Dimmer switch repair

[emmzz]

My dash lights went out on me, and I'm feeling kinda stuck. And maybe not by finding a problem, but by finding the part itself?

So far, this has been what I've found:
Fuse #1 was blown. All other lighting still works.
Fuse #1 was replaced, and immediately blew again.
Following a Chilton manual, I can get the dash lights to come on again if I remove the dimmer switch and wire straight from the incoming power to the dash. According to them, they say this means I should replace the dimmer switch.

And here's where the problem comes in:
Ford doesn't manufacture the switch for the 2007-2011 Rangers anymore, and neither does anyone else. The whole internet seems to be out of stock. Including Amazon and ebay. Sometimes, dimmer switches can be refurbished, but I don't know if this is one that can. In my searches though, the ones for the Fusion and Edge of the similar era look very similar, minus the bumps on the wheel.

So, I guess, can I either service my existing dimmer switch, or use the similar one from the Fusion as a replacement?

 

[DILLARD000]

Any pictures or part numbers off your old dimmer switch.
There's usually a stamped\molded number somewhere.
That would help greatly in a search for your part.
Several vendors have a dimmer switch for a 2008 Ranger per this google search
https://www.google.ca/search?q=2008+ford+ranger+dimmer+switch&source=hp&ei=9Eg7YZfuDI3B0PEP0K6TmA0&iflsig=ALs-wAMAAAAAYTtXBJRZYNniCX206y9NB1tfkmEzrrRj&oq=2008+ford+ranger+dimmer+switch&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB46CggAEOoCEAoQjwE6CAgAEOoCEI8BOggILhDqAhCPAToICAAQsQMQgwE6DgguEIAEELEDEMcBEKMCOg4ILhCABBCxAxDHARDRAzoICAAQgAQQsQM6BQgAEIAEOgUILhCABDoLCAAQgAQQsQMQgwE6CAguELEDEIMBOggILhCABBCTAjoICC4QgAQQsQM6CwguEIAEELEDEJMCOggIABCABBDJAzoKCAAQgAQQRhD7AToICCEQFhAdEB5QpRBYpV5g72hoAXAAeACAAekBiAGAIpIBBjAuMjcuM5gBAKABAbABCg&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwiXuMHvrfTyAhWNIDQIHVDXBNMQ4dUDCAg&uact=5

 

[emmzz]

Alright, here's the current switch.
Numbers on the barcode are:
7L5T-11691-AC3JA6, then 12111, and 080226B CD

As far as that google search goes, everything there will come up as either
A, out of stock
B, list the part as discontinued
C, try and sell me the turn signal stalk
D, Show me dimmer switches from just about every other Ford

 

[DILLARD000]

Several used 2008 Ford Dimmers on ebay; not sure if these fit.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=2008+ford+dimmer+switch&_sacat=50459&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=2008+ford+dimmer+7l5t-11691-ac&_osacat=50459

Your 2008 Dimmer is different from the one in my 2001 ExST.

 

[emmzz]

Well, the switch for the Edge, Fusion, and Mercury Milan looked similar. I've ordered one of them, and I'll see if it works.
The F-150 switch also looked similar, but seems to only be sold already installed in the bezel with the headlight switch.

 

[emmzz]

As a follow up, the edge/fusion/milan part does fit, but it let all the smoke out the first time I used the truck afterwards. So, for the record, the part might look the same, but it certainly does not work the same, and I don't recommend trying it.

 

[Jason Pouchak]

My dash lights went out on me, and I'm feeling kinda stuck. And maybe not by finding a problem, but by finding the part itself?

So far, this has been what I've found:
Fuse #1 was blown. All other lighting still works.
Fuse #1 was replaced, and immediately blew again.
Following a Chilton manual, I can get the dash lights to come on again if I remove the dimmer switch and wire straight from the incoming power to the dash. According to them, they say this means I should replace the dimmer switch.

And here's where the problem comes in:
Ford doesn't manufacture the switch for the 2007-2011 Rangers anymore, and neither does anyone else. The whole internet seems to be out of stock. Including Amazon and ebay. Sometimes, dimmer switches can be refurbished, but I don't know if this is one that can. In my searches though, the ones for the Fusion and Edge of the similar era look very similar, minus the bumps on the wheel.

So, I guess, can I either service my existing dimmer switch, or use the similar one from the Fusion as a replacement?

My son just bought one for his 1988 Ranger at Advance Auto a few days ago ~$40

 

[ericbphoto]

My son just bought one for his 1988 Ranger at Advance Auto a few days ago ~$40

That’s a very different switch compared to his 2008

 

[ericbphoto]

Sounds like a trip to the junk yard

 

[AndyB.]

I found 7L5Z-11691-AA online at Rear Counter

7L5Z-11691-AA & 7L5Z11691AA are listed here. Use our sellers network to locate this part. View now.

www.rearcounter.com

 

[Uncle Gump]

I found 7L5Z-11691-AA online at Rear Counter

7L5Z-11691-AA & 7L5Z11691AA are listed here. Use our sellers network to locate this part. View now.

www.rearcounter.com

Not sure why... but the "call for price" always leads me to believe it's gonna expensive.

 

[ericbphoto]

Not sure why... but the "call for price" always leads me to believe it's gonna expensive.

Does “market price” sound any better?

 

[AndyB.]

Rearcounter.com is a parts locator service. You can see what obsolete parts sellers have a part you’re looking for. You then have to contact the seller to purchase it.

 

[Jazzer]

It looks like your current switch can be carefully pried open, inspected, and possibly repaired? Nothing to lose.

 

[emmzz]

Figured I'd stop in with an update. Pulled out the new edge/fusion switch. It's literally just a potentiometer and a switch inside, whereas the ranger one has a lot more stuff going on. No wonder it got a little roasty toasty.

Anyways, after poking around with a multimeter, and sticking the original switch back in to check for a possible problem somewhere else in the circuit, it all seems to work again. No idea why. I guess the only knowledge I have gained is that the ranger needs a ranger switch.

Edge/fusion/Milan on the left, ranger on the right