Head lights went out, then came back?
 

My truck is 1994 Dodge Ram. Driving home on the highway tonight I realized that my headlights were out, I pulled off the next exit and stopped at a gas station to try and figure out why I lost both head lights simultaneously. All running lights, side markers and tail lights are working at this point but still no headlights. Anyways, checked the fuse box but I dont think there is a fuse for the headlights, found nothing. Pull the lever to check the high beams and they are still functioning. Pull the lever again to return to just headlights and they are still not lighting up. I said screw it, I only got 10 miles to go so I drove with my high beams on. About a mile or two on the highway again and I pull the lever again to switch to headlights and they WORK! I haven't the first idea about what is going on and figured someone might have had a similar issue? Thanks.

Kyle

the headlight switch on these trucks was a recall item. get it changed before u lose them when u really need them. like when mine went at 2 am on the interstate 50 miles from home. drivin home with just ur 4 ways to guide u is not fun

Do you pull a trailer alot? If so the head light switches werent designed for all the extra load caused by the trailer lights and that could cause your headlight switch to go out again.... You will be money ahead to rig your trailer lights up on a seperate toggle switch so they arent pulling on your headlight switch.

Yup... There is a recall on the headlight switch for 94-97 Rams.

The recall is only for the 3500s not the 2500s when I asked Dodge about this they said its because of the extra clearence lights and there was no problems with the 15 and 2500s Wich is BS I went through 5 switches before I made my own

Yea that sounds like a load of BS to me! After doing some research on it I found the same thing... It is only the 3500 models that are recalled.

My 97 2500 has done the same thing a couple of times. Where did you get the replacement switch? Previous owner pulled trailer a lot. If stock replacements are not any good then I will make my own. Any comments?:humm:

My first switch caught the dash on fire boy was I pissed repoted it to the California buerro of automotive affairs and told them Dodge had a recall but only for one tons and they said that's because nobody had died or sued them over it yet. And ya know if Ford offered a cummins from the factory I'd own a Ford

Don't use your highbeams. I stopped using mine and stopped having problems.

my headlight switch is all burnt out... so a friend made a custom switch panel...
(PARK)(HEADLIGHTS)(CARGO)(CABIN)

All of the juice runs through the switch which apparently isn't designed to handle it very well. I installed relays on both the low and high beams and just use the headlight switch to turn them on. All high current now goes through the relays. I gained quite a bit of headlight output as well and my switch stays cool.
I used these sites for info and supplies and built my own harnesses.

suvlights.com Universal Heavy Duty Headlight Wiring Harness w/ relays for bulbs (9003/H4, 9004
Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
Innovative Wiring - Home
Installing Headlamp Relays - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

I had same prob with my 94 and the dodge parts guy said the new switch was updated, but he just says what he is told. I changed switch and plug. no more prob yet! but i think but i may be wrong that there is already a relay on each light at fender. corect me if im wrong. if not ading a relay would be a huge upgrade. and very cheap and easy. and if your switch goes out you can manualy turn on if need be.

THere are alot of good suggestions on here. You could always just clip the clearance light wire from the back of the headlight switch and run it through a seperate switch. no more problems.

My wires burned up.... not the switch itself...

A friend of mine had the same problem. His was an 01 though.

Wow guys you are very helpful! Going to try a new switch first but if I have the issue again I will just instal a relay.

when you do make shure you get the updated switch and change any bad conections on plug. If you did not know you can remove the wires in plug and only change the one that got to hot. if you dont fix plug it will happen soon again.

headlight upgrade
 

hi
do yourself a double solid and get one of the wire harness upgrade kits with relays.

you will lower current draw on headlight switch and gain brighter headlights .

well worth the money !:tu: