Interior & taillights will not come on when in auto

[sgtspangle]

Ok, so here is my problem -- I have a 2002 Explorer E.B. edition that I bought used. At night when I turn the headlight selector switch to Auto, the headlights will come on but the interior lights, (cluster, steering wheel, window switches, etc.) the taillights, and the parking lights will not come on. So basically only the headlights will come on. When I manually turn the lights on everything works fine (all interior lights/taillights/parking lights, and etc.) so the problem is with the auto setting. I have tried 3 different switches all with the same results. I have checked and rechecked every fuse and relay to include the ones on the top side of the fuse box under the dash on the driver's side to no avail.

My thoughts are:
(1) There is some wire(s) messed up or melted together
(2) A secrete fuse hidden deep in the bowels of the beast is blown/defective
(3) All 4 of the switches are bad (this includes the one that came with the vehicle)
If someone can help me figure out this problem I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Number4]

A bad ground associated with the auto light switch. Need to get a copy of the vehicle grounds.
I believe a lot of (or some) grounds go through the lights.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard!!

Here is a link to the Instrument Cluster & Panel Illumination troubleshooting steps from the shop manual:

https://app.box.com/s/acml8xvhyvicbmkmhho6

Here is a link to the Parking, Rear, & License Lamps troubleshooting steps from the shop manual:

https://app.box.com/s/0p57u8ecqrpuwe0gup22

Let me know if you need the wiring diagrams.

Good luck getting it sorted.


Please keep us posted as feedback helps others reading this post looking for a fix to the same or similar issue!

 

[Theo B Roma]

Since this post was 2014, I hope you fixed the problem. I am posting the solution I found with a Google search today to save future Explorer owners the frustration I had. There was one mention of the HEADLIGHT SWITCH FUSE. Checked the owners manual and it is #15 under the hood of my 2002 Eddie Bauer.