I can't find a door switch so what controls the dome and outside top cabin lights? Mine eventually go off after about 30 minutes. Sometimes it is on while driving also.

Doesn't seem to be an electrical topic so I posted this here.

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97 4.6 F150, 1/4 = 17.48 @ 82.2 mph, 88 5.0 Mustang 1/8 = 7.409 @ 93.72 mph


[This message has been edited by LarryS (edited 08-04-1999).]

 

Look for the courtesy light delay swith. It cuts off the headlights as well if it is adjusted you can control the delay after turning off the ignition. Also works for the dome light. If you have this option.

Jeff...

 

LarryS, try the Dim Control wheel for the dash lights. If it is turned to maximum brightness the Dome, Cargo and door courtesy lights(if you have them) will stay on.

 

Twisted99,

I don't have a delay switch. My truck is pretty much a stripper.

Raoul,

My problem is intermittent. Right now it is working fine. I can turn the dimmer switch to on and the light comes on and off like it is suppose to with the door shut. I will have to try it when the problem occurs again and see if the switch does anything.

Something has to be controling the light when the door is opened and shut but I cannot find a switch. If I can find this switch then that is probably the problem.

 

You're right, I couldn't find a button in the door frame like old cars and refrigerators have. In fact, the light comes on when I just pull on the door handle without opening the door at all(when it's unlocked). I think it's something in the door handle. I believe the dome light comes on in our Windstar when you pull on the door handle even if the door is locked.

 

Raoul,

I checked out the operation of my light and I do have to open the door just slightly for the light to come on. Pulling the handle all the way to its stop does not turn the light on. Apparently the door hinge goes to a switch inside the kick panel. I'll have to see if I can get the kick panel off.

 

Larry,

The switch is in the door latch mechanism. Not in the hinge or kick panel. It's inside the door. If you trip the door latch, the lights go off.

Dennis

 

Thanks Dennis,

I'll have to try taking the door panel off and see if I can find it.

 

I have the opposite problem, sometimes my dome light won't go on when I open the door (or play with the dim adjuster wheel). Then other times it will click on after a few seconds, and then again other times works great. Any suggestions or ideas?

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I have been told buy the guys at my Ford dealership that they have had some problems with this on the 97 & 98 models. This is supposed to be fixed for the 99 models.
My 98 also would leave the light on and say door ajar, but I noticed it was usually in really hot weather after the cab had heated up. I found out that there are two magnetic plates in the door that cause the light to go off when they touch. If they don't come into contact with each other perfectly the switch will think the door is still open. Mine is still under waranty so They're going to somehow fix it.
They didn't tell me what they were going to do though.

Anyway there's that answer. It doesn't have anything to do with a delay switch that you may or may not have. It's the switch. make Ford fix it.

Hammer Down.

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Big F150 XLT, extended cab, towing package, 4.6L V8, 3.55 LS,Lund deflector, Permenant Air Filter. Lot's of mods to come.

 

I have found the fix. I took the bulb out. That turned it off. My truck is out of warranty so I am sure they would not fix it.

 

Mine is going into the shop on Monday to get that fixed. They said that they're going to replace the switch with a different kind. They won't fix all of them just the one that is messing up. I think if the switches are made wrong they aught to recall the truck and fix all of them. But if it works oh well.

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Big F150 XLT, extended cab, towing package, 4.6L V8, 3.55 LS,Lund deflector, Permenant Air Filter. Lot's of mods to come.

 

I am having the same problem with my '97 truck. I noticed, like others in this post, that my dome light and door ajar buzzer will stay on even after closing the door for up to 5 minutes. It is intermittent and gets worse after sitting in the summer months.

Did anyone fix this on their truck? What was the solution?

Previous discussion was saying that it was a magnetic contactor in the door. Is that the case? I replaced the relay with no luck. Thanks, TJ msleboda@austintx.net

 

I Know the answer to your problem. You have some oil on the magnetic plates which connect to turn the lights off thus preventing the connection. The cure is to get some brake cleaner (with the red plastic straw). put the straw in the hole on the door panel(you can remove the plastic cover by squezing the sides) spray the brake cleaner in there throughly and spray the door latch. This should fix your problem. It is what the dealer is instructed to do the first time you bring it in. If this does not fix it you need a new switch. $17 dealer item.

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97 F-150 4x4 3'lift 35's exaust, bumpers, intake

 

Donk21,

Are you talking about the hold close to the handle that is about 1" in diameter? I tried squeezing but it appears that it will require a screwdriver to pry it out. Before I break it I really need to know if this is the hole you are referencing.