2001 expedition interior lights stay on

[Tygerof2]

I have an 01 expedition that has an issue with the interior lights staying on. I've tried suggestions to lubricate the door latches, replaced the two relays that are supposed to control lighting. I'm at the point now where I think it could be the computer. Any other suggestions?

 

[Trainmaster]

You are going to have to start checking the door latches and switches. Get a wiring diagram and check for voltage (or ground) on the leads or open the door panels and unplug the switches one by one.

 

[Yupster Dog]

Any other suggestions?

Did you check the under hood light and latch?

 

[orlamas]

You can lock the lights on with the dash dimmer button if I recall by rolling it up until it locks. Make sure its not locked on. Also check the rear glass on hatch.

 

[Tygerof2]

All great suggestions. I have eliminated the dash dimmer knob. That was one of my first ideas. I am going to go through the door switches. I've tried rust penetrant on them all, but im guessing it's time to take the door panels off the access the door ajar switches.

 

[Greye]

Door switches can definitely get corroded depending on the area you live in. More rain, more issues. Start with the door used the most. And don't forget the tailgate as well. Same issue and was the tailgate all along.

 

[riphip]

You will definitely need a Volt/Ohm meter. Get some 'liquid tape' to seal wires if you pierce any for testing anywhere since moisture will only cause future problems if it gets to the copper wire.

 

[Tygerof2]

Thanks for the tips. Great help.

 

[UtilityCow]

Close all doors and wait for light to time out. Open each door one at a time and see if the light turns back on. If it turns on, that switch is working. Close the door and wait for the light to time out again. If it doesn't turn on, you've found the culprit.

 

[Tygerof2]

So there is a central timer module (top center) that apparently times out and opens the switch or contacts to prevent the battery from being run down (battery saver relay-top left). Is that correct? Is that internal to the GEM? Battery keeps dying so I'm thinking the timer function is not working to prevent battery from being drained. Any thoughts. I haven't been able to check door switches yet.

 

[UtilityCow]

Are you saying the interior light never turns off? It should time out in a few minutes, even when you leave a door open.

 

[Tygerof2]

Thats correct, yes, they stay on all of the time. I had to pull the lamps.

 

[walterz31]

Hey did you ever figure it out I have the same issue word for word

 

[UtilityCow]

Hey did you ever figure it out I have the same issue word for word

The only help I can offer is that one of the door sensors is bad. I've replaced several in my many Fords over the years.
If the lights never time out and turn off then it might be the GEM. I just replaced the one in my panther because the lights wouldn't turn on.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

external drivers door keypad. when you touch those buttons the lights come on.

 

[UtilityCow]

external drivers door keypad. when you touch those buttons the lights come on.

Are you saying it could be a permanent shorted button on the keypad?

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Yes, you may have a short in the membrane. Perhaps water got in.. If you can unplug the keypad it may answer the question