small flames. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the contact extinguished the flames. A fire and police report were not filed. There were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the fire was contributed to a faulty headlight switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was unvailalbe.

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Lights · 68,000 miles · WA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the low beam headlights suddenly shut off. The contact examined the vehicle and discovered that the headlight switch overheated and melted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Lights · 148,000 miles · AK

When towing a trailer the headlights shut off for a few min. Then come back on. With the brights on the shut offs happen earlier in the drive and more frequently. Dodge did a recall on the 3500 trucks with the same headlight system, but they did not recall the 2500 trucks. All the electrical power for the headlights is routed threw the headlight switch. The switch heats up and the headlights are shut off or the headlight switch melts from the heat and they never come back on. Dodge even sells a fix for the problem which uses relays, which they should have used when they built the truck.

Filed Jun 27, 2014 · Body, Lights · 291,000 miles · AZ

Attempted to turn on headlights. Headlight switch pulled out from dis-integrated instrument panel plastic. Had to release steering wheel and hold body of headlight switch with one hand while operating switch control with other hand. This dodge ram's dash cover has completely cracked away several years ago. Now, the actual instrument panel is dis-integrating. Currently the headlight switch, the overdrive switch and auxiliary power outlet are hanging by wires. The drink holder and radio are removed as their mounting support is gone.

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Lights · 185,000 miles · WA

Early morning, dark, some fog, mountain roads, 45 to 55 speed limits. Using high beams as needed but not constantly due to fog and some oncoming traffic. Headlights went out,flashed back on and off,seemed to happen a couple of times as I was breaking and trying not to hit something or go into a ditch. Hit dimmer switch and low beam lights came on. Stopped at next available safe pullout. Checked truck over,found nothing. Resumed trip. Lights went out again,using high beams,finished trip with only low beams and had no other problem. Checked out headlight switch,and found overheated wiring that could result in fire.

Filed Aug 11, 2013 · Lights · 205,000 miles · UT

After using headlights on high beam for approximately 15 minutes, went to switch to low beam and lost all lighting. Upon examination, headlight switch was melted. This is the second switch that has done this.

Filed Jan 7, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 226,000 miles · TX

Numerous headlight switches replaced due to them burning up to include several inches of the existing wiring harness to switch. I cannot believe that this type of safety issue is not being addressed. You dam sure have knowledge of the problem since the aftermarket auto parts o reilys etc. Carry the switch or switch with wiring harness as an option. After reading here all switches go out about the same... The headlights start going on and off then look for smoke coming from around dash where switch mounted. You can feel the heat from under when switch is burning up. Need a simple relay to stop this show how much dodge loves its customers!

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Electrical, Lights · 136,000 miles · FL

Normal driving. Truck has 138k miles. Headlights fail. Initially they go off, come on, then go off permanently. Can smell smoke from dash wiring harness. Manufacturer has a recall #819 that covers the 3500 series trucks with identical wiring and headlight switch part numbers, but will not cover the 2500 series trucks. This is a safety hazard and I have found multiple instances on the internet of other people having the same exact problem. Left unchecked, I'm certain this will result in a dash fire, property damage, and possibly death.