Wipers turn on with headlight switch?

88MUXOWNER

MEMBER
1998 DODGE RAM
5.2L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Hi, I'm thinking there's a short in the multi-function switch because a week ago the wipers started turning on and the two turn signal lights are solid and dim when the light/dimmer/cargo switch is pulled out to turn on the lights. The turn signal on the panel doesn't blink when using the signal or with the hazard switch. I checked the multi-function switch to see if the wipers were off and not on delay, they're off. A while back the battery ran down because the cargo light was left on. The battery was recharged, the terminals cleaned, and the battery reinstalled. No trouble with drained battery now that the cargo light is off. Truck can sit for a couple weeks with crank. For two weeks everything was working fine. Now when turning on light switch by the driver window vent, not the multi-function switch, power goes the wipers and turns on the signal lights. I also noted the right front headlight is dim compared to the left. No other lights are dim all the way around. Just want to know is there something else that could be causing the issue besides a shorted multi-function switch on the column. Is there a relay somewhere outside the fuse box? Of course I'll be looking at the dim headlight for broken filament and corroded socket. But just never seen a head light switch turn on wipers before. Truck has after an market alarm but again never seen an alarm system turn on the wipers, certainly not on this truck. Church pastor and I find it a bit funny, but it needs to be fixed.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

If the right-side headlamp is dim it is likely related to a weak ground. The headlamps ground on the left side fender. See pic below.

Note that it is identified as G100. The turn signals have the same ground. Also, on the right-side headlamp, there are two joint connectors related to a ground for the signal lamps. So, this is where I would suggest starting.

I have a feeling there is a weak ground allowing power to back feed through the signals.

Check the ground first. There will likely be more than one wire there, so make sure all connectors are in good condition and not loose, damaged, or corroded.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 11:03 PM

88MUXOWNER

MEMBER
9 POSTS

I'm back after some looking around and here it is.

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L
With all light switches off and no key in ignition.
Wipers don't turn on with light switch pulled out, there's no turn signal indicators either. No park lights, r headlight on dim, no turn signals but instrument panel turn indicator both dimly lit, and each goes out when the opposite turn signal is activated, mean l indicator goes out when turn signal switch is pushed up for the right signal and the r indicator goes out when wanting the left signal. When hi-beam lights are on both indicators light up bright along with the hi-beam indicator. With the main light switch pulled out or in, when using the hazard light switch then shutting off the hazard light switch the turn signal indicators will still blink when moving to either left or right signal switch position. Seems to stop or reset when pushing the wiper wash button in on the end of the switch stalk. Also, no wipers turn on. Still park lights dim on either side when using turn signal on opposite side of vehicle from the switch. Mean l switch dims r bulb as well as the reverse.
With dimmer switch completely turned on the left headlight is on the right is not. But when using the hazard or turn signal the right headlight will dimly flash like a blinker.
With the key in the ignition in the accessory or run position the wipers come on regardless of what light switch is used, meaning the main switch, the turn signal, or the hazards.
So, is it the multi-function/hazard switch, the main/dimmer switch, the ignition switch, the central timer module, light sockets, bulbs or a combination of them all? Do the lights and wipers even run through the CTM? Something is pulsing the wipers with the lights.
I looked at all the grounds coming off the battery to the body, they're solid. In fact, there three more than factory with at least one connecting to the frame behind the left fender and another one off the battery to the upper radiator support.
Of course, will be looking at bulbs and sockets for breaks and corrosion especially since the right-side marker/parking/turn signal lens is broken.
The last piece of information that is good news is all the rear lights work as they're supposed to so the problem is up front somewhere. I see many people have had similar problems with different solutions, but the multi-function switch is my guess since all the lights and wipers run through it.

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Monday, June 5th, 2023 AT 7:21 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS