I just successfully completed the repair on the driver's side and did the passenger side as preventive maintenance. I used my soldering iron first and melted the two halves together and then used JB Weld on top of that. The switches should last longer than the truck now. Thanks again.It's amazing how far decent instruction will take you.
I have an older 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 which has a two similar overhead 'map' lights where you press the lens cover to activate them. I hadn't used them in a while but BOTH of them failed simultaneously one evening. Turns out that it wasn't the switches themselves, but was the plastic housing holding the on/off switches in place, that shattered, just like my dash has shattered. I heard Dodge used inferior, cheap-assed plastic during a few model years; thus my problems. Thank you for taking your own time to help a brother in need.
Good video! FYI, been using Velcro strip for about 6 yrs. to hold the sunglass door shut, and noticed a replacement is selling on Amazon for 15 bucks, that supposedly is upgraded with a better clip. Will revise this post if it is as good as reviews claim.
That's awesome to hear, Carlos! I'm so glad you found this helpful and that it helped you save money! Congratulations on fixing your problem on your own!
Nice tutorial. I'm also going to do my repair by myself. I find it's less risky to remove the push lenses with a thin pocket knife or the point of a steak knife. That brittle clear plastic lens material will easily break, especially if you do the work in cold weather. The previous owner of my Ram was probably abusive and pushed on the lenses too hard. Nice video. Thanks!
Great to hear Don! I like your idea of fusing the plastic with a solderng iron....I had never thought of that. Thanks for the tip, and I'm glad you were able to repair your light. The internet is a pretty cool thing when it's used to help each other out.
Perfect video...awesome step by step process. LOL everything that was broken on mine, light switch(paas. side), and sunglass door clip was broken on yours. I bet your dashboard also looks or looked like mine before I replaced it.........Gotta love Dodge....
Hey Matt! Just wanted to say thanks again for your video on the console fix. Also wanted to tell you that I was able to fix the switches my console. Worked on them about an hour or so. Cleaned them up as best I could, made sure they were working before I put just a bit of glue to seal them. Used a couple of clamps and allowed sufficient drying time. I installed it about 1 and a half hours ago, working just fine!! Thanks bud!
+Gregory Riley Nice work, Gregory! I'm glad you found my video helpful. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project on your own, and enjoy having functional overhead lights again!
Perfect! Exactly the video I was looking for - clear and showed everything I needed to fix mine with the exact same issue on my 2002 RAM 3500 - My console has the digital readout module, but that doesn't need to be removed, or touched. Thanks.
You did a great job!! I have the exact same problem on my 99 1500! (even the eyeglass door). I knew nothing about removing that console until watching your video which was soooo informative!
Thanks for the vid. 1 tip I have is, the lenses don't need to be removed. Just the screws holding the assembly. I have a 2001 Dodge Cummins 2500 with the same assembly.
That you a lot for the video ! Both my lights are broken . With your help I’m going to tackle it tomorrow. Really appreciate all the details you provided 👍
This video was awesome. Helped me diagnose and repair the interior lights (dome and map) that were frozen On, in which I had to always have all the bulbs pulled out to prevent the battery from dying. I pulled the overhead console down and noticed that inside the right switch it looked toasted, causing a short which kept all the interior lights on. I went to the junkyard and took the switches off a junked one for a couple of bucks. Spliced it in. Everything works as it should. Lights turn on and off as they should. I suggest everyone try/look into this first before buying expensive new parts.
Ryan MC Nice work Ryan, and great job on sourcing your parts from a junkyard! I'm really glad to hear my video helped in some manner, but it sounds like you did a lot of "sleuthing" on your own. Great work, and thanks for watching!
The spring,and plunger parts are straight out of an old ball point pen btw..They literally will swap out into the pen,and versa visa..Great informative video..
Hey Matt! This was the exact problem I've had in my dodge - even the sunglasses compartment clip being busted! The light got frozen on, as I was on my way to work. That map light has never worked, then it was stuck on and heating up quickly! I found a small screwdriver and your video, and fixed the thing in under 8 minutes. Thanks for being awesome!
Hey Heather, thanks for the kind words! I'm always happy to hear that one of my videos has helped someone else. That's the only reason I post them online. I'm glad you were able to fix your map light so quickly! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for making this video. I just bought a 99 2500 and need to find out why the trip computer isnt working and also to repair the light. Now I will know what Im doing.
@@mattpayne4087 5.9L 24v cummins. BTW I pulled the overhead console out and the switch was missing. I'm waiting for a used complete console I found on E-bay
Awesome! I'm glad to have helped. I use my overhead lights all the time and it was pretty annoying to not have one of the operational. I'm glad you were able to repair yours!
I was able to repair the switches to click on and off, but the lamps wouldn't turn off... I watched your video again and put them back together exactly as you show and the lamps still wouldn't go out... The lens' and switches worked... Ended up removing the bulbs for now. Let me know if you have a solution.
hunterj1md It sounds like the metal contactor that is inside the switch is not rotating when you press the lens to turn off the lamp. The teeth in the two plastic pieces mate together and when you depress the lens, it should make the metal contactor rotate about 90 degrees. If I remember correctly, the contactor has raised sections of the edge where it contacts with the switch, so as it rotates, it alternates between making electrical contact and not making contact. It sounds like the metal contactor and corresponding toothed plastic piece it mates with are spinning independent of one another. You may want to take it apart again and try to see if that is what's going on. Let me know if you get it figured out...I'm curious. Good luck.
Came here for the sunglass holder door repair and got more than I bargained for. Thanks. That door is available on RockAuto.com. Great video. Thanks again.
You're welcome, James! I'm so glad this helped...comments like yours are EXACTLY why I post my videos. I want to give people the confidence to do repairs on their own. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks so much for sharing.... just hope you re-enforced the side that was not broken. both of the light switches on mine broke withing days of each other
You're right . the console was very hard to pull down when releasing the tabs. MY problem was the replacement switches were different in 2 ways. #1. the way the wires connected (had to carefully remove wires from old switch leaving the copper ends on, then trimming them to fit inside the connectors of new switch.#2. the throw was different on the new switches. The lens would not let the switch rod fully extend and click on/off. I ended up using rubber O rings at the mounting screw locations to space the bulb and switch mounting assembly away from the lens. By the time I got done playing with everything, the passenger side switch stopped clicking on / off. I'm leaving it alone.....not worth the frustration of going thru all that again. Fortunately it goes on and off with the door or the cargo switch. Good enough for me.
This is an exceptional video. And yes to FJ80Coop... I immediately recognized the mechanism to be that of an old-school ball-point pen. You must be as old, and curious, as I. Ha! To young Mr. Payne, I'd like to express my thanks for this most excellent video. I'm having this issue with my truck; that's why I looked it up. My best to you-
Eric Alan Eric - thanks so much for watching, and I'm really glad you found my video helpful! I appreciate your kind words, and I hope you were able to resolve your issue!
Thanks for the great video. Facing the exact same issue with my Dodge. I was wondering how to fix it. I thought about glue but did not think it would hold. I'll try that permatex and see how it goes.
Fixed mine today..... Plastic weld glue it even thou I didn't need it.... Small plastic tie down will go around it through the console and wrap tie to hold it.
where u put your sunglasses I had 2 small screws . I have to find something to glue on it so I can push it for the light to come on. thanks for the video it was helpful
Thanks Don! I am really glad this video was helpful to you. If you have time, check back in after you do your repair and let me know how it worked out. Best of luck, and thanks again for your comment!
Yeah!! Exactly the help I was looking for! I'll be watching your other videos soon. Do you happen to know where I could get those push button switches? I've got one that just won't work. Thanks bro!!
+Gregory Riley Glad I could help, Gregory! Another viewer posted a while back that the push button switches are identical to the internal workings of an older style ball point pen. I'd start there and see if you can take the pen parts and retrofit them into your light switch. Good luck!
Hi Greyson, I do actually still have the truck and drive it fairly regularly. It's got about 215,000 miles at this point and is starting to show its age a bit, but at this point, I don't really see a point at which I could bring myself to part ways with it. The list of items it needs is ever-growing, but I don't mind putting in the effort to keep it running. It's served me well for 15 years now, and I've grown pretty attached to it! Thanks for watching!
Awesome, happy to hear! I have a 2001 1500 sport model in red with the 5.9. Mine is sitting at 167k miles right now. I agree with list of things needed always growing as I am currently going through and replacing all interior plastics that are cracked including the dash pad. But at the end of the day, there is no truck payment on it and like you said it’s hard to part ways with such a loyal truck!
Mine is broken, the mounting brackets and all. I had an upholstery shop replace the headliner and it didn't go well. Need to source the entire overhead console unit. LMC has only the door for the glasses, not the console itself. Any ideas for a 99 Ram 1500 source? I'm not liking looking for this in bone yards.
I replaced my wiring completely because I couldn't fix the plunger. once replaced the lights come on but pushing the plunger didn't turn off the lights and it's clicking like is should have but nothing happens any help
Do you know if these on And off clips can Be ordered from the dealership both light's have no spring action Now that I know how take This console out I get into it one day
I have the same problem with both my 02 rams lamps, very annoying. I took them apart last year to fix them just like you did and everything worked except the lights didnt come on, But my copper contacts were pretty corroded so i knew that was the problem. I am trying to find a rebuild kit or something, i dont want to have to pay $200+ for a new console thats just as crappy..
Karsten Jackson Well that's a bummer. Do junkyards seriously want $200 for the console assembly? If so, that is crazy and I don't blame you one bit for not paying that. Let me know if you do find a solution - I'd love to have that up my sleeve in case I run into the same problem in the future. Thanks for watching!
***** Since my comment I was able to buy an entire new wiring harness with the clicker (switches) for $25, and it was a OEM part in original packaging on ebay. I have yet to install it because my truck has been in the paint shop for the past month. since I know this part is prone to breaking over time I'm thinking of putting super glue around the sides of the clickers to prevent them from splitting apart and sending the spring and everything flying. before I install it I'm also thinking it would be good to switch to LED cabin lights for more illumination. and yes people do want $200 or more for those cheap consoles. I havent checked the scrap yards. havent had good experiences with my local ones.
Nathan, I'm very sorry for not replying sooner - I was completely overwhelmed at work this summer/fall and I am just now getting a chance to catch up on messages and comments. Please accept my apology, as I do try to make a point to respond to viewers in a timely manner. I just got swamped over the summer and really couldn't keep up. I'm so glad that you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching!
I did this repair when putting LEDs in, I pushed too hard on the passenger side light with the screwdriver and pushed it through. Can anyone say, "designed obsolescence"? It still works a couple years later, but it randomly wont come on with the rest of the interior light when a door is opened after it's been used, until it's clicked again. Anyone else have this behavior or know how to fix it? No big deal, but it's become hobby keeping this old beast factory fresh.
Hey Matt Payne, do you happen to know where you can get replacement switches? Besides the dealer? I heard something about radio shack but was having trouble matching up the right switches. The plastic on my clickers are toast.
Bernie Smith Bernie, FJ80Coop pointed out in his comment that the plunger pieces are identical to an old ball point pen mechanism. You might try to find an old pen and take it apart to see if you can swap the pieces into your switch. Let me know if that works. Thanks for watching!
the exact same thing happened to my truck but the plastic piece is no longer working I tried gluing it together it only lasted about a day I need a replacement switch do you have any recommendations or have you found anything I would like to cut the old one off and resolder a new one
Sorry to hear you have the same issue! Another viewer posted a while back that this switch is identical to a retractable ball point pen mechanism. Perhaps you can scavenge one from a pen you already have lying around the house. Let me know if you do go this route - I'd love to hear what kind of success you have!
Matt Payne I actually went on eBay and found a harness for the overhead light and it was for a 2002 just had to make some minor adjustments that actually works I actually made a video about it on how to do it I posted yesterday
+Eric Moss Hey Eric, unfortunately I don't know of a good source for a replacement part, but I wonder if you could fabricate your own using a spent ammunition cartridge. I'm not sure what caliber would be the correct diameter (maybe .22?), but you could measure the diameter of the spring and probably find a caliber that would work. Then the trick is finding someone with that caliber weapon so you can actually fire the cartridge and recover the brass. Maybe a gun range could help you out? Good luck - please let me know if you do figure out a workaround, as I'm sure other people have run into the same problem!
I had to remove the light lens to retrieve the pieces of the switch that broke off. When the switch housing broke, the spring and internal pieces dropped down onto the back side of the lens, between the lens and the plastic overhead console housing. The only way I could get everything out was to remove the light lens.
Both my front plastic clips broke while trying to remove the overhead unit. Louisiana heat over the years made them so fragile, not to mention the cheap brittle plastic Dodge used.
Richard Cowtails Cool, thanks man. If the mechanic can't figure out my current no-start problem, I may be stuck diagnosing it on my own and I might need to take you up on that offer. I'll let you know.
Can you elaborate on what you would have liked to have seen differently? I went over the removal process starting at about 0:54: ua-cam.com/video/2kkwBhui7HI/v-deo.html
i have a bunch of video's of the same stuff on my page. 1999 dodge ram 2500 video's. Same Console Repair vid. and i replaced the sunglass door too. i have a vid of that. its easy . $30.00 for sunglass door from dodge.
How basically is that? He said "basically" how many times? The part that was the focus was done when he set the camera down ! basically no good . ( essentially, fundamentally,primerally),are a few words that may ,"basically", improve a persons vocabulary.
william burchette William, I'm sorry you didn't find my video helpful. Since I am not a professional mechanic, my videos are not intended to appear professional. Rather, my goal is to try to document each repair that I do myself in order to try to help other people that may have the same issue I have. One of the big challenges I have is trying to film while I'm also illustrating each step; it is often quite hard to do this with no one else to hold the camera for me, so I just do the best that I can. Since I don't script my videos, each clip is shot on the fly. You are correct that I do tend to repeat myself quite a bit and use the same words multiple times, but that just goes along with the theme of my amateur repairs. I'm sorry that you were irritated by my vocabulary. Hopefully you found another video to help you with this repair since mine didn't do the trick. I'll be happy to offer you a full refund since you were not satisfied :-)
I just successfully completed the repair on the driver's side and did the passenger side as preventive maintenance.
I used my soldering iron first and melted the two halves together and then used JB Weld on top of that. The switches should last longer than the truck now.
Thanks again.It's amazing how far decent instruction will take you.
Thank you for all the details, you took time to include in this repair video. Best repair video I've seen for this console light .
I went to press my 2001 Dodge's light and the same thing just happened. Thank you very very much for putting this together!!
I have an older 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 which has a two similar overhead 'map' lights where you press the lens cover to activate them. I hadn't used them in a while but BOTH of them failed simultaneously one evening. Turns out that it wasn't the switches themselves, but was the plastic housing holding the on/off switches in place, that shattered, just like my dash has shattered. I heard Dodge used inferior, cheap-assed plastic during a few model years; thus my problems. Thank you for taking your own time to help a brother in need.
I've been working on my dad's 2000 Dodge Ram Laramie getting it back on the road again and I have been using your videos as references. Thanks!
Good, concise video! No unnecessary blather. Nice work, Matt!
Good video! FYI, been using Velcro strip for about 6 yrs. to hold the sunglass door shut, and noticed a replacement is selling on Amazon for 15 bucks, that supposedly is upgraded with a better clip. Will revise this post if it is as good as reviews claim.
Dude honestly not only did you save me 60 bucks but you couldn't have been clearer. fixed them both myself...thank you man!!!
That's awesome to hear, Carlos! I'm so glad you found this helpful and that it helped you save money! Congratulations on fixing your problem on your own!
Nice tutorial. I'm also going to do my repair by myself. I find it's less risky to remove the push lenses with a thin pocket knife or the point of a steak knife. That brittle clear plastic lens material will easily break, especially if you do the work in cold weather. The previous owner of my Ram was probably abusive and pushed on the lenses too hard. Nice video. Thanks!
This is exactly the information I need. I'll be repairing mine in my 2000 Dodge 2500 tomorrow. Thank you very much for the extremely well done video.
Great to hear Don! I like your idea of fusing the plastic with a solderng iron....I had never thought of that. Thanks for the tip, and I'm glad you were able to repair your light. The internet is a pretty cool thing when it's used to help each other out.
Perfect video...awesome step by step process. LOL everything that was broken on mine, light switch(paas. side), and sunglass door clip was broken on yours. I bet your dashboard also looks or looked like mine before I replaced it.........Gotta love Dodge....
Hey Matt! Just wanted to say thanks again for your video on the console fix. Also wanted to tell you that I was able to fix the switches my console. Worked on them about an hour or so. Cleaned them up as best I could, made sure they were working before I put just a bit of glue to seal them. Used a couple of clamps and allowed sufficient drying time. I installed it about 1 and a half hours ago, working just fine!! Thanks bud!
+Gregory Riley Nice work, Gregory! I'm glad you found my video helpful. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project on your own, and enjoy having functional overhead lights again!
Perfect!
Exactly the video I was looking for - clear and showed everything I needed to fix mine with the exact same issue on my 2002 RAM 3500 - My console has the digital readout module, but that doesn't need to be removed, or touched.
Thanks.
You did a great job!! I have the exact same problem on my 99 1500! (even the eyeglass door). I knew nothing about removing that console until watching your video which was soooo informative!
Thanks Gary, I'm really glad this helped you! I hope your map light is working now! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the vid. 1 tip I have is, the lenses don't need to be removed. Just the screws holding the assembly. I have a 2001 Dodge Cummins 2500 with the same assembly.
That you a lot for the video ! Both my lights are broken . With your help I’m going to tackle it tomorrow. Really appreciate all the details you provided 👍
This video was awesome. Helped me diagnose and repair the interior lights (dome and map) that were frozen On, in which I had to always have all the bulbs pulled out to prevent the battery from dying. I pulled the overhead console down and noticed that inside the right switch it looked toasted, causing a short which kept all the interior lights on. I went to the junkyard and took the switches off a junked one for a couple of bucks. Spliced it in. Everything works as it should. Lights turn on and off as they should. I suggest everyone try/look into this first before buying expensive new parts.
Ryan MC Nice work Ryan, and great job on sourcing your parts from a junkyard! I'm really glad to hear my video helped in some manner, but it sounds like you did a lot of "sleuthing" on your own. Great work, and thanks for watching!
The spring,and plunger parts are straight out of an old ball point pen btw..They literally will swap out into the pen,and versa visa..Great informative video..
FJ80Coop Wow, did not know that...that's awesome! Thanks for the cool tip, and thanks for watching!
@@mattpayne4087 i took it apart but I can't get it to click on and off
Hey Matt! This was the exact problem I've had in my dodge - even the sunglasses compartment clip being busted! The light got frozen on, as I was on my way to work. That map light has never worked, then it was stuck on and heating up quickly! I found a small screwdriver and your video, and fixed the thing in under 8 minutes. Thanks for being awesome!
Hey Heather, thanks for the kind words! I'm always happy to hear that one of my videos has helped someone else. That's the only reason I post them online. I'm glad you were able to fix your map light so quickly! Thanks for watching!
THANK YOU THANK YOU..... been using one light since mine broke and found your video.... and VIOLA!!!! now I have two working lights. Good job pal.
+Tim Mitchell Hey, no problem Tim! I'm glad you were able to use my video to help you solve your issue! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Just got done replacing the wiring harness in 2001 1500 quad cab. video really helped, took about 20 minutes. map light work like new! thanks
Hey that's great, Ken! I'm glad this was helpful to you....that was the whole motivation for me posting it. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for making this video. I just bought a 99 2500 and need to find out why the trip computer isnt working and also to repair the light. Now I will know what Im doing.
You're welcome! Did you get the gas or diesel engine?
Thanks for watching!
@@mattpayne4087 5.9L 24v cummins. BTW I pulled the overhead console out and the switch was missing. I'm waiting for a used complete console I found on E-bay
I'm having this exact problem with my truck. Great tutorial. Very helpful.
Issaq Al-Ahmed You're welcome! I hope you're able to repair your problem. Thanks for watching!
This is exactly my issue on both lamp switches on my 2004 Dodge 2500. Thanks for the video. It worked out tremendously.
Awesome! I'm glad to have helped. I use my overhead lights all the time and it was pretty annoying to not have one of the operational. I'm glad you were able to repair yours!
I was able to repair the switches to click on and off, but the lamps wouldn't turn off... I watched your video again and put them back together exactly as you show and the lamps still wouldn't go out... The lens' and switches worked... Ended up removing the bulbs for now. Let me know if you have a solution.
hunterj1md It sounds like the metal contactor that is inside the switch is not rotating when you press the lens to turn off the lamp. The teeth in the two plastic pieces mate together and when you depress the lens, it should make the metal contactor rotate about 90 degrees. If I remember correctly, the contactor has raised sections of the edge where it contacts with the switch, so as it rotates, it alternates between making electrical contact and not making contact. It sounds like the metal contactor and corresponding toothed plastic piece it mates with are spinning independent of one another. You may want to take it apart again and try to see if that is what's going on. Let me know if you get it figured out...I'm curious. Good luck.
Thanks for making the video. I have to fix my brothers truck which has the same problem. Excellent job of describing, step-by-step how to do this.
Came here for the sunglass holder door repair and got more than I bargained for. Thanks. That door is available on RockAuto.com. Great video. Thanks again.
thank you man this helped me a ton! I was confident I wasn't going to break my 15 year old plastic dome light piece because of this video
You're welcome, James! I'm so glad this helped...comments like yours are EXACTLY why I post my videos. I want to give people the confidence to do repairs on their own. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks so much for sharing.... just hope you re-enforced the side that was not broken. both of the light switches on mine broke withing days of each other
That's great to hear, Reggie! I'm really glad this helped....thanks for watching.
Perfect explanation! My repair went exactly the way you showed in your video, thanks very much for your time and help.
Frank DeCelie Thanks Frank! I'm really glad you were able to use this information to solve your issue. You are very welcome!
I have the same issue. Thanks to your video, I'm confident about making the repair.
+Paul Anderson Awesome, I hope your repair goes well Paul! Thanks for watching!
You're right . the console was very hard to pull down when releasing the tabs. MY problem was the replacement switches were different in 2 ways. #1. the way the wires connected (had to carefully remove wires from old switch leaving the copper ends on, then trimming them to fit inside the connectors of new switch.#2. the throw was different on the new switches. The lens would not let the switch rod fully extend and click on/off. I ended up using rubber O rings at the mounting screw locations to space the bulb and switch mounting assembly away from the lens. By the time I got done playing with everything, the passenger side switch stopped clicking on / off. I'm leaving it alone.....not worth the frustration of going thru all that again. Fortunately it goes on and off with the door or the cargo switch. Good enough for me.
Great video! Exactly what I needed with perfect explanation. Thank you!
This is an exceptional video. And yes to FJ80Coop... I immediately recognized the mechanism to be that of an old-school ball-point pen. You must be as old, and curious, as I. Ha! To young Mr. Payne, I'd like to express my thanks for this most excellent video. I'm having this issue with my truck; that's why I looked it up. My best to you-
Eric Alan Eric - thanks so much for watching, and I'm really glad you found my video helpful! I appreciate your kind words, and I hope you were able to resolve your issue!
Thanks for the great video. Facing the exact same issue with my Dodge. I was wondering how to fix it. I thought about glue but did not think it would hold. I'll try that permatex and see how it goes.
Nice man, thanks... this same thing happened to my truck, just saved me probably $300.00 lol at the dealer for a new harness with the switches.
Awesome! Great work on fixing your problem on your own. Thanks for watching!
Fixed mine today..... Plastic weld glue it even thou I didn't need it.... Small plastic tie down will go around it through the console and wrap tie to hold it.
Matt :Thanks so much for video I was getting upset trying to get The light base off. Now I'll be able to get the light fixed thanks to your video....
Matt thank you for your great presentation. Very informative now I can tackle my 2001 3500 Ram.
Hector Glover You're welcome, Hector! I hope my video will help you resolve your issue. Let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching!
I'm having the same problem with the same light. Thank you!
Huge help you went over everything man
Very informative and helpful info! Thanks
where u put your sunglasses I had 2 small screws . I have to find something to glue on it so I can push it for the light to come on. thanks for the video it was helpful
+sebrina72 Oh OK - good luck. I'm glad this video helped some. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Don! I am really glad this video was helpful to you. If you have time, check back in after you do your repair and let me know how it worked out. Best of luck, and thanks again for your comment!
Thanx for the video!! It was very useful on my 2001 cummins!
Exactly my same problem and now it's repaired thanks to your video
William Mulder Awesome! It's great to hear you were able to solve your problem. Thanks for watching!
You solved my problem. Thanks man!
Have exactly the same problem, thanks for sharing!
Yeah!! Exactly the help I was looking for! I'll be watching your other videos soon. Do you happen to know where I could get those push button switches? I've got one that just won't work. Thanks bro!!
+Gregory Riley Glad I could help, Gregory! Another viewer posted a while back that the push button switches are identical to the internal workings of an older style ball point pen. I'd start there and see if you can take the pen parts and retrofit them into your light switch.
Good luck!
Great video, it will help me out a lot as I attempt to redo some of these crappy interior plastics. I have to ask, do you still have the truck?
Hi Greyson, I do actually still have the truck and drive it fairly regularly. It's got about 215,000 miles at this point and is starting to show its age a bit, but at this point, I don't really see a point at which I could bring myself to part ways with it. The list of items it needs is ever-growing, but I don't mind putting in the effort to keep it running. It's served me well for 15 years now, and I've grown pretty attached to it!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome, happy to hear! I have a 2001 1500 sport model in red with the 5.9. Mine is sitting at 167k miles right now. I agree with list of things needed always growing as I am currently going through and replacing all interior plastics that are cracked including the dash pad. But at the end of the day, there is no truck payment on it and like you said it’s hard to part ways with such a loyal truck!
Mine is broken, the mounting brackets and all. I had an upholstery shop replace the headliner and it didn't go well.
Need to source the entire overhead console unit. LMC has only the door for the glasses, not the console itself. Any ideas for a 99 Ram 1500 source? I'm not liking looking for this in bone yards.
Thank you so much this vid helped me out a lot. Got it fixe in 10 min
thanks for explaining. I was pulling the wrong way.
I replaced my wiring completely because I couldn't fix the plunger. once replaced the lights come on but pushing the plunger didn't turn off the lights and it's clicking like is should have but nothing happens any help
Do you know if these on And off clips can Be ordered from the dealership both light's have no spring action Now that I know how take This console out I get into it one day
I have not found a video on how to remove the sun glass holder.. Does the council have to come down ?
Dude perfect video it helped out so much
I have the same problem with both my 02 rams lamps, very annoying. I took them apart last year to fix them just like you did and everything worked except the lights didnt come on, But my copper contacts were pretty corroded so i knew that was the problem. I am trying to find a rebuild kit or something, i dont want to have to pay $200+ for a new console thats just as crappy..
Karsten Jackson Well that's a bummer. Do junkyards seriously want $200 for the console assembly? If so, that is crazy and I don't blame you one bit for not paying that. Let me know if you do find a solution - I'd love to have that up my sleeve in case I run into the same problem in the future.
Thanks for watching!
***** Since my comment I was able to buy an entire new wiring harness with the clicker (switches) for $25, and it was a OEM part in original packaging on ebay. I have yet to install it because my truck has been in the paint shop for the past month. since I know this part is prone to breaking over time I'm thinking of putting super glue around the sides of the clickers to prevent them from splitting apart and sending the spring and everything flying. before I install it I'm also thinking it would be good to switch to LED cabin lights for more illumination. and yes people do want $200 or more for those cheap consoles. I havent checked the scrap yards. havent had good experiences with my local ones.
hey I got it .mind has 2 screws . mind was the white plastic piece when u push the light for it to come on .inside the light
you just saved me so much frustration thanks man
Nathan, I'm very sorry for not replying sooner - I was completely overwhelmed at work this summer/fall and I am just now getting a chance to catch up on messages and comments. Please accept my apology, as I do try to make a point to respond to viewers in a timely manner. I just got swamped over the summer and really couldn't keep up.
I'm so glad that you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching!
You also have that hole on that lid thing? what is that for?
Do you have the replacement part # for that 01 model?
good idea. to sit in center seat. never thought of that. but will do in future.
+OcRefrigeration,Hvac & Electrical. Thanks! Yeah, that definitely made the removal/install easier.
You got a part number for the plunger thing?
Thanks bro, this video really helped me out a lot.
Does a 98 have fuel read out capabilities?
Thanks bro. Matched my problem perfectly...
same problem!! thank you for posting this!
+goldenone00 You're welcome, I hope it was helpful!
I did this repair when putting LEDs in, I pushed too hard on the passenger side light with the screwdriver and pushed it through. Can anyone say, "designed obsolescence"? It still works a couple years later, but it randomly wont come on with the rest of the interior light when a door is opened after it's been used, until it's clicked again. Anyone else have this behavior or know how to fix it? No big deal, but it's become hobby keeping this old beast factory fresh.
Great Job, thank for the time and help.
You're welcome, David!
Thanks man! This helped quite a bit.
+ArmasADVish You're welcome, I'm glad!
Great video
Hey Matt Payne, do you happen to know where you can get replacement switches? Besides the dealer? I heard something about radio shack but was having trouble matching up the right switches. The plastic on my clickers are toast.
Bernie Smith Bernie, FJ80Coop pointed out in his comment that the plunger pieces are identical to an old ball point pen mechanism. You might try to find an old pen and take it apart to see if you can swap the pieces into your switch. Let me know if that works.
Thanks for watching!
So do you absolutely need to remove that lower cover below the tabs
is there a positive/negative access up there to provide power for my wireless backup camera?
+Michael Ring There is 12V going to the overhead switches. You should be able to splice into the positive ahead of the light switches.
+Matt Payne thanks!
does anyone know how the console for a 2017 ram is removed, I'm trying to tap 12v for a radar
the exact same thing happened to my truck but the plastic piece is no longer working I tried gluing it together it only lasted about a day I need a replacement switch do you have any recommendations or have you found anything I would like to cut the old one off and resolder a new one
Sorry to hear you have the same issue! Another viewer posted a while back that this switch is identical to a retractable ball point pen mechanism. Perhaps you can scavenge one from a pen you already have lying around the house.
Let me know if you do go this route - I'd love to hear what kind of success you have!
Matt Payne I actually went on eBay and found a harness for the overhead light and it was for a 2002 just had to make some minor adjustments that actually works I actually made a video about it on how to do it I posted yesterday
Great fix - way to go! Just checked out your video...well done! Feel free to post a link here if you would like.
Nice job! Thanks
Steven Clark Thanks Steven....you're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting.
I'm missing the brass pcs to the switch any idea where to get those
+Eric Moss Hey Eric, unfortunately I don't know of a good source for a replacement part, but I wonder if you could fabricate your own using a spent ammunition cartridge. I'm not sure what caliber would be the correct diameter (maybe .22?), but you could measure the diameter of the spring and probably find a caliber that would work. Then the trick is finding someone with that caliber weapon so you can actually fire the cartridge and recover the brass. Maybe a gun range could help you out?
Good luck - please let me know if you do figure out a workaround, as I'm sure other people have run into the same problem!
Hey brotha bear... THANK YOU!!!!!
+Tony Arguello You're welcome, Tony!
Thanks man! Big help!
Thank fucking god I found your video
Why did u take the light lens off?
I had to remove the light lens to retrieve the pieces of the switch that broke off. When the switch housing broke, the spring and internal pieces dropped down onto the back side of the lens, between the lens and the plastic overhead console housing. The only way I could get everything out was to remove the light lens.
Both my front plastic clips broke while trying to remove the overhead unit. Louisiana heat over the years made them so fragile, not to mention the cheap brittle plastic Dodge used.
One of mine broke too. Not sure if there is a way to repair them.
One of my light switches broke. I rewired both lights to run off one switch up in that. and just bolted the unit to the top cause the tabs were broke
Richard Cowtails Cool, that's a good work-around solution! I hadn't thought about that.
Electrical is my trade.
Richard Cowtails Cool...I wish I was more knowledgeable about electrical. That's probably my weakest area.
If you need help, I would be more than happy to help you. My brother has his own business with car audio
Richard Cowtails Cool, thanks man. If the mechanic can't figure out my current no-start problem, I may be stuck diagnosing it on my own and I might need to take you up on that offer. I'll let you know.
Just wish you would of showed the removal of the console..
Can you elaborate on what you would have liked to have seen differently? I went over the removal process starting at about 0:54:
ua-cam.com/video/2kkwBhui7HI/v-deo.html
I think you can get a new pair of switches at Advance auto for like 9 bucks
rexsaw With the lenses or just the spring loaded buttons? Is it a special order part or universal/ in stock?
Why didn't he show how to remove the console and replace it...
i have a bunch of video's of the same stuff on my page.
1999 dodge ram 2500 video's. Same Console Repair vid. and i replaced the sunglass door too. i have a vid of that. its easy . $30.00 for sunglass door from dodge.
+OcRefrigeration,Hvac & Electrical. Awesome, thanks for the info! I'll have to look into finding a replacement sunglass door.
how do you remove it
+sebrina72 How do you remove what? The console? Or the light switch?
so awesome, so perfect ! If I fix mine, which will be a bitch, I will send you a vid link. Thank you, couldnt do it without your video
Thanks for the compliments - I'm really glad you found this helpful! Good luck with your repair - I hope it turns out well!
How basically is that? He said "basically" how many times? The part that was the focus was done when he set the camera down ! basically no good . ( essentially, fundamentally,primerally),are a few words that may ,"basically", improve a persons vocabulary.
william burchette William, I'm sorry you didn't find my video helpful. Since I am not a professional mechanic, my videos are not intended to appear professional. Rather, my goal is to try to document each repair that I do myself in order to try to help other people that may have the same issue I have. One of the big challenges I have is trying to film while I'm also illustrating each step; it is often quite hard to do this with no one else to hold the camera for me, so I just do the best that I can.
Since I don't script my videos, each clip is shot on the fly. You are correct that I do tend to repeat myself quite a bit and use the same words multiple times, but that just goes along with the theme of my amateur repairs. I'm sorry that you were irritated by my vocabulary. Hopefully you found another video to help you with this repair since mine didn't do the trick. I'll be happy to offer you a full refund since you were not satisfied :-)