Headlight circuit

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Dodge vehicles. Closed 10 December 1999.

Investigation
EA98010
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
8 May 1998
Closed
10 December 1999

What NHTSA investigated

The headlamp switch in the subject vehicles can over-heat and fail resulting in loss of head lamps and possibly other lights.daimlerchrysler conducted a series of tests and determined that the 3500 series is prone to generating head lamp switch temperatures in excess of the switch lubricant threshold of 100 degrees centigrade.when this occurs, the lubricant solidifies and adheres to the switch contach surfaces increasing internal resistance and therfore, temperature.daimlerchrysler informed the NHTSA that it would initiate a recall of 79,3665 model year 1994-1997 dodge 3500 series ram trucks only based on additional testing from which it determined that the 1500/2500 series vehicles nominally operate significantly below the temperature threshold of the switch lubricant.owners of 1500/2500 series trucks were sent a notification letter advising of the proper methods for adding aftermarket lighting accessories.

The recall that followed

  1. Dodge — Exterior Lighting: Switch99V0240005 February 199979,366 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
DodgeRAM 15001994–1995
DodgeRAM 25001994–1995
DodgeRAM 35001994–1995

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.