Dome/Cargo Light Issues

[COLTON_CJF]

I have a problem on my 2001 4.0 4dr XLT. The dome light is whacked out. This was a farm truck before so I’m not sure if the layers of dust got to a connection or switch but I’ll see what you guys think, I’ve tried everything I know.
The dome light stays on for 9 mins from when I open the door, after it turns off (opening the door doesn’t do anything). I also notice whenever this happens the dimmer switch doesn’t work at all, it’s like the whole truck is asleep. I have to slide my key into the ignition to awake the truck again. It takes at least 30 mins for the truck to re wake (for me to open my door and my dome light to come on) Also, my cargo lights only work w/ the dimmer switch. I tried switching out my LEDs with incandescents but no luck. For someone who’s always using the bed the dimmer switch is a hassle instead of just being able to open the doors. It takes awhile for the dome light to shut off from when the door shuts, about 9 mins (when the truck is off, maybe that’s normal). Last thing to bring up is every time I go to put my key to the ignition the dome light turns on but it doesn’t turn off even when I start the truck, but only when I go over 10 mph. This can’t be normal right? Makes it hard to drive out of parking lots and such at night

 

[SenorNoob]

I'm not very familiar with the newer trucks, but that sounds like a programmed function rather than an electrical failure.

Maybe a previous owner had the GEM out and changed it or managed to plug it in upside down or something? Weird for sure.

 

[COLTON_CJF]

I'm not very familiar with the newer trucks, but that sounds like a programmed function rather than an electrical failure.

Maybe a previous owner had the GEM out and changed it or managed to plug it in upside down or something? Weird for sure.

Yeah everything acts the same but how it shouldn’t. Could you tell me where to find the GEM? And is the GEM another name for an ECM

 

[Uncle Gump]

Yeah everything acts the same but how it shouldn’t. Could you tell me where to find the GEM? And is the GEM another name for an ECM

I'm gonna leave this post because it's in the correct forum. I'm gonna delete the one in general discussion forum.

Going forward Colton... Just make a single post. Making two exact posts doesn't get you answers any quicker.

 

[SenorNoob]

Not the same as the PCM. I think it's behind the radio...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So… GEM and ECU are different things. ECU controls the engine and transmission. GEM controls things like the “battery saver” feature which is what you’re running into.

Supposedly, with the key in the off position or out of the ignition, if you open a door and leave it open, after 10-15 minutes the GEM times out and shuts off the dome light to keep from draining the battery. I’m not sure that it’s adjustable or able to be turned off.

Cargo lights should come on with a door open and should come on with the dimmer switch turned to switch on the dome light. No idea why it couldn’t have been a separate switch. Of course when the timer shuts off the dome lights, good bye cargo light.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I question a door switch. It doesn't know the door shuts so it times out to save the battery or turns off when a certain criteria is met (certain speed etc)

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yeah, I forgot that one. @85_Ranger4x4 is right, the fact that the dome lights should only shuts off after 10 mph indicates there’s a bad door switch somewhere.

 

[COLTON_CJF]

That would make sense- my dome light only comes on when I open my drivers door not my passenger one. I guess I’ll do the WD40 trick on my passenger door again assuming it’s that’s the problem, if it doesn’t do anything I’ll just take the door apart.
Also got a new GEM module shipped crossing my fingers it will fix the cargo lights.