Dodge Ram 50 Ballast Resistor Replacement at your home or office.

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Ballast Resistor Replacement Service

How much does a Ballast Resistor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Dodge Ram 50 Ballast Resistor Replacement is $105 with $10 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1990 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.4LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$766.31Shop/Dealer Price$939.14 - $1435.13
1987 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.93 - $1411.60
1984 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.6LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.93 - $1411.60
1983 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.6LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.91 - $1411.56
1986 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$114.59Shop/Dealer Price$129.52 - $151.75
1984 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.93 - $1411.60
1990 Dodge Ram 50V6-3.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$749.53Shop/Dealer Price$921.80 - $1416.36
1988 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$749.53Shop/Dealer Price$922.17 - $1417.02
Show example Dodge Ram 50 Ballast Resistor Replacement prices

What is the Ballast Resistor all about?

Modern ignition systems use electronic circuitry to control voltage during engine starting and operation, but it wasn’t always this way. Older vehicles with points and coils did not have the benefit of circuit boards and computers, so another way to control voltage was needed. The ballast resistor coil was the solution. Think of it as a giant fuse in a way, although it serves a much greater purpose.

The ballast resistor coil plays several roles in your engine and charging system. In terms of position, it’s located between the ignition switch and the positive battery cable. During engine operation, the ballast resistor is responsible for lowering voltage applied to the coil to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and burn out, or damage the battery. During cranking, the ballast resistor allows normal battery voltage into the coil to ensure a good, strong spark for starting the engine.

The ballast resistor is subjected to significant amounts of heat during operation (the resistor’s resistance level increases or decreases with the application of heat and voltage). Over time, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

  • The ballast resistor is not inspected during normal maintenance.
  • The ballast resistor is subject to significant amounts of wear and tear.
  • Ballast resistors are not generally found on fuel-injected engines.

How it's done:

  • The Ballast Resistor is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery and battery tray are removed.
  • The defective Ballast Resistor disconnected and removed.
  • The new Ballast Resistor is installed, secured, and connected.
  • The battery tray and battery are reinstalled. The Ballast Resistor is tested for operation.
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the Ballast Resistor and road tested to ensure fan operation.

Our recommendation:

Over time and through normal use, the ballast resistor is subject to a great deal of wear and tear, and heat. This can cause it to fail unexpectedly. When this happens, your vehicle will experience unwanted, and perhaps dangerous, operation. It may crank but then stop running immediately after. Have any starting problems immediately diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ballast Resistor?

  • Engine cranks, but dies immediately when the key is moved back to the run position from the start position

How important is this service?

Without a ballast resistor, your engine will not operate unless you jump the resistor, which is dangerous, as it will eventually burn out the points, and is not recommended. If your engine dies immediately after turning the key back to run from start, likely the ballast resistor needs to be replaced. If the engine runs with the key in the run position, you may have another issue. Have it properly diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics immediately.

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Real customer reviews from Dodge owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(4)

Rating Summary
3
0
0
1
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3
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Luke

17 years of experience
219 reviews
Luke
17 years of experience
Dodge Ram 50 L4-2.0L - Car is stalling - Austin, Texas
Luke was great! He was quick to determine the issue and was super helpful in showing me the ins and outs of my engine. I learned a lot and few mechanics are as transparent and willing to help as Luke.

Alexander

29 years of experience
45 reviews
Alexander
29 years of experience
Dodge Ram 50 L4-2.0L - Car is not starting - Los Altos, California
He was able to come a day early he was quick and proffessional

Luke

17 years of experience
219 reviews
Luke
17 years of experience
Dodge Ram 50 L4-2.0L - Oil Pan Gasket - Austin, Texas
Super helpful and got the work done in a timely manner.

Christopher

27 years of experience
357 reviews
Christopher
27 years of experience
Dodge Durango V8-5.7L - Ballast Resistor - Holden, Massachusetts
Chris was fantastic. His communication before and during the event were great, and he effectively troubleshot and resolved what ended up being a complicated problem. It was apparent from the moment he started that he was highly knowledgeable. He was fantastic.

Excellent Rating

(4)

Rating Summary
3
0
0
1
0
3
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1
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Number of Dodge Ram 50 services completed
44+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Dodge MECHANICS
1400+
experts on our platform

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