I've seen several "such and such lights aren't working" threads recently, so I hate to add one more, but I don't know what to do to fix my problem.

I got my truck a few weeks ago and I've been going through fixing all the little things. One problem was that the front side marker lights weren't working. I assumed that the bulbs were burned out so I went through the tedious process of replacing the bulbs. Unfortunately, the lights still don't work. I've checked the fuse and it's fine. So now what? Is there something else obvious that I'm missing?

I appreciate any help or guidance anyone can provide!

 

Well, I kept researching online, and I still don't know for sure, but I'm wondering if I have a bad headlight switch? I went ahead and bought one tonight to give it a try. It's not an expensive part and is also returnable if it doesn't work, so why not? If that doesn't solve my lack of side marker lights, I don't know what to look at next.

 

Well, the replacement light switch didn't fix the prob. In fact, the switch looked in pretty good shape and showed no signs of ever burning or anything.

So, I'm back at square one. I've checked every fuse in the panel and they're all good. Electrically, there are a couple other things that don't work, but I don't think they're related. The front side-marker lights, the rear cargo/bed lamp, the inside map lights (both sides, but the dome works), and the cigarette lighter. I haven't verified whether the rear cargo light has good bulbs, but everything else does.

I guess I could splice the side-marker lights into the running lights/turn signals, but I'd rather not hack up the factory wiring loom and harness if it can be helped.

So, if you have any suggestions or experience with this sort of thing I'm all ears!

 

Do your dash lights work at night? I've heard that when your dash lights are dark, so are your tail lights. May apply to the side markers too?

You are right though, don't start hacking wires together.

Edited to add: Do the fuses look good or did you use a tester and they are electrically good?

 

My dash lights do work (I had to replace a couple burned out bulbs, but otherwise they all work) as do my taillights. I visually checked my fuses. Can they be bad but still look good? I guess I could replace them just to be sure.

Thank you for your response!

 

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger. The front side marker lights are not working so I want to replace them. I have a shop manual for 2000 but I was told 2001 was the same. But the pictures do not match so that's no help. I've looked at youtube for 2001 but those pictures also do not match. Does anyone have a list of links I can try to see if any of the pictures match my truck? Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum. Start a NEW thread here.... Ranger & B-Series - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Stevaroo01 - did you ever figure out the side marker problem? I have a 2000 F250 with the same problem.

 

Are the connections where the bulb goes in clean? Sorry If I missed that but it may need to be cleaned up then use electrical grease

 

Choate - thank you, they are fixed right and left required news bulbs and connectors. We had a lot of rain this past spring in SE TX and the moisture corroded them.