Headlight Switch problems of the 2003 Dodge Durango

The problem originally started about 2 weeks ago. When I switched on the rear fan (heat or ac did not matter), the entire center console (radio, blower switches, and electronic 4wd switch) would go completely dead, and the "service 4wd" light would come on. Then this started happening when I turned on the front blower or the rear blower. Then it started happening with both blowers off and the headlights on high. Now it does it spontaneously for no apparent reason with all extra electrical components (the headlights, radio, and blowers) all off. I'm thinking there is a short somewhere, but cannot identify it. So far, I have replaced the blower motor resistor, the tccm, and the ignition switch with no apparent improvement. I've also had the dash apart and checked every electrical wire I could get to for obvious shorts. No luck. The problem is getting progressively worse. I talked to the mechanic at the local Dodge dealer, and he said he thinks it's the tipm (main fuse box) in the engine compartment. He said he sees them short out "all the time, some of them so bad they actually catch fire!" (direct quote from him. ) I am now terrified to drive my Durango, but I cannot afford the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars it's going to cost to fix the tipm, if that's what it really is. But I do not want drive it with the possibility of a vehicle fire. I've done all kinds of internet research on this, and it seems like a really common problem in the Durangos. Also, my friend who works at a salvage yard says these fuse boxes are one of their most sought after parts. Surely an electrical problem that is this common and of such a catastrophic magnitude should be a recall!.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving, the headlights and the instrument panel lights stopped illuminating. The contact turned the switch and the lights came back on, but then failed fifteen minutes later. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer and they stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 99,000. Sm.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the automatic key fob failed and all of the interiors warning lamps were illuminated. In addition, the contact mentioned that the all of the gauges were providing erroneous readings. The head lights had also failed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the central timing module was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 104,230.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the exterior lights were inoperative. In addition, the locks, alarm system and windshield wipers were defective. A local mechanic stated that the central timer module would need to be replaced. The contact also stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The manufacturer denied any assistance, but the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 83,926 and the current mileage was 85,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at night at highway speeds, the exterior and interior lights would illuminate intermittently. Both the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but the VIN was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000 and the current mileage was 111,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The right side of the vehicle was repaired due to body damage and the contact was told that the right turn signal was not working. The windshield wipers, headlights and turn signals also stopped working. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the central timing module failed. Recall campaign number 02v322000, exterior lighting: headlight switch was related tot he failure; however, the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not a part of the recall. The failure mileage was 81000 and the current mileage was 84000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the front headlights were too low to properly see the roadway when driving at night. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was advised that the central timer module on the vehicle was failing and was also under recall. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 155,632.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact was driving at night approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions when suddenly, the headlights flickered and failed to operate. The driver was able to reach his destination without incident. The failure occurred intermittently. In addition, the interior light remained illuminated which required the removal of the fuse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The failure was contributed to the central timer module (ctm). Recall NHTSA campaign id number 02v3220000, exterior lighting headlights switch is related to the failure; however, the VIN was excluded from the recall. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired for the malfunction. The failure mileage was 68,000.

2003 Dodge Durango had problems with a bad module. Consumer states that her vehicle was not a part of the recall for this problem due to the timeline by Chrysler. The consumer stated the headlights started blinking. The right passenger low beam went out completely and would come back on after a period of time. The horn also blew, the locks would lock and unlock, the interior lights and alarm went off every time the consumer unlocked the doors. The gauges would act up at times, and the 4-wheel drive would be lost. The consumer hasn't experienced any more problems since the central timer module was replaced.

A recall on central timer module. 2003 Dodge Durango vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. The consumer is requesting reimbursement for the expense he incurred for the inoperative headlights in which the ctm was faulty.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard a clicking sound and noticed the instrument panel lights and headlights were flickering on and off. The lights flashed in 2 to 5 minute intervals. The failure occurred every time the vehicle was operated. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician stated that the central timer module needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 87,100 and current mileage was 87,224. Updated 06/03/2008 the dealer replaced the time and alarm module. Updated.

Friday January 25,2008 I experienced loss of headlights, electric doorlocks, interior lighting, fog lights, had to use my emergency flashers to drive home from work after taking the vehicle to my repair shop it turns out it was the central timing module, I also found a recall from the NHTSA dated December 2-2002 for the 2003 Durango and dakota, I was never notified of this recall, I had my vehicle fixed January 31,2007 the central timer module was replaced and the components are all fine. I am writing and sending copies of my bills & recall notice to the Chrysler customer center to be reimbursed my $265. 00 for the part . If anyone needs the number go to the NHTSA. Dot. Gov web and enter campaign #02v322000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The headlights flashed on and off intermittently and the interior lights flickered on and off in the passenger compartment. The dealer stated that the sensor timer module malfunctioned. No repairs were made. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The failure mileage was 67,780 and current mileage was 67,802.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the headlights would shine off and on while driving at night. The failure caused him to lose visibility because no street lights were present. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA recall number 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 69,800. Updated 02-01-08 updated 02/01/08.

: the contact stated the exterior lighting failed due to a defective central timer module. There was a NHTSA recall #02v322000 pertaining to the exterior lighting:headlights:switch. The number was not included in the recall due to the VIN.