Dome light won't come on with open door.

[tpaairman]

On a 2008 Explorer, the dome light won't come on when the doors are opened, but you can turn it on with the dial under the headlight switch. I'm assuming the dimmer switch is bad, but just wanted to see if there's anything else to check first.

 

[wollimann]

If any fuse is ok, relay is working and any door will cause this, i would say it could be the dimmer switch.
Easy to change

Dimmer Switch: Service and Repair — 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-4.0L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-4.0L.

charm.li

Did the dome light worked before while opening the doors?
I don't think there is a seperate deactivation switch like in newer models?

 

[Fbird]

If it works MANUALLY via the dimmer switch but does NOT work when doors open that's NOT the dimmer switch's fault. That would more likely be the GEM module. Does it NOT work with ANY of the 5 doors?

Do your courtesy lights work with the door open?

 

[tpaairman]

If any fuse is ok, relay is working and any door will cause this, i would say it could be the dimmer switch.
Easy to change

Dimmer Switch: Service and Repair — 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-4.0L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-4.0L.

charm.li

Did the dome light worked before while opening the doors?
I don't think there is a seperate deactivation switch like in newer models?

I have a new dimmer on order. As far as I know, It worked before, but it belonged to a friend of mine and it's been sitting for a couple years, so I'm bringing it back to life.