Does this actually light up on anyone's 1st gen Dakota? My 95 and my friends 95 do not, although the wiring is there and the bulb is there.

I tried a different switch as well and it still didn't light up, so I don't think it's the switch, short harness or bulb, I'm guessing there's a connection missing somewhere else in the column or dash harness and the light ring is simply there because it was cheaper to only manufacture 1 harness/column.

Was this a functioning option on any 1st gen, or has anyone made it function?

Mine works.
It gets its power from the time delay relay (located on the fuse block), and is energized anytime: one of the doors are opened, or anytime the headlamp switch is put in the "dome light on" position (knob turned all the way to the left).
The courtesy light (located in the passenger side foot area) is also provided power from the time delay relay under the same circumstances.

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Current ride: Belleville 220 DES ST - leather, reinforced front end, tan color. Runs on 'alternative fuel'
1996 Dodge Dakota
1986 Honda Civic CRX

mine functions good, i would like to change the color though

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190,000 miles, Runs like mexican water thru a first time tourist!

I have a 95 dakota and mine works as well. Is the ring green with light piped in to it or is it clear with a green bulb? When I look at mine it seems clear. Is there anything I should be concerned about when taking the steering column apart to get to it? I would like to change it to red if possible.

Wondering if it is controlled by the interior light fuse under the hood? My interiors nor the light ring work and I just now located the fuse for them under the hood.

You guys who have the light ring working, what size/trim is your Dakota?

Both mine and my friends 95's are Sports, standard cab, standard bed, RWD, manual windows and locks, non-tilt column..

i have a 94 club cab sport and mine works as well, it also has manual windows and locks.

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94 EXTENDED CAB RED W/ SILVER RACING STRIPES AND COLOR MATCHED RIMS 3" DROP IN BACK 1" COILS IN FRONT K&N THE REST IS STOCK

93 ext cab 5.2 V8 2WD green/tan int. tow pkg. pwr mirrors, man windows & locks. i would like to change the ring and instrument lights to blue. i think thatwould look better than green.

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190,000 miles, Runs like mexican water thru a first time tourist!

The light ring never worked on my 01 Ram.I went head to head with the dealer on this until I got rid of that lemon.The heated mirrors never worked either,dealer told me it takes a long time for them to heat up.
Now I have 2000 Durango and the light ring works!

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We have enough youth,what we need is a fountain of smart.

I replaced the fuse under my hood, now I have int. lights, the light ring around the key and underhood lights. Wow I figured it was a wiring problem til I founr that fuse.