1998 Dodge Ram 3500 electrical system problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“At least the third time I have replace the headlight switch, twice the harness because it melted together. And now today having to replace marker wire (green with white stripe) and it is to hot to touch, the wire has gone stiff and hard and I am afraid it will cause a fire this time.”
filed Dec 3, 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the headlights and running lights failed to activate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the wiring melted to the connector and the internal switch was melted. The vehicle was repaired but the…”
filed Oct 10, 2014
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Electrical System problems in other Ram 3500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ram 3500 | 45 | 12% |
| 2011 Ram 3500 | 17 | 8% |
| 2010 Ram 3500 | 17 | 11% |
| 2009 Ram 3500 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 Ram 3500 | 18 | 10% |
| 2007 Ram 3500 | 24 | 11% |
| 2006 Ram 3500 | 52 | 20% |
| 2005 Ram 3500 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 Ram 3500 | 15 | 7% |
| 2003 Ram 3500 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 Ram 3500 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 Ram 3500 | 6 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.