2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain Discussion for all Dodge Rams from 1994 through 2002. Please, no engine or drivetrain discussion.

Fried Headlight Switch and Connector-Help!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 12:17 PM
  #1  
Pete Miller's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
Fried Headlight Switch and Connector-Help!

My headlight switch and connector are fried. I have ordered a new switch. I would buy a new connector and harness if I new where/how that harness terminates at the end opposite of the switch connector. The NAPA switch connector picture shows the connector harness ending in a bunch of bare wire ends. I have a service manual but am weak at reading diagrams. Can anyone describe the wiring harness replacement for me? Thanks.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 01:50 PM
  #2  
xtoyz17's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
I'd say go to a junkyard and cut off 6 inches of wire plus the plug, cut off what you have that melted, and just match the wires. Don't have to be a genius to do that, just gotta be careful and willing to take a little bit of time.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 02:15 PM
  #3  
NoSeeUm's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
Maybe take some pictures, that you can refer to later, before your start disassembly on your truck.

Jim
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 03:38 PM
  #4  
smokeyram's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I had this happen as well. 2 options, 1. get the new plug harness. the other is to cut the wires back, one at a time, crimp on spade connectors and hook them right to the new switch terminals. As long as you hook them up everything will work fine.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 05:25 PM
  #5  
TIMMY22's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 1
From: Land of milk and honey.
X2 what smokeyram said.

I wish I could get to the bottom of why this happens.

Mine did it, everything still works fine.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 07:10 PM
  #6  
xtoyz17's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
It happens because the switch and wiring weren't design as well as they should have been. Too much load, too small of wiring, etc... and things start to get toasty pretty quick. Start to add fog lights, running lights, marker lights, any other accessories on that circuit and it's just asking for trouble. Doesn't matter if it's OEM or aftermarket.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:06 PM
  #7  
dozer12216's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina or Kentucky. Take your pick
You got it xtoyz17 . Standard HL sw works great up to a point. Needum relays when go extra stuff.
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Feb 19, 2008 | 10:58 PM
  #8  
oldblues's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 1
From: s .e. pa.
hi
the problem is the factory wire harness is to light to handel the current !

cure the problem by getting the upgrade harness and you can safely use 80/100 headlight bulbs , i love mine !
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2008 | 02:58 PM
  #9  
justme-'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Central MA
Depending on you're truck- there was a recall on some for that problem......
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2008 | 04:49 PM
  #10  
MikeBC's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Lake Norman, NC
yep, my 99 had that recall in late 2000
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
linwin
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
18
Jan 2, 2016 03:25 PM
j_martin
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
25
May 27, 2013 10:05 AM
peppygardener
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
5
Aug 10, 2010 11:29 PM
RV2
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
4
Apr 18, 2009 09:47 AM
Fronty Owner
Other
23
Apr 21, 2008 09:43 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:11 PM.