No parking lights

GMANF61NC

MEMBER
1995 DODGE RAM
8.0L
V10
4WD
AUTOMATIC
99,650 MILES

I have replaced the headlight switch and pigtail with new parts. If I barely pull the light switch out just a little the lights work but if I pull it out until it clicks in the spot for the parking lights I have nothing. Headlights work. I have remote start on the truck and when I start it with the remote all the parking lights work. I have tried 3 different types of switches and still not working. If I use a jumper wire and bypass the switch they work. You can hear the relay clicking in the distribution box under the hood. I can also use a jumper wire in the relay plugs and the lights work.I'm completely confused. Could the switch need another ground maybe?

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2carpros, com

Something is wrong with the switch. Either you have a bad one or the wrong one. I have attached several pictures. They show the wiring from the fuse to the switch and then the lights. You will see there is nothing other that can cause them not to work. I realize it could be a wiring issue if they never worked, but you said when the switch is partially on, they work. That tells me the switch internally isn't put together incorrectly for power to go where it needs or it is bad.

When looking at the schematics, note that I highlighted the wires for the system so they stand out. Sorry I had to break the schematic down like this, but it runs across different pages. I overlapped them enough so you can see where it continues from. Also, I have placed them in the correct order. Also, power to the headlights comes from a different wire. So they aren't related in anyway.

The only thing that could be different is if the vehicle has dual rear wheels.

Now, this leads me to my next question. You said you tried three different types of switches. I can tell you the original equipment part number (Mopar) is 56021892AA. Confirm you have the correct switch.

One last thought. Make sure fuse 18 in the under hood power distribution box is good. It is a 15 amp fuse. If you look below, picture 5 shows it running to the switch for exterior lighting.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:33 PM

GMANF61NC

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you. I've got another switch that I know works from my neighbor's truck and gonna try it today. It's very strange that 3 different switches would have the same problem but anything man made can be wrong. I'll post the outcome from this in a little while

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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Sounds like a plan. I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:33 PM

GMANF61NC

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Tried a switch that I knew worked and presto lights worked. I can't believe that 3 switches from the chain parts stores that start with (A) were bad. Got one from NAPA and problem solved.
Thank you for your input

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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Not a problem. I'm glad it's fixed. It's unfortunate that most of the parts we get are imported and don't meet the same standards we expect. However, when you said it worked when it was partially out, I could picture the connection inside the switch touching and then by poor design, losing connection when you pulled the switch all the way out.

I don't want to know where you got the first three, but I have experienced similar issues in the past. However, where you ended up, I rarely have problems. My hat is off to their buyers. I hope they keep up the good work.

Take care and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe