I purchased headlights from carid for my 2008 dodge ram 3500 in december 2019. The headlights have shadows causing dark spots and a hazard. In the interim, I purchased LED bulbs from the same company to rectify the problem, but the LED bulbs will go dark periodically. Carid will not exchange the headlights for another brand, nor return my money, so I can purchase safer headlights.
Dodge RAM 3500 headlights problems
124 of the 3,084 owner complaints about the Dodge RAM 3500 describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 1997 model year.
- owner complaints
- 124
- worst model year
- 1997
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 89,427
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Wipers 11Fire or smoke 9Warning lights 5Overheating 4Tire blowout 3Water leak 1Transmission failure 1Stalling 1
What owners say
My 2011 mega cab 3500 was purchased in nov of 2018 with only approx. 110k miles on odometer. After a short while of driving, a vibration started getting worse up until I took to a dealer at approx. 114k for a check on toe & alignment. It ended up being a total repair of upper & lower u-joints & ball joints. Also had to replace driver's mirror-had short, wiring harness on passenger headlight-had short, transmission shifter seal leaked, new pinion gear & seal, & few other items also. It seems like a diesel that has just started breaking in was falling apart on me before it's time. Needless to say, about 4 months or so after I made the purchase, I had to fork out a !!heap!! Of $$$$$ for repairs that I couldn't recover. Funny thing is, before I bought the truck, another gentleman told me these years of dodge trucks he had heard they were having a lot of front end trouble. I'm shocked there hasn't been a recall. It sure would be nice to be reimbursed.
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.
At least the third time I have replace the headlight switch, twice the harness because it melted together. And now today having to replace marker wire (green with white stripe) and it is to hot to touch, the wire has gone stiff and hard and I am afraid it will cause a fire this time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. While the vehicle was parked and unoccupied with the engine off, the totally integrated power module caught fire. The contact stated that they key was not in the ignition at the time of the failure. The contact noticed that the headlights were flashing, the horn was beeping, and smoke appeared under the hood. The contact was able to unlock the vehicle doors manually, open the hood, and put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. A police and a fire report were not filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The collision center inspected the vehicle and found that the totally integrated power module was burnt. The collision center replaced the totally integrated power module and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 164,928. *dt
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.
Tipm has went out on truck. Head lamps, blinkers do not work properly. Will replace tipm
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the headlights failed intermittently without warning. In addition, the windshield wipers failed intermittently and worked only at the slow setting. The dealer diagnosed that the tipm module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was on back order. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 06e023000 (exterior lighting) and 09e009000 (visibility). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Updated 08/14/2017
High beam and or low beam lights quit or go off from time to time. Dealer said its a "tipm" computer. At a cost of over $800.00 to replace or $100.00 to flash the computer to repair? Can only be flashed 3 - 4 times before it has to be replaced. All the wiring and connections are good. Dealer said it was probably because of a faulty bulb and burned out the "tipm" ? I dont know, but sounds like a problem that dodge needs to address. If left unchecked / repaired it will slowly disable all the head lights high and low, plus the day time and fog lights. Not for sure when it started as I had just bought it from a individual, and only noticed it when switching from high to low beams. The truck has 130,000 miles. They say this can happen when trailer wires were incorrectly added? Again this is suppose to be dodges pulling truck but with no $2.00 fuses to replace, just an $ 800.00 fix? Really dodge??
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
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- Certain trucks equipped with dual rear wheels fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment." the trucks may have been inadvertently manufactured without the roof mounted cab clearance lamps.
- Risk
- Without these lamps, other vehicle operators may not detect the increased width of the vehicle which could cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install cab clearance lights free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V073000 · Recall details
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 Dodge RAM 3500 headlights
Which Dodge RAM 3500 years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1997 (27 complaints), 1998 (16 complaints) and 2006 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the Dodge RAM 3500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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