1997 Ford Ranger xlt Dome Light(s) Dilema

[SadieJ709]

First post ever on here, so bare with me & cut me a little slack lol.
I recently inherited my little 1997 Ford ranger xlt from my aunt who had it given to her by my other aunt (her sister), and i already knew and was looking forward to working on my new (to me) truck.
My original problem was only 1 out of the 3 bulbs I have for my dome light would actually light up.
I was just out in my truck and few minutes ago and felt stupid as I realized I had just put the other 2 bulbs in the wrong way... wow...
My new problem with my dome light now is they will not turn off all together. I can get only 1 of the small side bulbs to turn off at a time and even that is with me messing with the switch and hitting a "sweet spot" to make one turn off
The middle bulb just will not turn off at all, not even a flicker. Also learned that the middle bulb is blue. That's fun...
Anyone have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate the help.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Sounds like the switch is worn out. You might want to save yourself some aggravation and just replace the dome light assembly.

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[DILLARD000]

Photo of your light fixture will help others help you?

 

[SadieJ709]

Will do next time I get in my truck lol
Thanks for the tip

 

[Uncle Gump]

Given away a third time... gotta love the history.

The dome lamps probably work three/four different ways. The dome lamp switch... the door jamb switches... electronic control (if equipped) and any switch on the lamp itself.

I do know the connector on the headlamp/dome lamp switches have a tendency to get hot and melt. It will give you issues when it happens. Door Jamb switches also get sticky... some WD40 or similar on the switch and exercising the switch useally frees them up.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[Jim Oaks]

If the truck sits long enough the truck should basically go to sleep and the dome light will go out. If you open the drivers door and the light comes on and doesn't go out when you shut it, you know the problem is in that switch. You should also test the passenger side. This might help narrow down where the problem is.

There is a switch inside of the door latch to trigger the dome light. Spray some WD40 in your door latch and work the latch by opening and closing the door. It could be that the switch is stuck. Do that for a while and see if the light goes out.

 

[rumblecloud]

Hey SadieJ,
Please post some pics and the VIN number just because I'm anal and would like to know more about your vehicle.

FYI there are Owner's Manuals located here
And Slaes Brochures located here
That is if you're into that sort of thing.

Thanks.
r

 

[SadieJ709]

so I've already been looking at the owner's manuals and they have been a tremendous helpand thank you very much for the links and the tips

 

[SadieJ709]

thank you Uncle Gump by the way for welcoming me to the group
so far so good I like it alot