Ok guys last resort before the dealer @ss raping. I have a 2005 f150 xl supercab. I replaced the factory stereo head unit and in doing this I had to unplug the PAD indicator light. After the install I get flash code 18 wich stores DTC 1884??? Now, I have done my homework and I know its related to the light I had to disconnect. I have checked the connections to the bulb several times and they are good. Here's the ghost part... sometimes the light comes on when the key is turned and the system runs the self test, sometimes it doesnt and system goes right in to a flash code 18 mode. Now, I have gone even further as to notice if I have the dash apart when I run the test the light works fine and tugging the wires doesnt effect the light while lit. However, when I put the dash back together the light doesnt work. Take it apart again and it works, put it back together... its off... WTF!

 

Don't go balistic on the dealer. You was the one in there installing stuff so if you take it to the dealer it will not be covered under warranty.

Anyways that little light in the radio bezel is giving you problem. My guess would be that the bulb connection or mount is damaged. So when you put everything together it all gets moved right to where it will go inop.

All that connection needs is a short. I would test the system by shorting the 2 leads inside the plug together with a paperclip or staple wrapped in electrical tape. If everything works fine when put back together then you know it's either the plug or the connection on the light assembly. If the whole assembly comes off the trim panel try messing with it then.

Also check the connections under your passengers seats. If you pulled one of those loose the light will come on. I'm not sure if it would give you the code 18 or not though.

So calm down take a break for a half hour and come back at it refreshed.

 

I agree, it sounds to me like you most likely damaged the clips when removing the wire to the PAD light on the bezel. Either that, or it came loose from the harness when you tugged on it inside your dash.

I'd pull off the bezel again completely, and go over the light and clip assembly with a good flashlight, and if nothing there looks damaged, look at the wire itself, starting with the clip and then tracing the wire back into the dash all the way until it connects to the harness. It's a pain in the ***, but it's not as deeply burried as some of these things are. (ask my about mounting an autostart in an 05 150 with passive security system sometime... had gut the driver side door just to find a live lead that wasn't tied into the security system)

Good luck

 

I chased this exact same problem for a month about a year ago. I finally found out that the bulb was bad. There was an intermittent connection in the bulb itself. (Filament broken but making contact sometimes).