1994 Dodge Ram light switch

MEFIXIT

MEMBER
1994 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

I had a problem w/ smoke coming from the dash light switch, and then the headlights didn't work. I removed and examined the switch. The terminals had overheated and the harness housing had melted a little. This left the contacts blackened and it had lost electrical contact. I cleaned the terminals up and reconnected switch to harness. Same thing - overheated and something started melting/smoking within 10 seconds. Headlights came on fine. Is this likely a switch problem or should I look elsewhere in the circuit. If it is a short, shouldn't a fuse blow? I looked in the manual, and couldn't even find a fuse designated for the headlights. If it is a switch problem, any suggestions on a web supplier?

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 AT 7:16 PM

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi mefixit,

Thanks for the donation.

If the lights were working before the overheating of the switch, I would suspect the switch to be faulty. The contacts are not tight enough causing high resistance for the high current flow and heating up.

The circuit breaker is in the switch itself.

Sorry I have no idea of any web supplier to recommend and I doubt it would be easy to find one as this should be a dealer part.

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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 AT 12:06 AM