1997 Dodge Ram: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 4, 2004 · Lights · FL

Consumer stated that while driving headlamps went out, and they won't come back on. He checked the fuses and other parts and nothing worked. This happened on friday. All the inside panel lights were on. He was not able to drive vehicle at night.

Filed Oct 23, 2003 · Lights · 30,000 miles · TX

While driving at 65 MPH consumer smelled something burning. Then, headlights went out. There was recall 99v024000 concerning headlights; however, this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN.

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Lights · 135,905 miles · LA

While driving, the headlight switch shorted out which caused all the lighting on the dash board to go out. The headlight switch also melted all the wiring and upon turning the vehicle off the headlights automatically came on by themselves. *nlm the switch was on recall, but not on this model. *scc

Filed Jan 30, 2003 · Lights · WA

While driving at any speed and without warning the headlights will intermittently work. Dealer notified. * ts

Filed Jun 15, 2001 · Lights · CA

Headlights failed to remain on while in operation. Dealership has informed consumer that this vehicle was not included in recall 99v024000, and cause for this problem was unknown. *ak

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Lights · MD

On/off switch for headlights is located in cab of vehicle. There is a box in dashboard that switch feeds into, it has been replaced several times, which regulates operation of headlights. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Feb 26, 2001 · Lights · CA

Went to dealer twice. They said it wasn't under warranty. The time before my high beams were the only lights that came on. I am very upset because I bought it used and I haven't had it for a year yet and I'm making repairs. Isn't there something wrong with that?

Filed Oct 21, 1999 · Electrical · MA

Headights on low beam headlights became inoperative upon tilting steering wheel downward. Raising tilt wheel, the headlights became operative. Position of steering wheel did not effect highbeams, only the lowbeams. Upon removal of the steering wheel column cowl, it became apparent that the lowbeam wire to the dimming switch had become chaffed by the movement of the tilt assembly, melting the wire insulation, and creating a high resistance connection to the steering column, strong enough for the wire to part but not allowing the amount of current flow needed to blow the fuse to the lighting circuit overcurrent device. Because the vehicle is 12,000 miles past warranty ( 36 months/36,000 miles) the selling dealer refused to treat the problem as factory defect and stated over the telephone that the problem was mine and that I would most likely be responsible for the repair. It is my position that wiring harnesses in such a limited amount of time should never short-out or become so dangerously defective, creating a possible fire hazard, headlight failure, and worst case air bag deployment while driving. Thank you for your time...marshall searles

Filed Jun 17, 1999 · Lights · IL

Headlights come on and off intermittently, causing poor visibility.

Filed Apr 29, 1999 · Lights · MA

The push/pull headlight switch sparked when pulled on and the lowbeam headlights did not function.

Filed Oct 2, 1998 · Electrical, Lights · AZ

The headlights would flicker out when driving dark roads. Would then reappear for few minutes then off again. Interior lights remain on. Taking vehicle to dealer for electrical problems.