Map lights turn on when turning up dash cluster lights

[VinceOB]

So I have a 2003 Ram and noticed when turning the dash lights on the map lights turn on, but when I turn the dimmer down the map lights turn off. I don't know what else to check. Anybody have any idea as to why it's doing this?

 

[shadowhawk]

there's usually a point the dash light control turns on the interior lights. Maybe your knob has the point worn down that would tell you where to stop turning up the dial.

 

[VinceOB]

there's usually a point the dash light control turns on the interior lights. Maybe your knob has the point worn down that would tell you where to stop turning up the dial.

Yea I think I know what you're talking about. Unfortunately, I don't think that's the case. I hear that pop when it's supposed to be on. When I turn the cluster lights off the map lights go off. When I dial it up the first pop the map lights come on. It stays on even after I turn the truck off. Very weird. I checked fuses, but I'm not sure I checked the right ones.

 

[shadowhawk]

that sounds like a switch issue, not a fuse issue

 

[VinceOB]

that sounds like a switch issue, not a fuse issue

Which switch though?

 

[shadowhawk]

I'd say the dash/map light switch.

 

[Jerseystyle]

Which switch though?

The dimmer switch.

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[VinceOB]

The dimmer switch.

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Im going to try and swap it out. Haven't had the chance to look at it. Maybe this weekend.

 

[VinceOB]

I swapped out the switch and it still didn't work. I don't know what else it could be. Any more suggestions?

 

[IRSmart]

This sounds like a silly suggestion, but are the map lights on at the light? Meaning, did you press them and turn them on? If they were on, they would be exhibiting the behavior you are experiencing.

 

[VinceOB]

This sounds like a silly suggestion, but are the map lights on at the light? Meaning, did you press them and turn them on? If they were on, they would be exhibiting the behavior you are experiencing.

Haha I know what youre thinking, but no, the lights arent on at the map light. Its a weird issue im having. Question for you though, do you post on Mdub? LOL

 

[IRSmart]

Haha I know what youre thinking, but no, the lights arent on at the map light. Its a weird issue im having. Question for you though, do you post on Mdub? LOL

Maybe...

 

[VinceOB]

Maybe...

Lol

 

[IRSmart]

Lol

I tend to get boring with my username, I've been using the same one since 2002. Who are you over there?

 

[VinceOB]

I tend to get boring with my username, I've been using the same one since 2002. Who are you over there?

Vince. Lol haven't been over there in years.

 

[VinceOB]

Ok so here is what happens, I swapped out the headlight switch and it worked at first. I was able to turn up the dash lights without the map lights coming on. Then I turned off the truck. When I turned on the lights the map lights came on. So I turned the dash lights all the way down to turn them off. Then a little while later I tried turning up the dash lights and the map lights stayed off. So weird. Not sure what else to look at.

Edit. I see what's happening. When it works it's good till I shut the truck off. When I turn it back on is when the lights go on. When I shut it off at the switch it's fine. When I turn back on truck and put dash lights on the lights don't come on.

 

[HemiLonestar]

It sounds to me like you're turning the dimmer switch up too high. That will turn on the map lights. The dash lights come on with the parking lights, the dimmer switch only controls the brightness until you get to the top (should be two detents), first one turns on the map and overhead lights, next one turns on the cargo lights.

 

[VinceOB]

It sounds to me like you're turning the dimmer switch up too high. That will turn on the map lights. The dash lights come on with the parking lights, the dimmer switch only controls the brightness until you get to the top (should be two detents), first one turns on the map and overhead lights, next one turns on the cargo lights.

I wish it were that easy. With the dimmer all the way off the lights don't come on. When I turn the dimmer one notch up the lights come on.

 

[HemiLonestar]

I wish it were that easy. With the dimmer all the way off the lights don't come on. When I turn the dimmer one notch up the lights come on.

Oh yeah something definitely wrong in there...is it just the map lights or all the overhead lights?

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[VinceOB]

Oh yeah something definitely wrong in there...is it just the map lights or all the overhead lights?

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Just the map lights. It's so weird. It worked after I put the new switch in. But, only works half the time.