• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

dome and external parking light stay on


BasicPension6

New Member
Joined
May 23, 2022
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Location
Ketchum, ID
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Manual
Has anyone else experienced this? I've been having issues with my "open door" light staying on in my 2003 Ford Ranger because the doors wouldn't close all the way, which turned the dome light on in turn. I sprayed the door connections well with WD 40 and haven't had much issue since. Then last week, with no "open door" warning on the dash, my dome light just won't turn out. for days. I was camping so I disconnected the battery, then removed the lightbulbs the next day until I could think of something better. THEN the parking light turns on and hasn't gone out since. I am unplugging the battery every time I park now and my cap is in the way so I haven't removed those bulbs. This is not the external brake light, but the two white lights on either side. Looks like it could be a fuse but I don't have much wiring experience. Help.
 


Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,709
Reaction score
13,165
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
I would say something is shorted.

I would have a look at the headlamp switch and connections.
 

RonD

Official TRS AI
TRS Technical Advisor
Joined
Jun 2, 2012
Messages
25,292
Reaction score
8,298
Points
113
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Welcome to TRS :)

Just a heads up, not trying to be insulting if you already know this
The Dimmer wheel on the dash(dims dash lights) has a switch inside it that will turn on the dome and cargo lights if you rotate the wheel all the way up, you will feel it "click" and dome light will come on, also cargo light(the two white lights on the 3rd brake light)


As for the Park lights, could be a few things, assuming main light switch is off
The Main light switch can short internally

In the engine bay fuse box pull out fuse 33, 15amp, that powers the Park lights, see if they are off, if so then main light switch is most likely the issue

If they are still on then Park lights are getting 12volt from another circuit(fuse) so a short
Its tedious work but you will need to pull 1 fuse at a time in engine bay and cab fuse box to find the one that shorted to a Parking light wire, that will give you an idea of where the short might be

If you have Keyless entry(Fobs) it can flash the Park lights, so it could power the Park lights full time if it has a problem, Fuse 8 in engine bay fuse box
 

Eddo Rogue

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Messages
3,952
Reaction score
2,472
Points
113
Location
Burbank,CA
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ranger 4x4
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
OHV
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
skyjacker front leveling kit
Tire Size
31-10.50R15
My credo
Crossed threads are tight threads.
I pulled the bulb and stuck a clip on flashlight on the driver side visor.
 

BasicPension6

New Member
Joined
May 23, 2022
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Location
Ketchum, ID
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Manual
Thanks to all - Dimmer wheel indeed. I am not at all insulted, was hoping for the simplest solution and got it. I'll leave the dome light bulbs pulled though...

Thanks again!
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top