Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while parked, a thermal event started in the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was found that the fire originated in the instrument panel above the headlight switch. The contact also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that an investigator will inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
1996 Dodge RAM 3500: headlights failing or too dim
8 of the 124 complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 3500. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a throttle cable repair march 2010 but the dealer only replaced the throttle cable and no other required parts that would keep the cable from failing. As a result, the cable became loose twice after the repair while the contact was driving at approximately 35 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership. The dealer replaced the failed throttle twice. The contact then took the vehicle to a local repair shop as the dealer was not able to correct the problem. The mechanic at the repair shop informed her that the failure was caused by the throttle rod ball, the ball stud, throttle cable stud, the throttle rod thread (left and right) and the throttle return spring. In addition to the throttle failure, contact stated that the headlight repair performed june 2009 did not correct the problem; the headlight plastic and switch melted even after the repair. She called the manufacturer and filed a complaint; the manufacturer explained that the throttle failure was not due to a manufacturers defect but instead to the dealers poor workmanship. The failure mileage was approximately 221,010. The current mileage was 221,061.
Low beam headlight failure---checked on line found recall # 819---went to chrysler dealer---was advised that the recall had been done on that VIN# and chrysler had no obligation---I pulled the headlight switch and found that it was damaged, the connector melted and no relay pack specified in the recall fix-----it was appears the recall was pencil whipped and the repair was never made------how do you insure that recalls are really done and how many more like mine are out there????????
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 3500. The headlights flickered on and off and the contact noticed a burning smell. The light switch also overheated. The vehicle was previously serviced at 63,557 miles for the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The manufacturer would not service the vehicle again under the recall. The current and failure mileages were 201,135.
The headlight switch failed.*dt
Parts were not available for recall 99v024000 repairs for headlights.
Consumer pulled over to shoulder 0ff road and left vehicle running to assist another motorist. When he returned to vehicle, there was smoke inside coming from underneath dashboard. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Mechanic told him that headlight switch needed to be replaced.
While driving, all of the vehicle lights wentout. Headlights,parking lightss, and marker lights. Please describe.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. Operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
- Risk
- If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Recall number 99V024000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500?
8 of 124 owner complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 (6%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
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