I am new to this forum, so forgive me if I ask some dumb questions.

Firstly, I have a light under my hood that is designed, I suppose, to light the engine compartment. Where is the switch? Mercury switch that when the hood opens causes the light to come on? If this is the case, I must have a burned-out light bulb?

Oh, I have a 2005 Dodge 4 door shortbox with the Cummins engine. Leather seats with warmers, heated mirrors, etc

 

Welcome to DTR.

And don't worry about the questions, we're all here to share our knowledge and learn from others.

I also have an underhood light that isn't working (I'm pretty sure it's a broken bulb) so I don't know for sure how it operates.

Have you checked it with either the headlights or the cargo light on? If it still doesn't work it probably is a bad bulb. I was going to replace the bulb, but after looking at the housing, I'm not sure how to get the cover off to access the bulb. Maybe someone else will chime in with answers.

 

I checked the service manual and you simply insert a small flat bladed screwdriver or tool into the access slot between the lamp housing and lens and then gently pry them apart until the lens unsnaps from the housing. Also per the manual, don't forget to disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable(s) before changing the bulb.

I guess I'll be changing my bulb tonight.

 

Also I noticed the other day after I had taken the truck to the shop to have the exhaust manifold replaced after I broke the tap in the exhaust manifold trying to put in the pyro (long night) they had disconnected the hood light plug and forgot to reattach it... Maybe check there as well?

 

Haven't you ever heard that the dumbest question is the one not asked? Welcome.