Possible to adapt 6 prong dimmer with 4 prong harness?

[justinae]

My 1996 has a 6 prong dimmer switch that went bad. Got a 4 prong (and harness tail) that came with a bezel from a 1999. Is there any way to make them compatible since they mount the same?

 

[Curious Hound]

What wire colors do you have on each one?

For example;

1996

LG/O​

T/O​

R/Bk​

Bk​

Lb/R​

Bk/Lb​

1999

BN​

R/Bk​

Bk​

Lb/R​

​

 

[justinae]

Here are the two harnesses together.

OEM 6 Prong
LG/O
Bk/Pink
T/O
LB/R (2 of them together)
R/Bk

4 Prong
LG/O
Br (2 of them together)
Bk/Pink
LB/R

 

[Curious Hound]

i was hoping to figure it out with the Explorer wiring diagrams I have for those 2 years. But your 4 wire plug doesn't match up with my 1999 diagram at all. Even if you can use the 4-wire dimmer module, you would then need a separate switch for the Dome Light/Courtesy lights circuit (LG/O & Bk/PK). We need the exact Ranger wiring diagrams for those 2 model years.

However, check the part # of the 6-wire dimmer you need. There is a used one from a 96 Explorer right here, if you want it for shipping cost. I didn't play with it much before disassembling the truck. The instrument lighting worked. So, I'm pretty sure it's good. It should plug directly to your wiring.

 

[justinae]

That would be great @Curious Hound! I actually posted in the classifieds here. Much easier than my plan. I'll DM you.

 

[justinae]

Just a shout out to @Curious Hound for the new to me dimmer switched. 100% fixed the problem and I'm back in business with lights!