Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Callaway chrysler dodge jeep ram (809 s westminster ave, fulton, mo 65251, (855) 486-1440) diagnosed that the headlight switch was melted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 253,363.
1997 Dodge RAM 3500 lights problems
25 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000.
- owner complaints
- 25
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Headlights: switch15
- Headlights4
- Tail lights: switch1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge RAM 3500 lights problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 lights
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
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
What 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
There is no relay to headlight switch causing pigtail to melt multiple times. Could cause fire while driving.... Pigtail melts and headlights shut off during drive.
While driving in heavy rain, water entered and nearly filled the headlamp enclosure causing the halogen lamp to burst.
Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall on light duty only, but nothing on my truck. They need to be included in the recall. This is very hazardous , almost wrecked the truck because this happened at 1130 at night when I went to pick up my son from a football game. I was on very dangerous switch-back curves when they went out the three consecutive times.
Tl* the contact owns 1997 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage 200,000.
Tl* the driver owns a 1997 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH with the running lights on, the instrument panel lighting shut off. The interior light switch also began to smoke. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The contact replaced the headlight switch. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The failure mileage was unknown.
I own a 1997 dodge ram 3500 and the headlights go out on it after half an hour or less of headlight use and sometimes it blows a fuse and no tail lights are on and I have to pull over and change the fuse so I can continue my course. I sometimes have to pull down on the headlight switch to get lights to stay on. Another thing is that the dashboard is cracked and the plastic is falling apart and this needs to get corrected before some accident happens to all dodge owners who might not have the knowledge of this problem.
Head lights go out wires get hot. There was a recall for the headlight switch on my model truck ( 1997 dodge ram 3500 ) but I was told my truck was not included in this recall.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge 3500. The contact stated that the exterior lighting failed while driving on two occasions. The contact has not taken the vehicle to be inspected. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 67,592 and failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 12/12/2007 *bf the consumer stated headlight switch and plug melted causing all lights except headlights to fail. The consumer stated replaced switch and plug but can't find park relay. Updated 12/12/07
All lights but head lights would not work seams head light switch over heated and melted. 2-06 replaced switch self. 10-06 running lights quit working after long trip at night with lights on. Examined switch and running light circuit was melted again the melted plastic gets in the terminal connections and became an insulator causing failure. Removed terminal and directly soldered the wire to the switch. Now 1-07 the running lights don't work unless switch is pulled to headlight position. After the first time 2-06 I have noticed that the area around the switch gets very hot when the lights are on. It is a good feeling to wonder if your lights are going to work or not and if they will stay working. I believe dodge has recalled all 3500's from 94 to 96 for this problem and that the 97 to 981/2 are the same switch and are starting to have the same problems.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 lights
Does the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 have lights problems?
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 20% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 lights problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 lights?
Yes, 1 recall: 99V024000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge RAM 3500 have the most lights problems?
The Dodge RAM 3500 model years with the most lights complaints are 2006 (44 complaints), 1997 (25 complaints) and 1998 (15 complaints).
Other 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 problems
Transmission 26Brakes 17Fuel system 15Steering 10Suspension 8Acceleration 6Electrical 6Engine 6Body 5Airbags 4Tires 4Seat belts 1Visibility 1
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