96 XLT Front dome light copper ribbon fix?

[Andrea P]

Is there a valid re-wire to fix this decayed copper ribbon filament that goes to the front dome light bulbs? All I did was remove the bulb and the paper ripped in half.

I have tried to find a part number with no luck.

1996 Explorer XLT 4wd with sunroof

Thank you so much

Andrea

 

[J_C]

It can probably be DIY repaired if you don't want to source a replacement console from a junkyard. I don't think there's any kind of purpose specific repair kit for this, rather you have to be resourceful to repair with commodity materials if you want to do that instead of replace the whole console.

Can you post pictures of the problem? The fix will probably require soldering, is that skill within your wheelhouse?

If nothing else, you could just scrap the copper ribbon and solder jumper wires direct to a add-on socket (carve out a mounting area if needed and secure it in place with epoxy, or solder direct to a new replacement bulb, probably a good idea ot pick a quality major brand LED bulb for longer life, but once you have done it once, can replace any bulb again the same way. I'm getting ahead of myself before seeing pics of the damage.

 

[Pete Deering]

Is there a valid re-wire to fix this decayed copper ribbon filament that goes to the front dome light bulbs? All I did was remove the bulb and the paper ripped in half.

I have tried to find a part number with no luck.

1996 Explorer XLT 4wd with sunroof

Thank you so much

Andrea

I ran into the same problem. On the internet you will found a video on repairing ribbon cable. I have not done any repair on the ribbon cable at this time.
I have copper tape. We used to used it to ground static flooring to building steel. There other method that can be used, but the u tube video show the methods.

 

[Andrea P]

I am headed to the junkyard on Friday to see if I can find one that is in tact. I will let you know what I find and post a pick of mine.
Dreading it with the 99 degree forecast with humidity, in Phoenix tomorrow!

P.S. I am also searching for the 1996 specific JBL radio too..wish me luck..lol

Thank you

 

[Pete Deering]

I am headed to the junkyard on Friday to see if I can find one that is in tact. I will let you know what I find and post a pick of mine.
Dreading it with the 99 degree forecast with humidity, in Phoenix tomorrow!

P.S. I am also searching for the 1996 specific JBL radio too..wish me luck..lol

Thank you

Just a NOTE. I purchase a overhead console and when I remove the dome assembly the ribbon ripped.

 

[Turdle]

I am headed to the junkyard on Friday to see if I can find one that is in tact. I will let you know what I find and post a pick of mine.
Dreading it with the 99 degree forecast with humidity, in Phoenix tomorrow!

P.S. I am also searching for the 1996 specific JBL radio too..wish me luck..lol

Thank you

This time, before twisting the bulbs out, apply some dawn soap, then some water and let sit for a bit. This may help release the heat damaged bulb sockets. New led bulbs will run cooler.

I ended up cutting out the socket hole to direct wire in some tiny led boards.

 

[J_C]

I ended up cutting out the socket hole to direct wire in some tiny led boards.

That is exactly what I'm going to do if mine ever fails. I already have the parts... 3W and 5W cree LEDs pre-soldered to star mPCBs, driver ICs, resistors, a massive amount of random computer heatsinks and scrap aluminum... I'd have upgraded those a long time ago except that I just don't use the map lights all that much. Heh, mine could have failed already but I didn't notice because I didn't try to use them.

I hate to apply soapy water to metal though... think I'd try dry silicone spray or penetrant, or... since I'd do the above, doesn't matter all that much what carnage I caused if it's all being redone anyway. All the options for repair/mod are at least as easy as finding and trudging through a junkyard that has a replacement console and take it off in addition to your own.

 

[Turdle]

That is exactly what I'm going to do if mine ever fails. I already have the parts... 3W and 5W cree LEDs pre-soldered to star mPCBs, driver ICs, resistors, a massive amount of random computer heatsinks and scrap aluminum... I'd have upgraded those a long time ago except that I just don't use the map lights all that much. Heh, mine could have failed already but I didn't notice because I didn't try to use them.

I hate to apply soapy water to metal though... think I'd try dry silicone spray or penetrant, or... since I'd do the above, doesn't matter all that much what carnage I caused if it's all being redone anyway.

Hot soapy water is best. It'll dry cleaner.

Used to hand build over 750 circuit boards a week for Midland. Each completed board went thru a dishwasher , was blown with air then set out overnight before testing. Pretty sure the military cleans firearms with hot water.

 

[J_C]

^ Circuit boards are coated and all metal plated to resist corrosion, no bare copper.

 

[Turdle]

^ Circuit boards are coated and all metal plated to resist corrosion, no bare copper.

Copper water pipes? I stand by my suggestion, because I'm going to assume the op will clean and dry everything before use. If water was allowed to sit on the contacts for a year I'd worry.

 

[Andrea P]

Just a NOTE. I purchase a overhead console and when I remove the dome assembly the ribbon ripped.

That is what I am afraid of. I bought one in tact...hopefully I don't break it!

 

[Andrea P]

Thank you for all of your posts. I am printing it out and hopefully I will have enough information to make a good one.
By the way, I am terrible at soldering