1981-1983 Plymouth PB350 Headlight Switch Replacement and Diagnosis
Having trouble with your van's headlights? Here’s what to know before you replace the switch.
- A failing headlight switch is a critical safety issue and should be replaced immediately.
- Symptoms include flickering lights, no lights, no dash illumination, or a switch that is hot to the touch.
- Always inspect the plastic electrical connector for melting or damage when replacing the switch.
- Standard Ignition is a reliable aftermarket brand for this part, as OEM parts are no longer available.
Is Your Headlight Switch Failing?
On an older van like the Plymouth PB350, the headlight switch is a common part to fail. Decades of use generate heat, which wears down the internal electrical contacts. A faulty switch isn't just an inconvenience; it's a serious safety risk. Before you assume the problem is the switch, make sure your battery is charged and check the headlight fuses.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Headlight Switch
If you notice any of these signs, your headlight switch is the likely culprit:
- Flickering Headlights: If your headlights cut in and out while driving, the internal circuit breaker in the switch may be failing due to a bad connection.
- Lights Don't Turn On: The most obvious sign is when your headlights or parking lights fail to turn on at all. This usually means the internal contacts are completely worn out.
- Dashboard Lights Are Out: If your headlights work but your instrument panel stays dark, the part of the switch that controls the dash lights has likely failed.
- Dimmer Doesn't Work: When twisting the knob no longer dims or brightens your dash lights, the internal rheostat is broken.
- Switch is Hot: A switch that feels warm or hot to the touch is a major red flag. This indicates high electrical resistance and a potential fire hazard. Stop using the vehicle until it's fixed.
- Melted Connector: Often, the problem is not just the switch but the plastic connector that plugs into it. Heat can cause this connector to melt, leading to a poor connection. Always inspect the connector when replacing the switch.
Check the Connector First!
Before ordering a new switch, inspect the electrical connector plugged into the back of it. If the plastic is melted, cracked, or brittle, it must be replaced along with the switch to ensure a safe and lasting repair.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Headlight Switch
For a vehicle from the early 1980s, finding an original equipment (OEM) headlight switch from Mopar is nearly impossible. The good news is that reliable aftermarket options are available.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): This is a well-known and trusted brand in the aftermarket industry. Their switches are designed to meet or exceed original specifications and are considered a quality replacement part for your PB350. For this vehicle, it is the primary brand available.
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: While an OEM part would have been the top choice when the van was new, a quality aftermarket part from a brand like Standard Ignition is a perfectly reliable solution today. Given the age of the PB350, aftermarket is the most practical and often only choice.
Headlight Switch Replacement Cost
Replacing the headlight switch is affordable. The main cost is the part itself, as labor is minimal whether you do it yourself or have a shop handle it.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Standard Ignition) | $42.98 |
| Shop Labor | $60 - $120 |
| Total Estimated Cost (At a Shop) | $103 - $163 |
DIY Installation is Simple
Replacing the headlight switch on this van is a straightforward job that most owners can do at home in under an hour with basic tools. The process involves removing the dash bezel, pressing a release button on the switch to remove the knob, unscrewing a retaining nut, and swapping the electrical plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Plymouth PB350 headlight switch the same as a Dodge Ram Van?
Yes. The 1981-1983 Plymouth PB350 is a rebadged version of the Dodge B350 Ram Van. They are mechanically identical, and the headlight switches are interchangeable.
My high beams don't work. Is it the headlight switch?
It could be, but it's more likely an issue with the floor-mounted dimmer switch or the headlight bulbs themselves. The main headlight switch sends power to the dimmer switch, which then toggles between high and low beams. Check the dimmer switch first for this specific problem.
How do I remove the knob from the headlight switch?
You must reach behind the dashboard and feel for a small, spring-loaded button on the body of the headlight switch. Push this button in, and the knob and shaft assembly will slide out from the front of the dash.
Were there any recalls for the PB350 headlight switch?
No, there have been no recalls issued by the NHTSA for the headlight switch on the 1981-1983 Plymouth PB350 or its Dodge counterpart.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4118809
9-Terminal Push/Pull Switch with Rheostat
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Plymouth PB350: