1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup, No Low Beam Headlights

This 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup came in with the complaint of no low beam headlights. A simple test of tilting the steering column up and down with the headlight and dimmer switches on and positioned for low beam operation proved that the problem was in the steering column when the low beams came on and off with the repositioning of the tilt column. I went ahead and removed the tilt handle by unscrewing it. Sometimes a wrench is needed.

Next, I removed the screws that attached the covers to the column.

With the covers fully removed, I used an 8 mm socket and ratchet to loosen the attaching bolt in the rear of the connector body.

I also removed the multifunction switch to make the repair easier.

Using a small screwdriver , I removed the black cover from the connector body. Double click on the picture below and you will see the broken purple/white wire.

I used a small hook to pull the white plastic terminal lock from the connector body.

The original terminal.

I obtained a wire and terminal from another connector body and spliced it into the connector harness. Part of the locking clip for the terminal was damaged, so I used a little super glue on the exterior surface of the terminal to hold it in place in the connector, as insurance. Reassembled and this one was done.

By the way the connector that I used to obtain a terminal and wire from is at this link.

5 discussions on “1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup, No Low Beam Headlights”

  1. I just aquired a 2001 1500 Dodge Ram from a family member. Low beams hadn’t worked for years. They rarely drove the truck at night and used high beams. Found this post and did exactly as you described. There it was, just like the picture. Added a piece of wire and soldered everything. Lights work once again! thanks

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