2000 Interior Illumination

[jlistunner]

Just bought a used Quad Cab with 66k, 4.7 V8, 4WD, SLT+ package. Love it!! Just have a couple of issues that aren't big but are bugging the heck out of me. Number 1; there is a clear plastic ring around the ignition on the steering column. Now, on my old 97 Dakota I once had, this item would light up (green in color) when a door was opened. It is not happening in this truck. Number 2; the 4wd shifter on the floor has gear indicators on the plastic that surrounds it showing 4wd Hi, N, 2wd, and 4wd Low. Are these suppose to light up when the headlights are turned on? It would be nice if they did especially during night time driving. I have checked obvious things like the headlight switch and the brightness control switch and nothing changes. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

[1thunder]

i do not believe they do on all models depends on certain sales codes with different lighting packages
but the ignition lamp is discontinued as of 98-99 Dodge discontinued this feature you can take it apart and you will probably find a bulb and socket and think wow i doesn't work but Dodge removed program from central timer and that is the way it is

[jlistunner]

Well, I found the answer to problem #2 last night. I removed the plastic housing around the transfer-case shifter and what to my suprise did I find but electrical wiring and 2 mini bulbs. After testing the wiring to the bulbs and found that power was getting there, I made my conclusion: the bulbs were burnt out. It was hard to tell on those small bulbs if they were bad. Went to my local auto store around 7 pm and picked up 2 packs of #37 mini bulbs, put them in, and now I have lighting next to my 4WD shifter. Seems small, but believe me, it's pretty damn BIG to me!

[jlistunner]

Also, it's hard for me to believe that starting in 98, Dodge discontinued the use of the courtesy light located around the ignition when the new body styles were introduced in 97. I know because I bought one, brand new in 97, and don't even remember a recall for problems with the ignition courtesy light. Why would they put in the wiring and bulb but not "turn it on". That's like puting in a bathroom and still going outside to use the "outhouse". I plan on looking to see if I can't solve this problem like I did the other.

[jlistunner]

I apologize to 1thunder. I took the plastic covering off of the steering column and found wiring and a bulb in the ignition. Tested it and nothing; no power=no illumination were it once was. So, I guess, auto manufacturers do have indoor plumbing (bathrooms) but still like to use the outhouse.

[mikec041]

Wonder if you can jack the wire into another lighting circuit like for the dash, or last resort to any ignition on circuit?

[1thunder]

you can but it will stay on all the time and may discolour or melt halo they were never ment to be on at all times just more inside info

[rod4bama1966]

i wonder if my 1997 is suspose to light up around the 4x4 selector ??

[jlistunner]

Is there plastic housing around the transfer-case shifter? If so, have you removed it to see any evidence for lighting? Check that. Mine had the wiring, the bulbs were burnt and I replaced them.