2017 Rebel Low Beams Not Working

[Charles Ferguson]

The low beams on my 2017 Rebel have ceased to function. Both quit at the same time so I don't think burned-out bulbs are the problem. High beams and fogs are working. Instrument panel says left low beam has failed. I have a cheap OBDII code reader but it returned no codes.

I am 2nd owner of this 2017 Rebel. As far as I know everything is factory equipment except the wheels/tires. I think the headlights are factory original. I can't tell if the the vehicle has Premium Bi Halogen Projector Headlamp option or not. The truck is loaded (Ram boxes, nav, sun roof, etc.) so it seems likely. I will try to attach a photo of the headlights. The headlights are *VERY* bright and are very white (not amber). I have LED headlights on my Jeep and these Ram headlights are at least as bright and the same pure white color temperature.

Ram Headlight

• Charles Ferguson
• Oct 25, 2020

I thought maybe a blown fuse but as far as I can tell this vehicle does not have fuses for the headlights. From what I have read in other forum posts, some models of Ram have a TIPM, which monitors current to the lights and throws a code if they draw too much current or not enough current. I also understand FCA had class-action lawsuit about the TIPM in prior gen Rams. I googled the TIPM and it looks like it is built-in to the power distribution module (the fuse box), is that correct? I have also been reading that it can be reset via OBDII but you have to have the FCA-provided software. Is that correct? Would the TIPM shut down both low beams because one bulb was malfunctioning?

FYI, the FCA-provided software ain't cheap: AlfaOBD $49 on Google Play store + OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth, $100 on Amazon = $149, OUCH!.

Thanks in advance for any advise offered.

Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere. I couldn't find any other posting where the owner didn't have after-market headlights or a much-older Ram.

 

[superjoe83]

Its possible that the previous owner installed a HID kit and is using a relay harness to power the ballasts, if that failed you would loose both low beams at once, you need to remove a headlight and see what you have going on.

 

[Fishstickz]

Do your low beams have a “warm up” period? If so they very well could be HIDs, and sometimes those are installed with messy wiring kits that link both bulbs. Since they both went out its likely you have one of these wire harnesses and something went wrong with that harness


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[Charles Ferguson]

Do your low beams have a “warm up” period? If so they very well could be HIDs, and sometimes those are installed with messy wiring kits that link both bulbs. Since they both went out its likely you have one of these wire harnesses and something went wrong with that harness


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I don't recall seeing a warm-up period but I never watched them that closely when they were turned on. Seems like they turned on right away.

I gather from everyone's comments I need to remove one headlight and remove the bulb and inspect closely to see what type it is. I will do that this weekend.

 

[Charles Ferguson]

Its possible that the previous owner installed a HID kit and is using a relay harness to power the ballasts, if that failed you would loose both low beams at once, you need to remove a headlight and see what you have going on.

Good idea. I will do that this weekend.

 

[NJMOPAR]

LEDs pop on instantly, HIDs flicker on and get bright within a couple of seconds.
I'd pull the left headlight and see what's going on.
Jiggle the harness at the plug with lights on and see if they flicker.