Hi. Not a great emergency but it is annoying to have to unhook the battery cables on both batteries to get the running lights to shut off. Came home last week, shut off the truck. A few hrs later, went out and lights were still on. I'm wondering if there's a relay somewhere that turns on the running lights when the truck is started and off when stopped? Sure would appreciate an answer if anyone's had this happen to em. Thanks in advance.

 

My guess is the light switch is bad. Have you tried disconnecting the switch in the dash? There have been issues with these units.

 

I didnt think they would be connected to the same switch as the main lights come on with the switch and the running lights come on automatically.

 

It's got to be the headlight switch. Does it smell burned? The switch is about $27 from any autoparts stores. Takes all of 10 minutes to replace. The same thing happend to me and I just ripped the switch out so I could go in the house and go to bed.

 

I had 2 customers with 97s with the same problem- it was the DTRL module that caused it (burnt up inside) - unplug the module, see whether the lights go out or not- lights should stay fully operational except the hi beam indicator with the dtrl unplugged.

HTH

AlpineRAM

 

I take it, the DTRL is the light switch? Also, before I look for a way to demolish the dash to take the switch out, is there a simple way? (never had it out before) Thanks

 

I have the dash cover off, unplugged the whole light switch and the running lights are still on with the key off. The switch doesnt smell burnt. There must be another electrical component that just turns on the running lights when u start the truck? Maybe in the ign. switch?

 

I think AlpineRam is right. Find the Daytime Running Lamp module. Not sure where it is on the 97 model. Hopefully someone will chime in with the location.

On a 2004 the daytime running lamps are controlled by the Front Control Module with is under the fuse block and it conrols a bunch of other lighting functions also. But I think you have a separate module.

 

I just did a search, the module is supposed to be on the driver side fenderwell, close the the master cylinder. Apparently it's a little black box.

 

Yes it's on the driver's side fenderwell- if you look down vertically from the frontmost point of the brake master cylinder- it's an 8 (or something like that) pin connector.

AlpineRAM

 

Bingo!! Unplugged module on fenderwall and running lights went out. Thanks so much for all the info and the fast replys. (so far, I'm batting 1000 with fixing troubles I've submitted) Great site!!!
Al

 

A new DTRL module is around $150 from the dealer. With it unplugged the only thing other than the DTRL that does not function is the highbeam indicater. I jumpered the the two wires below and now the indicater works.

____=____
| x o o x o |
| o o o o o |
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The 95 to 97 might be a bit different but seems better than paying for a new module. I figure I can turn on my own lights when needed, eh?

 

Thanks. I checked Dodge and the part was $150. Checked Napa and they said I had to go to Dodge. Checked Lordco and they are ordering what they think might be the right one, for $80. If not, I'll try the re-wireing like you suggested. Thanks from the E. Kootenays.

 

Or you could always try the wreckers as well. Pretty sure that most DRL modules are the same in just about every Chryler / Dodge vehicle.