Dome lights and other lights.

Discussion in 'Automotive' started by Motivated, Aug 9, 2010.

  1. Motivated New Member

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    My new E250 has around 6k miles on it. And the dome lights are out. I will mess with it tomorrow since it is dark, but everything else that should go out at the same time if the fuse blew is still working. The light bulb looks fine and there is one in the back that went out at the same time so that is not the problem. Unless the back one was out earlier and i didn't notice.

    Any ideas? I checked to make sure they are on at the switch. (that also controls the headlights) so I am stumped.

    This brought up another question. Do any of you run a light powered off your truck mount and what is the best way to hook it up if so?
  2. Ara Klujian Moderator & TMF Repair Expert

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    Wiring issues can often be the most difficult to diagnose without the proper tools and diagrams. Often times its a bad ground or short that causes problems like the one you are describing. Patience, a multimeter and a wiring diagram will help greatly. Maybe its just the switch for the dome. Unfortunately newer vehicals make it more difficult to jump switches with a wire to bypass a switch because they donot expose any actual wire. So you may have to use one of these to jump the switch. http://mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=1942710&PMT4NO=0 I use these occationally.

    I have an inverter hooked up to my truckmout battery so when the unit is running the lights I have that are plugged in can illuminate the inside of the van. Its great for night jobs. If you dont know what an inverter is it takes DC voltage and converts it into AC power. :cool::AddEmoticons04233::cool: Also drop lights works good because they can handle the shock of the road with no problem. Do a search and you can find some pretty cool ones.
  3. Blind Dr New Member

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    I use the push button type of dome lights that run off a battery. I will put several on the roof so I have light to see at night. I mount several above the TM and have never had any issues yet. Pretty cheap to purchase.
  4. Kevin Dumas Member

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    My Ford has a little wheel type switch on the dash where you can turn the interior lights off if you have the doors open.
    Does yours possibly have a switch that was turned off?
  5. Ara Klujian Moderator & TMF Repair Expert

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    Yeah Gary, I see those in every cab I get into when I'm drunk as a skunk. haha
  6. Motivated New Member

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    I haven't seen a switch like this. I didn't have much time to work on it today. I never use these lights anyway but I am concerned why they aren't working. If I put a light system in, I won't care if they ever work again. LOL When I work in the dark. They automatically went out after about a minute anyways.....Even with the door open. Most likely to save the battery.
  7. Ara Klujian Moderator & TMF Repair Expert

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    Take it to a nearby dealership. I bet a a car salesman might be able to solve your issue. Maybe Kevin is right and you might be overlooking something. Also if its new shouldn't you have some kind of warrenty?
  8. cheyne New Member

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    I replaced my dome lights with these:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-x-...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

    I have 2 strips in my van now and its as bright as day inside. I'm going to add more, just because we'll be doing a lot of commercial work at night and I want people to see the glow while driving by!

    The easiest way to run these off your machine would be to just wire them into the machines battery with a on/off switch mounted on front.
  9. Motivated New Member

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    Yep it is still under warranty. It is just a matter of finding the time. I guess I will have to make an appointment. I cant stand leaving my truck mount at the dealer with curious mechanics around.
  10. Julin New Member

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    Thanks for the post...
  11. onthatone New Member

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    Speaking of interior lighting...I've got a Boxxer 427 with the little LED lights over the control panel...USELESS. Just thought i'd throw that out there.
  12. Rob Allen Administrator

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    Yeah it would be cool of truck mount manufacturers lit their units better. Be a great asset for night cleaning.

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