Standard Ignition DS-256 Headlight Dimmer Switch

Headlight Dimmer Switch for Chrysler and Dodge

The Standard Ignition DS-256 is a dashboard-mounted headlight dimmer switch built for 12-volt electrical systems. It is a bolt-on replacement with a single rectangular female connector, making it a direct service part for select Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth vehicles that use a column-mounted, non-tilt-wheel setup.

Standard Ignition DS-256 is engineered with copper alloy conductors for strong electrical conductivity and low resistive loss. Each unit is tested for mechanical and electrical switching performance to help restore reliable high/low beam control in older Chrysler, Dodge Dakota, Caravan, and Plymouth applications.

• Bolt-on attachment method for straightforward replacement
• Dashboard mounting location
• 1 rectangular female connector
• 4 blade terminals with male terminal ends
• 12-volt headlight dimmer switch design
• Built with copper alloy conductors for stable current flow
• 100% tested for switching performance before release

Detailed Product Overview

This headlight dimmer switch is a direct-fit electrical replacement for vehicles that rely on a dashboard-mounted switch to control headlight beam selection. The DS-256 is commonly searched as a headlight dimmer switch for 1980s and early 1990s Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models, including Dodge Dakota, Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler LeBaron applications. The part number DS-256 is also referenced in interchange listings for service matching across multiple aftermarket and OE-style applications. This part cross-references BBB Industries 52093 for the same application.

Vehicle Fitment

• Fits 1991-1993 Dodge Dakota, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1990-1991 Chrysler Town & Country, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1982-1987 Chrysler Town & Country, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1983-1990 Chrysler LeBaron, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1984-1990 Dodge Caravan, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1988-1990 Dodge D150, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1988-1990 Dodge D250, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1988-1990 Dodge D350, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1987-1990 Dodge Dakota, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1987-1990 Dodge Grand Caravan, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1988-1990 Dodge Ramcharger, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1989-1990 Dodge Spirit, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1988-1990 Dodge W150, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1988-1990 Dodge W250, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1988-1990 Dodge W350, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1989-1990 Plymouth Acclaim, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1987-1990 Plymouth Grand Voyager, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1984-1990 Plymouth Voyager, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1989 Chrysler Daytona, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1988-1989 Chrysler Dynasty, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1983-1989 Chrysler New Yorker, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1981-1989 Dodge Aries, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1988-1989 Dodge D100, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1984-1989 Dodge Daytona, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1985-1989 Dodge Lancer, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1987-1989 Dodge Shadow, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1988-1989 Dodge W100, N/A. w/o Tilt Wheel; Column Mounted
• Fits 1987-1989 Plymouth Expo, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1981-1989 Plymouth Reliant, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1987-1989 Plymouth Sundance, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1988 Chrysler Daytona, N/A.
• Fits 1983-1988 Dodge 600, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1984-1986 Chrysler Laser, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1985 Plymouth Turismo, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.
• Fits 1983 Plymouth Turismo, N/A. Not compatible with vehicles equipped with a Tilt Wheel.

Common Problems This Part Can Address

• Headlights that will not switch between high beam and low beam
• Intermittent beam selection caused by worn internal contacts
• Dimmer switch failure from heat, age, or electrical wear
• Loose or unreliable dashboard switch operation
• Electrical conductivity loss in older lighting circuits

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle uses a non-tilt steering column before ordering, since many listed applications are not compatible with tilt-wheel setups. Confirm the connector style, terminal count, and dashboard mounting location against the original switch before installation. For best results, inspect the headlight circuit, connector terminals, and related wiring for heat damage or corrosion before replacing the switch. Search terms such as Dodge Dakota headlight dimmer switch, Chrysler LeBaron dimmer switch, and Dodge Caravan dashboard headlight switch commonly point to this DS-256 application.

Quality Assurance

Standard Ignition builds this switch with robust materials and copper alloy conductors, then tests each unit for mechanical and electrical switching performance. The DS-256 is backed by the brand’s long-running focus on service-grade electrical components for professional repair work.