I have been noticing a smell of wires or something getting hot in my 97 Ram. Mainly at night when the headlights are on. I thought it was coming from my heater but I narrowed it down to my headlight switch. The top of the dash seems pretty hot. The only problem I have been having with lights is my dash lights blink off but a pull of the headlight switch and they come back on. I hate to see this thing catch on fire and it smells like it. Could it be my headlight switch is shorting out or should I look at something else?
Thanks,
Brian in NC

 

Yes it sounds like the switch change it out should be like 25-30 dollars dont leave it to long as it can make a mess of the plug and wires if it wasnt all ready.

 

I was reading in other posts about recalls. Was there a recall for the 97 3500 headlight switches? Also anyone reading will the summit kit fix the overheating? I know that the rheostat causes heat when you dim the dash lights. I want to fix it so that I don't have to fix it again....well maybe not for a while anyway That burning smell makes you want to
Thanks,
Brian in NC

 

i know three people including myself that burnt their light switches up when pulling a rv . these were all first gen pu. I put a soliniod under the hood to take care of trailer wiring loads it is wired to the headlight sw.

 

Most of the problem is generally the park light circuit which draws more current than the switch can often handle. This problem is compounded on the 3500 trucks which have cab lights, identification lights on the t/gate, and fender clearance lights in addition to the common lights on that circuit. The problem is made worse yet, when people add lights to their trucks and tap them into this circuit without the use of a relay, or wire a trailer connector to feed directly from this circuit.

When you replace the headlamp switch, if it's melted, replace the connector too if it's damaged, or else make sure the terminals are tight and clean when you plug it in. If you add lights to this circuit, make sure they draw power through a relay and not through the switch.

I've replaced dozens of these switches and connectors, and it's usually a permanent repair if the above items are looked after.

 

RAW FUEL
I used the summit kit on my '02 as a preventative measure. This way I am sure there is no serious load going through the switch and also I noticed the headlights were quite a bit brighter as well. The only thing is the summit part # is no longer available and the number that supersedes it is not quite the same (it requires some modifications of the harness if I recall correctly). I would highly recommend a kit that takes the load off the switch personally, money well spent.
mishkaya

 

If you want to check if you have any outstanding recalls check here.



http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.jsp

 

Just so happens I checked that last night and the only thing that came up was Engine Throttle Linkage 2002 and it says the status is Incomplete. Something about the linkage on the Inj. pump can bind up. Thats all I found.

I may call Dodge Monday and see what they say. I think a 97 3500 was in on this recall. Hopefully it is.
Thanks,
Brian

 

If your '97 was built before Oct, 1996 it is.
Here's the recall> http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/819.htm
Some people drill a 1/4" hole in the vent ducting right below the switch to provide additional air circulation.

 

Darn I don't guess it is. My door sticker says date of manufacture is 4-97..

Thanks yeah I read about drilling the 1/4" hole. I'll do that when I repair the switch. Man this truck is getting a big to-do list going.
Man its always something.
Brian

 

[QUOTE=infidel]If your '97 was built before Oct, 1996 it is.
Here's the recall> http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/819.htm


Does anyone know if the Headlamp Switch Package described on this recall is still available? Is this a Dodge part number?
Thanks,
Brian

 

Must be a Dodge number.I done a search and a Dodge dealer in Texas has them. I'll try Dodge on the reacll and or part Monday.

Brian

 

I need to add that using the dimmer feature will create more heat as well. Run the dash lights at full bright. Dimming them just makes the switch get even hotter. KD