Dome Light Help!!
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Dome Light Help!!
Hello all,
My Cab Dome light has never worked the 20+ yrs I have had it. I am trying to replace everything and have a few questions:
1) What turns on the dome light? I would assume its a door being opened up? If so what specific part triggers it? I followed the harness wire to the light switch on the dash but as its never worked I have no idea if a new bulb was the problem.
2) I have ordered new wiring harnesses for the dome light from LMC and CJ Pony Parts. Both parts do not match the flat connection i have on the back part of the light switch assembly. Does N E 1 either know where to get the original wiring harness with the flat connection or a work around? Perhaps splice the new wiring harness into the old connection?
Any advice or help is GREATLY appreciated!!
My Cab Dome light has never worked the 20+ yrs I have had it. I am trying to replace everything and have a few questions:
1) What turns on the dome light? I would assume its a door being opened up? If so what specific part triggers it? I followed the harness wire to the light switch on the dash but as its never worked I have no idea if a new bulb was the problem.
2) I have ordered new wiring harnesses for the dome light from LMC and CJ Pony Parts. Both parts do not match the flat connection i have on the back part of the light switch assembly. Does N E 1 either know where to get the original wiring harness with the flat connection or a work around? Perhaps splice the new wiring harness into the old connection?
Any advice or help is GREATLY appreciated!!
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,638
Likes: 2,012
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
While I can't remember many details on a 57 any more I think it depends on the trim level of your truck. Some had a button inside the door pillar (as in custom cab?) while plain versions the dome light was activated by the head light switch.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,638
Likes: 2,012
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
My 53 Deluxe Cab has interior light switch but that may have been added later. My Canadian built 56 M100 had door light switch. It could be a variation between different factory locations, also between Canadian and American factories.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 135
Likes: 26
From: South Central PA
I have also seen references to a switch on the door but my 1960 Custom Cab only has the option on the light switch as referenced by RReid. I would trace the wire from the dome light back to the wiring block and then make sure it's in the correct slot in the fuse block connected to the headlight switch.
Doug
Doug
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
No 1957/63 truck has courtesy lamp switches on the doors. The dome lamp is operated by turning the headlamp switch ****.
1957/58 uses a different dome lamp than 1959/60.
1957/58 uses a different dome lamp than 1959/60.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 135
Likes: 26
From: South Central PA
Burgandy,
If you have not already done so, I would get a F100 shop manual and an electrical wiring diagram chart for your year truck. They are invaluable in figuring out the spaghetti under the dash and the correct locations on the fuse block. Also, the headlight switch is available to replace.
Doug
If you have not already done so, I would get a F100 shop manual and an electrical wiring diagram chart for your year truck. They are invaluable in figuring out the spaghetti under the dash and the correct locations on the fuse block. Also, the headlight switch is available to replace.
Doug
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 312
Likes: 43
From: Central California USA
I recommend a colorized wiring schematic (yes i am self promoting. Lol ) the wiring on the ‘57 as NumberDummy stated never had door switches (although it is popular to install them). I re-wired my ‘57 from scratch using the schematic and it was VERY easy. My headlight **** turns on the dome lamp (I also make new dome lamp housings), the light comes on when the doors open and the switch also turns on the dome lamp.
To your inquiry, might be beneficial to post a pic of the parts you have questions on like the end of the new harness that does NOT match the tabs on the switch assembly. With my new switch that I install on the new lamp housing, I soldered lead wires from the switch to then connect to the respective wires making it easy to fiddle with. I did this because I installed a panel of LEDs very bright to replace the incandescent bulb that sits under the lens. Never had an issue once it was all installed. Whatever the ends of the harness are (again a pic would be helpful) you can put the respective ends on the wires soldered to the switch and bam, there’s your connection.
To your inquiry, might be beneficial to post a pic of the parts you have questions on like the end of the new harness that does NOT match the tabs on the switch assembly. With my new switch that I install on the new lamp housing, I soldered lead wires from the switch to then connect to the respective wires making it easy to fiddle with. I did this because I installed a panel of LEDs very bright to replace the incandescent bulb that sits under the lens. Never had an issue once it was all installed. Whatever the ends of the harness are (again a pic would be helpful) you can put the respective ends on the wires soldered to the switch and bam, there’s your connection.
Trailering
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 22
Likes: 6
You know how turning the headlight switch **** adjusts the instrument brightness? Turn it left until it stops, then turn it left more (theres a little resistance, don't worry though, you're not breaking it) and you'll feel it kinda "pop" Look behind you and if everything is working right your dome light will be on. This is on a 59 anyway, dunno about others for sure.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Really appreciate all the information and advice. I have a custom cab. I feel the little click when I turn my light switch all the way counter clockwise. I also have traced the wire back to the backside of the light switch. I used a electricity detected and there appears to be juice all along the system. But still no light on bulb. I tried consulting my shop
manual but it didn’t lend any insight.
I would replace the sending wire as well at the light socket wire but I keep getting the wrong style wire. Truly stumped. Contemplating splicing a new sending wire into the original connection to the light switch and see if that solves anything.
manual but it didn’t lend any insight.
I would replace the sending wire as well at the light socket wire but I keep getting the wrong style wire. Truly stumped. Contemplating splicing a new sending wire into the original connection to the light switch and see if that solves anything.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 32,028
Likes: 2,427
From: Upstate NY
Really appreciate all the information and advice. I have a custom cab. I feel the little click when I turn my light switch all the way counter clockwise. I also have traced the wire back to the backside of the light switch. I used a electricity detected and there appears to be juice all along the system. But still no light on bulb. I tried consulting my shop
manual but it didn’t lend any insight.
I would replace the sending wire as well at the light socket wire but I keep getting the wrong style wire. Truly stumped. Contemplating splicing a new sending wire into the original connection to the light switch and see if that solves anything.
manual but it didn’t lend any insight.
I would replace the sending wire as well at the light socket wire but I keep getting the wrong style wire. Truly stumped. Contemplating splicing a new sending wire into the original connection to the light switch and see if that solves anything.
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