Headlight Switch

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the headlight switch assembly located in the dashboard of a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
4. Adjust steering wheel to lowest position for improved access to dash panel

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower dash panel
   Using a trim panel removal tool, carefully pry the lower knee bolster panel below the steering column. Start at the bottom edge and work around the perimeter to release the retaining clips. Pull the panel away from the dash and disconnect any electrical connectors if present. Set panel aside.
2. 2

   Remove instrument cluster bezel
   Locate and remove the two Phillips screws at the top of the instrument cluster bezel. Gently pull the bezel forward starting from the top, releasing the lower retaining clips. Carefully maneuver the bezel over the steering column and set aside.
3. 3

   Access headlight switch mounting
   With the bezel removed, identify the headlight switch assembly on the left side of the instrument cluster opening. The switch is typically mounted with a rotating collar or screw-type retainer. Use a flashlight to clearly see the back of the switch and its electrical connector.
4. 4

   Disconnect switch electrical connector
   Reach behind the switch assembly and locate the electrical connector. Depress the locking tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect it from the switch. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove headlight switch retaining collar
   The 2007 Ram headlight switch is an integrated rocker-style assembly retained in the instrument cluster bezel by locking tabs (and possibly screws). Release the retaining tabs or remove any retaining screws and press the switch assembly out from the front or rear of the bezel opening.
6. 6

   Remove switch from dash panel
   With the retaining tabs released (or retaining screws removed), push/pull the switch assembly out of the instrument cluster bezel opening and remove it completely from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Install new headlight switch
   Position the new headlight switch into the instrument cluster bezel opening from the front and press until the locking tabs fully engage (or reinstall any retaining screws). Confirm the switch is seated securely.
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector and install knob
   Connect the electrical connector to the back of the switch until it clicks into place. Verify the switch assembly is fully seated in the bezel, then operate the switch through all positions (OFF, park, headlights, AUTO if equipped) to confirm proper operation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the instrument cluster bezel by positioning it over the steering column and pressing firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips
2. Install the two Phillips screws at the top of the bezel and tighten securely
3. Reinstall the lower knee bolster panel by reconnecting any electrical connectors and pressing the panel into place until all clips engage
4. Reconnect the negative battery cable

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
• Test headlight switch through all positions: OFF, parking lights, headlights, and AUTO (if equipped)
• Verify instrument panel illumination dims properly with the headlight dimmer control
• Check that fog lights and other auxiliary lighting controlled by the switch operates correctly
• Confirm all dash panels are secure with no rattles or gaps
• Recalibrate power window auto-up/down by fully lowering each window, then fully raising and holding the switch up for 2 seconds

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