# 1997 DODGE RAM 1500 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
> NHTSA complaint `1246882` · 2015-12-21 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** DODGE
- **Model:** RAM 1500
- **Year:** 1997
- **Manufacturer:** Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- **Component:** EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- **Miles at failure:** 155,000
- **Speed:** 35 mph
## Narrative
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS CUT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT TO THE STORE A MOTORIST FLASHED THEIR LIGHTS AT ME WHILE I WAS AT A LIGHT.. CHECKED ALL FUSES AND HAD MECHANIC LOOK IT OVER. THEY NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE STEERING COLUMN IT WILL BE 400$ TO FIX. THE WIRE HARNESS PIN PLUG HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED. ALMOST CAUSED A FIRE. I HAD SMELLED BURNING ELECTRIC SMELL. WAS ONLY ABLE TO HOLD HI BEAM LEVER TO KEEP HI BEAMS ENGAGED TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE WITH LIGHTS TILL PROBLEM IS FIXED.
---
*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*