1996 Dodge RAM 2500 Electrical system Problems

“The steering column on this truck has gotten very hot under the ignition switch area. So hot in fact that the wires and plastic column cover have smoked and melted through. I feel there may be a fire soon. The dealership says nothing is wrong with my model year but the melted hole in my steering column says otherwise I've read there was a recall of this nature but was told in no uncertain terms that they would not be helping me. Help...”

“On the morning of 12/7/09 I started my truck to warm it up with the heating fan on high when at some point, somewhere in the wiring harness under the dash overheated and started the interior on fire. Destroying my vehicle. The windshield and driver door windows were broken from the heat but luckily remained intact and not letting air inside to fuel the fire and it eventually extinguished itself.”

“I drive quite a bit during the night time with my vehicle. There seems to be a very serious issuse with the wiring over heating at the headlight switch. I have replaced 5 ... Going to be 6 headlight switches. There is a dangerous amount of head being put out at the switch itself. So much that it actually melts the pigtail at the light switch connection. The light switch itself is destroyed. Its bad especcially when driving down the road and your headlamps, marker lights and dash light all go out. …”

“Normal driving. Truck has 138k miles. Headlights fail. Initially they go off, come on, then go off permanently. Can smell smoke from dash wiring harness. Manufacturer has a recall #819 that covers the 3500 series trucks with identical wiring and headlight switch part numbers, but will not cover the 2500 series trucks. This is a safety hazard and I have found multiple instances on the internet of other people having the same exact problem. Left unchecked, I'm certain this will result in a dash fire, property damage, and possibly death.”

“Headlight switch replaced (3) three times. The last time had to replace the cannon plug also due to it burning wires along with headlight switch terminals burned. Talked with other 1994 through 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 owners and turns out that this problem occurs frequently. Is there anyway something can be done, this could possibly cause a fire an people injured or killed! Reference: 854783.”