tricky fuse / wiring question

[cnote76]

I just purchased my 91 XLT about one week ago. Here is my situation. When I brought it home I found that the fuse for radio memory and the dome/door lights was missing. So I put in a new fuse and whamo...lights on. However, the lights wouldnt shut off. Even when I turned off the ignition and turned the headlight switch, but the radio turned off and kept its memory. So for now I have pulled the bulbs from the dome lights so I at least have a stereo. It is just an annoying problem that I would love to rendour. Anyone have this happen? Any suggestions?

 

[Howard]

Do you have the dash light dimmer on yours? If so in the highest position it turns on the dome lights. You should feel a slight click if you just turn it down a bit. Right off and it turns the domes off so that they don't come on even if you open a door. If no dimmer then one of the door switches has gone bad and you just got to check them all till you find it.

 

[cnote76]

gratitude

Thanks for the input. I will try the door switch theory. The dimmer does click in place but it doesnt turn off the dome. Thanks

 

[cnote76]

checked

well I checked the door swithes and all seemed to work fine with the exception of the rear drivers side switch. It was stuck, however after using a claw hammer to free it open the dome lights still will not turn off. Is there anything else it could be? Or do I need to actually take the switches out of the doors individually to inspect them?

 

[Howard]

We got to just think logically. What else would turn them on?
I would pull all the switches and see if that turns them off.The switches connect the earth side of the lamps and so complete the circuit. So any trapped wire going to the doors earthing would light the lamps.
Are your lights suposed to come on when you unlock the car (mine do) could be connected with that. But lets start simple first.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

A lot of people had problems with the switch at the liftgate and the liftgate glass. You should check that one out.

 

[Crankcase]

Ok guys...remember he has a 91....which does not have:

1.The dimmer switch seperate from the headlght switch
2.Dimmer function that turns off the dome lights
3.Lights that come on with the door handle pulled
4.Liftgate GLASS switch, only gate has one in 91-94

First Gens. are pretty bare, huh
...................................................................................

cnote,
I would disconnect the switch you pulled with the hammer.....unscrew the switch from the jamb,and on the back of the switch is a connector, pull it off.

 

[TPLYNCH]

You may have pulled the little plunger out w/the hammer, but the switch itself may still be stuck in the open position. Remember, plunger out means lights on, so if the plunger is pushed in and the lights are still on, then it's the switch ior the wiring behind it that are bad. Do as Crankcase said and take the whole thing out.

 

[cnote76]

thanks everybody

well i took out the little door switch from the door that was stuck and put in a bulb in my dome light, put in the fuse and shut the door and bammmmmm. Dome light turned off. This web site is the best thing since sliced bread.......thanks yall

 

[Howard]

Glad to hear that you've solved it. Well done.

 

[Crankcase]

Re: thanks everybody

Originally posted by cnote76
well i took out the little door switch from the door that was stuck and put in a bulb in my dome light, put in the fuse and shut the door and bammmmmm. Dome light turned off. This web site is the best thing since sliced bread.......thanks yall

Now just get a new switch from any Ford, and you will be set..