Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 MPH for 30 minutes on the highway, heat and a burning smell was noticed coming from the instrument panel. On inspection, the problem was identified as the exterior headlight switch. The switch was hot to the touch and a burned rubber smell was noticeable. The service dealer was notified, and recommended to take the vehicle in for repair as there was a recall for the exterior light; headlight switch (99v024000). When the vehicle was taken to the service dealer, it was discovered the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified.
1997 Dodge RAM 3500: fire, smoke or burning smell
10 of the 125 complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
My 1997 dodge ram 3500 was started and idling while my daughter ran to the barn to get something. Upon her return (@3 - 5 minutes), the cab was full of smoke. She jumped in and turned the truck off and noticed flames at her feet; stomped them out and called 911. Truck was totally engulfed in flames when fire dept. Arrived (we live less than 2 miles from f.d.) investigation by firemen said "electrical fire".
Dt: brake lines rusted. This happened without warning. The caller had to replace the brake lines. He was coming to a stop sign and when hitting the brake pedal it went to the floor. The rear brakes lost all the fluid. He pumped the brake and got vehicle to stop. The caller said that when they were trying to find where a hole was the fluid sprayed out and vehicle caught on fire. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.
Vehicle was pulling a trailer at 40 MPH, in the process,the rear exhaust manifold bolts came out, allowing a lot of heat to escape through the joint attachment. The heat set the insulation wall on fire. The fire melted the hydraulic line to the clutch.
Burning smell, blinking of headlights and then headlight failure while on interstate. Took to mechanic who found a recall and advised me to call a dodge dealer. Dodge dealer said there was no recall for that particular vehicle. Called daimler/chrysler assistance center who said there was no recall for that particular vehicle by VIN number. Mechanic in town will be fixing. Vehicle has trailer tow package.
The switch for the exterior lighting melted and caused a burning smell.
A wire in dashboard lights overheated and melted light switch. Smoke came into the cab. Dealer has been contacted. *ak there is a recall campaign 99v02400 to replace headlight switch/relay.
When driving with headlights on, there is a burning smell present. After turning the switch off and then turning it back on, headlights do not function. Dealer has seen vehicle.
Recall # 99v024000 chrysler/headlamp swtich: while the truck was parked it caught on fire under the hood and dash area. Owner received recall notice about seven days before the fire. Owner contacted several dealerships. None of the dealerships had parts available to correct recall.
While driving consumer smelled brake fluid burning, pulled over and opened hood and the truck was on fire.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500?
10 of 125 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 (8%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500?
There are 0 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
VIN decoder
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