Map lights dont work - how to fix??

[Jake's Dad]

You know - the map lights that are where the compass and temp readouts are. Well anyway, I got this truck used and they dont turn on. I tried using the button where you turn them on and off. They dont work when I open the door either.

Crud.


JD

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Open the cover and see if the bulbs are blown. In order to get to the bulbs, you need a flathead screwdriver. Once you have that, insert the screwdriver at the back of the cover, there should be a little tab for you to put the screwdriver in and then pry out. You should see the bulbs by now. Good luck finding your problem.

 

[schadler]

Map lights

I have hte same vehicle. If the bulbs aren't blown, you probably have bad or dirty contacts. The design of the contacts is poor. it is a plastic coated brass foil that bends and gets corroded. You may have to remove the bulbs, clean the foil contacts carefully with emery cloth or something abrasive, and bend the mounts on the bulb bases so the contacts fit tightly. Its a pain...I've had to poke around in there many times. Just be careful, or disconnect the battery or fuse.

 

[zavaral]

might wanna check your fuses too

jason

 

[Jake's Dad]

I see. Yeah I thought about the fuses too. I just bought this used and noticed that someone (before I bought it), took out the auto-dim mirror with the slide lever controls that come on it. I wonder if that has anything to do with the map lights not working(?).

JD

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

Hey cool. I never thought of cleaning the contacts. DUH!! My passenger side light works periodically so I guess I'll go clean the contacts and see if that works. Learn somethin every day.

 

[go off road]

I have had to change a lot of the map light asy. at the dealer, Ford has a up dated kit but its a lot of $$$ it comes with a new compass display and uses differt bulbs. Most of the time the ends of the bulbs are looose on the glass part of the bulb so try changeing them frist.


-Wade

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by Jake's Dad
. They dont work when I open the door either.

JD

Just some FYI: They should never come on by opening the door. The only thing that should turn them on is the little switch itself.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Re: Re: Map lights dont work - how to fix??

Originally posted by Crankcase


Just some FYI: They should never come on by opening the door. The only thing that should turn them on is the little switch itself.

I don't know about the first generation Explorers but the second generation Explorers' front map/reading lights come on when you open the door.

 

[aldive]

Re: Re: Map lights dont work - how to fix??

Originally posted by Crankcase


Just some FYI: They should never come on by opening the door. The only thing that should turn them on is the little switch itself.

My '99 comes on when doors open.

 

[Crankcase]

My bad.... Ok, First gen. ones should not come on with the door open.....