1997 Dodge RAM 2500 electrical problems

Filed Jan 11, 2016 · Electrical, Suspension · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the entire dashboard was cracked, to the point that pieces detach when going over a bump. The contact also stated that the front-end suspension was fractured, making it impossible for the vehicle to drive in a straight line. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 03/09/16*lj

Filed Feb 24, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 68,650 miles · NV

Travelling at night with high beams engaged when all lights went out. I made an emergency stop by the side of the freeway and the lights came back on. I proceeded and a few minutes later it happened again. Eventually I determined that it I left the high beams off it would not happen. Took truck to dealership and they diagnosed and replaced the multi function switch. Problem recurred about 1 month later. Replaced multi function switch on my own this time. Problem recurred again after about 6 months, this time hot/burning wires could be smelled. Took vehicle to independent mechanic and they finally diagnosed and replaced light switch in dash. By this time one of the wires had nearly burned all the way to the main harness. Replaced switch and all fine for about 2 years then it happened again. Been living with no high beams waiting for time to rig a relay to take load off switch. Chrysler has a recall for this problem but will not honor it due to my VIN not being one of the targeted models... Complete [xxx]!

Filed Dec 19, 2014 · Electrical · 225,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the when adjusting the steering wheel, certain functions failed on the vehicle. The specifics on the functions that failed were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000.

Filed Oct 12, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 129,000 miles · MA · fire

Headlights stopped working while driving at night. Headlight switch is not safe to handle load of electricity from the headlight and marker light wires. I have replaced switch 4 times and still same problem. Lights stop working because the switch melts and begins to burn. The recall for 1997 dodge ram headlight switch should have been extended for all models built in that year.

Filed Aug 24, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 180,000 miles · SC

1997 dodge ram 2500, with overheating head lamp switch. Concerns with the potential for fire!

Filed Oct 13, 2010 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 2500. The contact noticed small cracks in the instrument control panel cluster. The cracks manifested into large, triangular, sharp, plastic chunks that are falling inward into the vehicle and also flying through the window when he was driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated there are no recalls or warranty on the vehicle and he would have to pay for the repairs. He notified the manufacturer who stated they had calls in regards to the failure, but they did not provide any assistance. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage 100,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2005 · Electrical, Transmission · 161,000 miles · NM · fire

The outer dash silencer pad caught on fire and burned the clutch and fuel lines. It fried the computer, the occupants were almost killed. There was a recall issued #737, in august 1997. The customer was not notified of the recall. The consumer paid all repairs out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified, but the claim was denied. Chrysler will not help the consumer with the repair bills, tom kelly made a decision and the consumer was told that he does not communicate with people and his decision was final. The consumer had no problems with vehicle before the incident and was out of state when it happened. The consumer realized the recall was for dodge trucks built march 7, 1997 through may 15, 1997 and the consumers vehicle was built on may 16, 1997. *jb the alternator was inoperative due to a bad PCM which was replaced. The A/C had become inoperative after the PCM was replaced. *sc

Filed May 24, 2005 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · OR

Dt: consumer noticed there was smoke coming from the dashboard above the headlight switch while driving. Immediately consumer turned the engine and the headlights off. After a couple of minutes it stopped smoking. After waiting several minutes, the engine started, but the headlights would not come on. Consumer called dealership, and was informed that there was no recall for make and model. Dealership has not checked this vehicle. Consumer checked the federal safety agency website and found a recall for the 3500 series but not the 2500 series. Discovered this is not an isolated incident. Vehicle has not been repaired yet due to expense.

Filed Dec 11, 2004 · Electrical · 248,000 miles · TN · fire

While driving home late one evening in late november 2004, the lights on my dodge ram 2500 went completely out. With this loss of lighting I was forced off the road, fortunately I was able to safely stop the vehicle without serious consequence. The fault was the main light switch failure (shorting out) creating a short and small fire in the dash. This is the third switch I have replaced in this vehicle. *jb I researched this type of failure and have found that is a fairly common occurrence in the ram trucks. I would like to know if there is anything which can be done to make this a safer vehicle to operate.

Filed May 14, 2003 · Electrical · WI · fire

When the consumer pulled out of a gas station, there was a smell of plastic burning. Suddenly flames appeared under the hood. The mechanic stated the main bolt for the 120 amp vibrated off, which caused the wiring to heat up and catch fire.