Ford Taurus Wierd Problem
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
Ford Taurus Wierd Problem
The little women has a 1999 Ford Taurus. In the summer when it's warm the dome light will not come on when you open the doors. Now that it is cold outside the dome light comes on when you open the doors. Is this the wierdest things or what? Does anyone have any ideas as to what it could be? Thanks for the help.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
The dome lamp switch(es) are sticky. It usually happens the other way around, though. (Works in summer and doesn't work in winter).
The switch is in the door latch and can be tricky to replace. You can try cleaning and lubing it.
Working through the latch opening, flood the latch with solvent like brake cleaner, using the extension tube to get into the nooks and crannies. Then spray liberally with WD-40. Open and close the door 10-20 times to exercise the switch.
This will usually free up the switch. If not, you need to dig into the door and replace the switch.
The switch is in the door latch and can be tricky to replace. You can try cleaning and lubing it.
Working through the latch opening, flood the latch with solvent like brake cleaner, using the extension tube to get into the nooks and crannies. Then spray liberally with WD-40. Open and close the door 10-20 times to exercise the switch.
This will usually free up the switch. If not, you need to dig into the door and replace the switch.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
It's not just one door, it's all of them. You can open any door in the summer, and no dome light. Now, you can open any door, and the light comes on. Is there a relay or something somewhere?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
She isn't home right now, but I believe the dome light would not work at all in the summer, even with the manual switch.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
Which ground wires are you refering to, up where the bulb is? I called the dealership about a GEM Module, and they want a fortune for one. I will check the ground wires first. Thanks
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: McKenzie River
Theres a screw hold in the ground wire behind the plastic housing, try tightening it. Check the hot lead too. The contacts at the bulb may be deformed or loose.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
I just took it out. The two lights on the side of the dome light always work when you turn them on. I just noticed that when you turn on the parking lights, the dash lights are sometimes slow to come on, other times they come right on. I hate to have to buy a new GEM, they wanted over 400 bucks for a new one.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Keep in mind that if you replace the GEM module, it may need to be programmed to the car using a scan tool.
I don't see any harm in a used GEM. I'm not usually a fan of used electrical parts, but they don't fail often.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
If you look to the right side of the pic, you will see some relays. Just under where it says "Read Owners Manual." There is a relay the says "Interior lamp relay". What would that relay be for? It's the second one down, on the left side. I think I am going to replace it. If you use the zoom feature at the bottom of the pic, you can see it better.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
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Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
Well, I replaced that relay today. Still the same. I figured it was worth a shot. I'm not sure if we are going to replace the GEM Module or not. I don't think it's a ground, because the map lights on the side of the dome light work just fine, and I would think they have the same ground. I found a Ford Dealer who will sell me the Module for 250 bucks shipped. I called the local dealer, and they want 99 bucks to program it. I don't know much about the GEM Module. Is it going to get worse, and leave her stranded somewhere? Will it stay the same? I don't know.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Well, I replaced that relay today. Still the same. I figured it was worth a shot. I'm not sure if we are going to replace the GEM Module or not. I don't think it's a ground, because the map lights on the side of the dome light work just fine, and I would think they have the same ground. I found a Ford Dealer who will sell me the Module for 250 bucks shipped. I called the local dealer, and they want 99 bucks to program it. I don't know much about the GEM Module. Is it going to get worse, and leave her stranded somewhere? Will it stay the same? I don't know.
I wouldn't spend $300 to replace it unless you can verify it is truly at fault. I think an EVTM and a test light would be money much better spent if you can read a wiring diagram and have a bit of time. .
1998 Ford Taurus Sable EVTM Factory Manual LOOK! - eBay (item 360318930870 end time Jan-11-11 09:48:58 PST)
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater Fl.
Thanks for the help. I just clicked on the Ebay link and bought the manual. I will look at it and see what I can figure out. I would hate to replace the GEM Module and it still did it.