1999 E150 Chateau Illuminated Entry Issues
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1999 E150 Chateau Illuminated Entry Issues
Hi all, I'm new to the forum and have an issue that slightly differs from the many i have been able to find posted here (vans or trucks). My issue is with the courteousy/reading lamps in the 1999 E150 Chateau I recently purchased. When put in the flat postion (for open door and headligth switch activation) ALL the lights stay on all the time. This goes for the rear cargo lamp too when in the "DOOR" position. I've made sure the headlight switch is not rotated to the cabin light "ON" position. Also, the previous owner had pulled the fuse for the illuminated entry module so i put a 5A fuse in there with no changes to the problem. I haven't let the lights stay on for more than 10 or 15 minutes to see if the delay is the problem (maybe they go out after 20 or 30 minutes? I dont know). Anyway, just seeing if anyone here as ran across the same issue and had a fix that worked for them. Please let me know...
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Stabb, Not sure I understand your issue but here is what I can tell you about my '03 Chateau, and something I'd love to fix. The only courtesy light that can be turned off is in the rear, 3 position switch (on/courtesy/off). All the other ones stay on when the door is opened and I wish I knew how/if you can turn them off. when we're at the beach., track, etc. if 1 door is open all the lights are on (except the rear door which has a switch). I get concerned on killing the battery. Mike
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With my dilemma, i have all the courtesy lights tilted slightly from flat. The rear cargo light of course is turned to off like your's is. In this way, all the lights are off all the time. If I or the wife want them on at night when getting into a cavernours dark van, we have to place any one light flat or tilt it more. If left in either of these positions, that light stays on wether leaving the van and locking it up or starting it and driving away. I have a feeling the problem may lie with the Illuminated Entry Module. But my library-accessed, web-based Chilton Manual fails to describe where this is located (aside from a wiring diagram layout) and a search of the internet fails to show me what it looks like or what it may cost if its even available retail.
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From: the old home place
Stabb, i understand your concern exactly and you do have a problem, but i can't tell you exactly what it is. I have had 2 club wagons with these style of interior lights and we always have to fight with them as well. Completely flat and they are on or tilted 45 or whatever and they are on. You have to keep 'em in the sweet spot halfway or they are on, and they get hot!, and there are lots of them too so it will run down your battery.
Do you have the keyless entry fobs? If you aren't using them, that may be your problem. When i have all of my lights 'flat', with the rear set to 'door', they stay on with doors open, but if i close doors and lock them with the fob, they go out in a few seconds, maybe 30 at most. If yours aren't going off, you definitely have something wrong. I would say the pulled fuse by the PO is definitely a dead giveaway. If there is an easy fix, someone here will know it. I think there is an electronics section in the forums too that you may want to post this in as well, since most Ford truck stuff is the same across the product line for any given year/body.
Do you have the keyless entry fobs? If you aren't using them, that may be your problem. When i have all of my lights 'flat', with the rear set to 'door', they stay on with doors open, but if i close doors and lock them with the fob, they go out in a few seconds, maybe 30 at most. If yours aren't going off, you definitely have something wrong. I would say the pulled fuse by the PO is definitely a dead giveaway. If there is an easy fix, someone here will know it. I think there is an electronics section in the forums too that you may want to post this in as well, since most Ford truck stuff is the same across the product line for any given year/body.
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From: the old home place
Yep, there is an electrical systems/wiring section here, i'd drop it in there and see if any gurus can help you. Also, i bought the good Ford service manual but it's out in my shop. I'll look tomorrow for you and see what i can find out. Feel free to pm me if i forget to get back to you.
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From: the old home place
Stabb, i cannot find anything called an 'illuminated entry module' at all in my Ford wiring diagrams. There is the main light switch, which if i'm understanding right is powered by a P91 Control Junction Box, which is right there beside it under the dash left of steering wheel. I'm still thinking you may actually be having a problem with the keyless entry module, which i've attached a picture of. It's in an unusual place, on the wall behind the driver's door (behind the B pillar). Let me know if these pics help. 
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Had a '97 E250 with the Illuminated Entry Module that was a PITA too----for various reasons I'd removed all factory interior lights, replacing them with manual switched task lighting for my work.
As Scotty's image shows the IEM is located behind the drivers seat, typically mounted to the side wall horizontal inner structure midway between the roof and the floor, two flat electrical connectors running to it. My '97 EVTM has full schematics located in Cell 89-1>5, aka: Courtesy Lights If your Chateau is like most I've seen with side wall glass the interior trim panels might have to be removed to access the module. I can post my schematic images here if that'd be useful to you.
IF that module is defective its either obsolete or uber-expensive----something from a recycler might be one of your few choices. Hope its nothing too severe or costly though!
HTH
As Scotty's image shows the IEM is located behind the drivers seat, typically mounted to the side wall horizontal inner structure midway between the roof and the floor, two flat electrical connectors running to it. My '97 EVTM has full schematics located in Cell 89-1>5, aka: Courtesy Lights If your Chateau is like most I've seen with side wall glass the interior trim panels might have to be removed to access the module. I can post my schematic images here if that'd be useful to you.
IF that module is defective its either obsolete or uber-expensive----something from a recycler might be one of your few choices. Hope its nothing too severe or costly though!
HTH
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Senior User
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From: the old home place
Thanks for helping him better JWA. I'm no pro at following schematics but I was thinking that was it.
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Fleet Owner
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Hey Scotty----your images are a help so don't discount yourself! It seems your info comes from an EVTM manual too? The block diagrams in your manual would be as helpful as anything unless there are issues other than the ILE module itself. Stabb's condition sounds like that might be the extent of it, albeit potentially pricey fix
My info doesn't show the internal circuits of the IEM naturally but they do show the various switches, connectors and lamps associated with the entire courtesy lamp system. I always recommend anyone who DIY's electrical issues on our vans get an EVTM from eBay----they're easy to find and plenty cheap enough most times.
I added schematics for this feature to my Album here on FTE. If they're not helpful at that size I'm glad to post them to this thread, thinking maybe they'll be more helpful. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - JWA's Album: Various
My info doesn't show the internal circuits of the IEM naturally but they do show the various switches, connectors and lamps associated with the entire courtesy lamp system. I always recommend anyone who DIY's electrical issues on our vans get an EVTM from eBay----they're easy to find and plenty cheap enough most times.
I added schematics for this feature to my Album here on FTE. If they're not helpful at that size I'm glad to post them to this thread, thinking maybe they'll be more helpful. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - JWA's Album: Various
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From: Bountiful, UT
I replaced the ford lights in my e350 with lights from several different Tahoe/Suburban vehicles, and once painted black and installed, they look like they belong. Someone adjusted all my lights with either a hammer or a chisel because those that weren't missing were looking pretty sad. I have used the Chevy lights for years in my different Jeeps hard tops, and they work well. If they were only LED...
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