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]!
1997 Dodge RAM 2500: headlights failing or too dim
10 of the 213 complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 114,000
- recalls
- 0
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the headlight switch had failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
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.
1997 dodge ram 2500, with overheating head lamp switch. Concerns with the potential for fire!
I purchased this 1997 dodge 2500 diesel pickup brand new from the dodge dealership in oregon. The worst vehicle that I have ever owned regarding being able to see at night with their headlight design. I have had many close calls trying to see the road as it is almost impossible to see even the road directly in front of the pickup with this style of headlamps that dodge engineered for this year pickup night driving at night. I have taken it to several dodge dealerships to see if they can help. They have not been able to remedy this to this day. Very dangerous to drive at night. Help
I purchased this 1997 dodge 2500 diesel pickup brand new from the dodge dealership in oregon. The worst vehicle that I have ever owned regarding being able to see at night with their headlight design. I have had many close calls trying to see the road as it is almost impossible to see even the road directly in front of the pickup with this style of headlamps that dodge engineered for this year pickup night driving. At night. I have taken it to several dodge dealerships to see if they can help. They have not been able to remedy this to this day. Very dangerous to drive at night. Help!
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.
Headlights will either flicker or go completely off while in use due to a malfunction in the headlight switch. This causes poor visibility. There is recall 99v024000, but this vehicle is not included in the recall due to VIN.
The motorized exterior rear view mirrors moved to an inward position by themselves while the vehicle was in motion, this resulted in no visibility, the dealership replaced the mirrors but the problem recurred. *nlm mirrors replaced again. Headlights failed. Multifunction switch replaced. Passenger side window won't go down when using switch.
Headlight switch shorted out, rendering headlights inoperable. A recall has been issued on vehicle's make and model; however, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500?
10 of 213 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 (5%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2006.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500?
There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
Tire blowout 13Pulling 11Brake failure 8Fire or smoke 7Ball joint 6Adaptive cruise 5Fuel leak 5
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