Lighting problems. Bad ground?

JSPulliam21 · 08-26-2008, 11:15 PM

For a while now my interior lights have been turning off and on randomly, so I replaced the headlight switch. On the way home tonight my headlights started going out. They turn on and off randomly now with the interior lights. Clearly the headlight switch is not the problem.

I am assuming I have a ground problem. I just don't know where to start looking. Anyone have any idea about where to start looking? My turn signals also work randomly. Could it be in the multifunction switch?

JSPulliam21 · 08-27-2008, 10:23 PM

The multifunction switch is not the problem. I switched it with a good one and the symptoms remain. Sometimes when the headlights go out I can wiggle the headlight switch wiring and the lights respond off and on. Other times it makes no difference what I wiggle. I checked the wiring to the multifunction switch up the column and found no worn or broken wires. I am pretty good with a multimeter if I know where to look and what to expect, but I cannot figure this thing out. What is the B+ circuitry? It does not matter if the key is on or off. Happens with the brights, too.

JSPulliam21 · 08-29-2008, 12:21 PM

Update: I put the old headlight switch in, and the headlights stay on now. The interior lights stay on, and the turn signals still work intermittently. I wonder if I traded one bad headlight switch for another. Any ideas?

Mad Dog · 08-29-2008, 12:38 PM

Chasing electrical issues is a PITA isn't it. Have you tried the relays at all?

JSPulliam21 · 08-29-2008, 07:29 PM

No, I have not. Should I just switch a couple of them, or buy all new relays?

Steveo24 · 08-29-2008, 07:57 PM

What about all the wires running into the plug that plugs into the headlight switch???? Those wire connections inside the plastic can be sneaky little SOB's and can cause alot of grief. Leave the switch plugged in and wiggle the connector plug:thumbsup

JSPulliam21 · 08-30-2008, 02:04 PM

The connector is no more. Each wire is terminated individually with female spades, and I have replaced a couple of them I figured could be causing the problem with no change. I put the old headlight switch in just to see if my old problems returned. They did not, and the headlights stay on now. I am chasing my tail I think. Sometimes when I shake the headlight switch the lights flicker, and other times they do not. I used a known good multifunction switch with no change in symptoms.

JSPulliam21 · 10-17-2008, 10:10 PM

I darn near pulled the driver's side of the dash apart to get the headlight switch wiring harness out. I found out that Dodge likes to run wiring harnesses across the sharp press panels that make up the steering member. Anyway, when I got the harness out I checked each wire for cuts. Only the solid green wire had a slit on it, and it did not look like the bare wire was exposed enough to short. I covered it in liquid electrical tape. Now, let's cover what has happened since the last time I posted. I bought a new multifunction switch and Borg Warner headlight switch. The headlight switch was installed Saturday night, and all the lights worked just fine. The interior lights went out again Thursday morning on the way to work. All the other lights worked fine. Tonight I was getting ready to go somewhere, and thought I would see if I could get the interior lights to work. I wiggled the headlight switch, and there was a spark between the metal on the headlight switch and the dash. Don't ask me how it sparked. I know the dash is plastic. Now, my running lights do not work. If I pull the headlight switch out halfway between off and the first click the parking lights and interior lights will come on. They go off in any other position. Did I fry my new switch with the green wire being shorted? Any more ideas? This makes me worried to drive at night again. Thanks!!!!!

lvin4jc · 10-17-2008, 10:16 PM

Wow, what a pain, i'm no expert, but it sure sounds like your new headlight switch is shot to me...

dodgeram18 · 10-17-2008, 10:34 PM

i had the same problem with my back up lights working then not working and i wasnt sure if it wasanywhere from tail lights to fuse box so i let canuck tire deal with it took them half an hour and didnt cost me any more than my time is worth.

JSPulliam21 · 10-17-2008, 11:11 PM

Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the 98 model trucks? I have one for the 01, but the wiring is different.

***Mopar1973Man*** · 10-18-2008, 10:12 AM

Sorry that's the only one I got is the 2001 book... But if my memory serves me right the headlight circuit is +12V hot and switch is on the ground side. But the panel lights should be typical +12V switched and solid ground...

Don't quote me...