WTF is up with my dome light?!

[NC-Expy]

Click on the video attached,

My dome light keeps flickering every now and then... I don't know what to do, it's SO annoying!

Also, it's ONLY that one doing it. The one on the right is fine, and all the ones in the rear are fine.


http://youtu.be/dPrZtJEV5Nw



By the way, don't know how or why this thread got posted four times.... but SORRY lmao

 

[FordandPolaris]

Check the wiring for cracks etc. if you haven't already. It looks like the wire is making good connections only at certain times. Otherwise it could be the LED panel that is going bad. There is a part of the vid where it looks like only half of them are on. Does it do this regardless of whether the switch is on or off?

I just was watching it again, are they actually LED's or are they little bulbs? I can't tell haha.

 

[NC-Expy]

Check the wiring for cracks etc. if you haven't already. It looks like the wire is making good connections only at certain times. Otherwise it could be the LED panel that is going bad. There is a part of the vid where it looks like only half of them are on. Does it do this regardless of whether the switch is on or off?

It's not the bulb. I've used several different ones and they are all doing the same thing. That one specifically is brand new.

I've replaced the ground wire and it's still doing the same thing. Although the power wire tends to get a little hot, I don't know if that could be of relation?


and yes they are LED's lol. Several little LED lights inside the panel.

 

[panda24619]

wiggle the wires separately. and see if its the connector its self. that could be a problem as well. have put in the factory bulb back in?

 

[NC-Expy]

wiggle the wires separately. and see if its the connector its self. that could be a problem as well. have put in the factory bulb back in?

When wiggling wires there is no problem, the only time I can get it to flicker is when knocking on it and then after a while it seems to just go off by itself. (After closing/opening doors, lots of vibrations, etc...)

Putting the factory bulb in seems to not have any issues. I don't see how the LED could be the problem seeing as how all the other ones have been replaced with LED and have been fine.

 

[FordandPolaris]

I am no expert with electronics, but it is my understanding that LED's do not require much power to operate. Therefore, I wouldn't think the power wire would get hot, does the wire get hot in the light that works fine? If not, I would try and replace the power wire.

 

[NC-Expy]

I am no expert with electronics, but it is my understanding that LED's do not require much power to operate. Therefore, I wouldn't think the power wire would get hot, does the wire get hot in the light that works fine? If not, I would try and replace the power wire.

None of the other ones get hot, I might have to replace the power wire and go from there.

 

[FordandPolaris]

That is what my money would be on.

 

[Thermo]

IF a wire is getting hot to the touch, it is pulling too much power for the size wire. Since you have switched from an incandescent bulb to LEDs, you should be pulling overall less power. Therefore the wire should not be getting even warm. Your problem lies in the wire that is getting warm and odds are from bending the wire over and over, you have broken some of the strands inside the insulation and now you have effectively a 22 gauge wire vice the factory 18 gauge wire (for example). Where the wire is the hottest is where your issue lies (since the current is most restricted right there, leading to a production of heat).

 

[panda24619]

IF a wire is getting hot to the touch, it is pulling too much power for the size wire. Since you have switched from an incandescent bulb to LEDs, you should be pulling overall less power. Therefore the wire should not be getting even warm. Your problem lies in the wire that is getting warm and odds are from bending the wire over and over, you have broken some of the strands inside the insulation and now you have effectively a 22 gauge wire vice the factory 18 gauge wire (for example). Where the wire is the hottest is where your issue lies (since the current is most restricted right there, leading to a production of heat).

so in other words. replace that section of wire or the whole thing.

 

[NC-Expy]

Thanks for the help guys. I haven't replaced the power wire yet, but I did some experimenting last night and noticed that anytime I switch that individual map light ON by hitting the button on the overheard console there is absolutely no problems with it, I can't even make it flicker.

But when switching it off and either turning all the lights on using the dimmer switch or by opening the doors the problem persists...

Any ideas?

 

[Thermo]

Sounding like a bad switch to me. Unplug that light at a connector and then see if your fuse blows. I bet it won't. Now you have to figure out how to fix that light assembly then. Odds are, you are looking at getting a new light assembly.