This morning I pulled my headlamp switch out, and discovered something. My headlamps came on fine, but all the dashlights would not come on. After working the switch for a few minutes, I noticed that I could get them to come on with my running lights if I pulled it out really really slow. But if I tried to pull it on out to headlamps, the dash lights would go out.

Is this a problem with the switch? The headlamp switch in my '97 went out, and im thinking this one is on its way.

 

Sounds like the headlight switch. You might try blowing it out with some compressed air or something, clean it up a bit, see if it works better.

 

I pulled the switch yest. evening, and sure enough, the middle 2 ports where starting to melt. For some reason the healights started working again, but im still gonna replace the switch and pigtail.

Why is this happening on everyones truck? Is there 2 much load on this switch?

I have been thinking of taking the runningligts/trailer lights and running them off a seperate switch.

 

Phil,

At some point I believe there was a recall on the headlight switch. I dont have a TSB for you though.

 

I wonder what was involved with it. I mean, is it just a updated switch or is there something else they do?

 

Well, I finally changed the switch out. I was told a long time ago to put my trailer running lights on a seperate 12v line, and not to run them off my trucks running lights. I believe that this is what was killing my switch becuase one of my wires was really overheated. It was stiff, and the insulation was burnt a little. Plus where it connects to the plug it was corroded, and the plastic was burnt good.

So I ran a fused 12gauge wire to a toggle switch in the cab, and then back to my trailer plugs. Now I will have to hit the toggle switch to turn on my trailer running lights. This should take off any extra load on my trucks lighting system.

A plus is that I can flash my lights when passing someone without hitting the brakes!