Lighting Questions?

[Everdream]

Hello,
I have a friend who just purchased a 2000 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0L Automatic.

We are having a few problems: One: The Headlight SWITCH, Heater control panel, and dimmer switch do not light up INSIDE the truck. the CLUSTER, DOORS, and rear defrost/4x4 DO light up. the brown wire comming off the dimmer had a very bad job of some aftermarket fog lights hooked to it. so I had to remove that wire and reconnect it to stock.


two: there is after market fog lamps, does anyone know how these typically get installed? should I just run the + wire I removed from the dimmer switch to another ignition powered source?

I checked the brown wire when I was playing with the headlamps, and got no 12V reading with the lights in the on or off position, could this be the problem?


(Also: all outside lights work (except the fog lamps))
M

 

[Everdream]

Bump: To Sum up the problem more clearly;

Fog lights not working on truck, Removed bad crimp job on the BROWN wire running to headlamp/Dimmer, and reattached just the brown wire to its self, No +v at brown wire with lights on or off,

Lights NOT working (inside truck only)
Headlamp switch, Dimmer,Heater/AC panel

Lights that DO come on:
Cluster, Doors, Door locks, Rear Defrost, Dome lights

My Friend is a disabled Vetran, and id like him to be able to eaisily see where the lights and heater switches are. Thanks. -M

 

[bobflood]

Headlight switch is probably the bulb; that switch is lit up whenever the igintion is on, so it tends to lunch up bulbs. Consider an LED replacement.

Dimmer switch on my 97 is not designed to light up at all.

Bulbs could be burned out in Heat/AC panel. There are three or four and they are replaceable. Again, consider LED replacement.

Brown wire from dimmer goes back to the Park/Lamp relay, which in turn is tied into the main headlight switch and GEM module. Great link below to wiring diagrams if you are so inclined.

No clue on the fogs; since they are aftermarket wiring diagrams probably won't help much. Good luck.

Great source for wiring diagrams:
Auto - Online Repair Info
http://search.ebscohost.com/
ID: rrcc
PW: rebsco
Select: Auto Repair Reference Center
Fill in: Find Your Vehicle
Follow prompts down to Wiring Diagrams.

 

[Everdream]

Thanks bro, Do you know if that brown wire should have +V at all times? at all, as per the fogs, heres what I "see"

There is two 5 amp fuse boxes (White and Brown w/ off colors) white/white BLK and Brown/Brown Tan) the white wire is tapped into the brown wire off the dimmer/park switch.

there is also a pair of relays under the dash after the two 5 amp boxes, and a switch for the fog lamps.

from what I see, here is the order they are in.

+12V -> Fuse box 5Amp -Relay Switch Ground
Fuse box 5Amp -Relay Switch Ground

anyone know how after market fog lamps "typically" hook up? he could really use these as his night vision is poor.

Thanks, and ESP thanks for the wiring Diag.
-M

 

[bobflood]

Thanks bro, Do you know if that brown wire should have +V at all times? at all, as per the fogs, heres what I "see"

Thanks, and ESP thanks for the wiring Diag.
-M

Looks to me like the brown wire will not have a voltage at all times.