1997 Dodge RAM 3500: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Mar 25, 2019 · Lights · 253,363 miles · MO · fire

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.

Filed Jan 30, 2018 · Lights · 70,000 miles · VA · fire

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.

Filed Dec 21, 2016 · 200,000 miles · AK

I purchased this vehicle used approx in 2007 but have not receive any notice on recalls. There was something one time I took into fear let about window I think. Recently I was talking with previous owner and found out they were still getting info on truck occasional but threw away as they'd sold and assume I was getting same recall notices. I've had replace transmission cause burn out on long trip from fairbanks approx 1 1/2 year ago lost most fluid just as I pull in to wasilla. Paint has peaked in area or two and my headlights started working intermittent yesterday. Had issues with power boast as well in past along with lack of heat in winter. Replaced injectors same year I purchased

Filed Sep 24, 2015 · Lights · 98,000 miles · MN

While driving in heavy rain, water entered and nearly filled the headlamp enclosure causing the halogen lamp to burst.

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 140,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2012 · Lights · 32,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Nov 3, 2011 · Lights · 126,342 miles · AL

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.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Lights · TX

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.

Filed Jan 30, 2008 · Lights · 108,000 miles · WV

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.

Filed Sep 7, 2007 · Lights · 67,592 miles · CA

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

Filed Jan 21, 2007 · Lights · 121,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Jan 12, 2007 · Lights · OH

Strong smell in cab seemingly only at night. Got pulled over for no tail or running lights behind the cab. They were working earlier. Headlight switch was melting causing nasty smell which resulted in a bad headache.