Interiior lights

[slhanks4]

I just bought an '08 XLT last week. The other night we were out in it at night for the first time and when my wife tried to turn on the map light, it didn't work. I played with the dimmer knob and it came on, but so did the other interior lights. The lights work when the door is opened or the keyless entry is used, but not manually. I know this isn't right, but I'm not sure what to even check. Obviously the bulbs are good.

 

[bedrck46]

check fuse 9 and 25 with a meter

 

[slhanks4]

Fuse 25 was blown. Replaced it with another fuse and it blew immediately. Guess I need to look for a short somewhere.

 

[bedrck46]

check the switch

 

[slhanks4]

check the switch

Which switch?

 

[bedrck46]

did fuse 25 blow as soon as you replaced it??

 

[bedrck46]

if that is the case then the battery saver relay may be bad and that is not a user serviceable part as it is part of the fuse block' It is possible to repair the circuit board

 

[slhanks4]

Yes, fuse 25 blows as soon as the blades on the fuse make contact with the socket.

I have been reading my workshop manual and it is starting to look like the battery saver relay may be the problem.

 

[bedrck46]

agree Bad thing is, that relay is part of the circuit board and not a replaceable relay but it is possible to take the fuse block apart and replace it with a different relay or repair the circuit board. First would be to take the fuse block apart and check the board as it could be as simple as a bad solder joint.

 

[bedrck46]

read this link as it will give you an idea as to what you may be up against

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f41/05-expedition-cranks-but-doesnt-start-21903/#post175219

 

[slhanks4]

Jeez, I don't know if I want to get into that. I even thought about just replacing the SJB myself, but the book says you have to download settings into a VCM and it gets a little over my head. Well, a lot over my head.

 

[bedrck46]

understand

Also read this link and see the pictures

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f41/po430-code-non-start-issue-22423/#post180859

 

[slhanks4]

Ah, the joys of buying a used vehicle...

 

[stamp11127]

Since the fuse blows as soon as it is installed in the circuit, that indicates a short to ground. If you don't have a dvm and/or test light this is a good excuse to go buy one. You can get a decent dvm at Home Depot for around $50 or online from other vendors. If you get one make sure it has 4 ports on the face for the leads.

There are enough of us on here to help guide you through the troubleshooting steps if you desire.

 

[slhanks4]

I have a BK Precision Test Bench DVM and a test light.

 

[svfetter]

This may not be your problem, but I had the same thing on my 2011. No Map Light, Vanity Mirror Light or glove box light. All are on one fuse, Probably the one you guys mentioned. New fuse would blow immediately when touched to the contacts.

Only thing I could access was the visor. I removed each visor from the ceiling and found a really bad pinched wire which goes to the Vanity Mirror. I corrected the wiring position and no more problems. Everything is still working great.

Might not be your issue, but maybe worth a look.

 

[bedrck46]

you could disconnect connector C2280E from the fuse block its a 32 pin connector
then re install fuse #25 and see if it blows If it doesn't then the problem is in the wiring from the C2280E connector to one of the lights

 

[slhanks4]

This may not be your problem, but I had the same thing on my 2011. No Map Light, Vanity Mirror Light or glove box light. All are on one fuse, Probably the one you guys mentioned. New fuse would blow immediately when touched to the contacts.

Only thing I could access was the visor. I removed each visor from the ceiling and found a really bad pinched wire which goes to the Vanity Mirror. I corrected the wiring position and no more problems. Everything is still working great.

Might not be your issue, but maybe worth a look.

Bingo! We have a winner, folks!

I removed the passenger side visor and this is what I found...

A little electrical tape and re-routing of the wire and it's good to go!

Thanks for the advice to all who helped.

 

[bedrck46]

thanks for the update and glad you got it fixed

 

[slhanks4]

Me too, I was worried I'd have to replace the SJB, which would not be cheap.