Forum Discussion

Casinojunkie's avatar
Casinojunkie
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018

Tow vehicle electrical issues

After changing out the headlight switch on my 1997 Dodge Ram I lost some electrical items.
The light switch has 9 color coded wires to match up with the truck color coded wires. I believe I have them correct.
I have lost the cruise control, over head lighting/map lights, power to exterior mirrors, and radio.
All these items are not needed just frustrating.
Checked fuses for the radio and found to be OK.
What else should I be checking?
Thanks for your input.

8 Replies

  • sneakygroundbuz's avatar
    sneakygroundbuz
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2018
    i would recheck what you wired in,especially if it had to be spliced in.
    then check to make sure no harness is pinched in the area you were working,or has a screw run threw it

    definitely a short to ground
  • Casinojunkie's avatar
    Casinojunkie
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2018
    ScottG wrote:
    You have a blown fuse.

    Checked the IOD Fuse, it was missing.
    Installed a new 15amp fuse in the IOD slot and it blew
    right away. Now have to find what is causing the short.
    Where would be the best place to start?
  • shastagary's avatar
    shastagary
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2018
    if you were pulling on the switch wiring to splice in the new switch you may have pulled some other connection plugs off or apart that power other things in the dash . your going to have to check the dash wiring for loose connections. get some good light in there to see what is going on. the power to the things you say do not work do not go through the light switch except the overhead lights may.
  • sneakygroundbuz's avatar
    sneakygroundbuz
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2018
    did this new switch need to be spliced in?

    if so,never rely on color of wires(especially if using after market parts)
    make sure the wires were put into the correct slots of the connector and seated properly.
    always remove/cut one wire at a time so as not to mix anything up.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2018
    IGNITION B wire or wires are not connected. If your truck uses a RELAY to power up the IGNITION B circuit then the relay control wire is not making contact.
  • dclark1946's avatar
    dclark1946
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2018
    If you are certain that your problem started after replacing the switch, the mostly likely cause is that some of the wire connections are not prooperly seated on the switch after installing it. I am assuming the connections were some type of spade lug connection. If you have access to a wiring diagram it would help you determine which connections are suspect.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,349 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 16, 2026