Ok, I feel really stupid asking this question but here goes. I have a 2000 Ranger XLT Extended Cab that I can't get the cargo light to come on. As far as I can tell, the only way to turn on the dome light is to use the switch on the dome light itself and this does not affect the cargo light in any of the three positions. The dimmer switch on the dash does not appear to turn on the dome light or the cargo light. How do I get the cargo light to come on and what are the three positions for on the switch on the dome light itself? Thanks for the help.

Stacy

 

On my '98 the cargo light (in the bed) is turned on by rotating the dimmer switch fully up till it clicks. This also turns on the dome light. I think the three positions for the dome are Driver's side on, on with the door ajar, and passenger's side on.

Are you sure the bulbs in the cargo light are good?

-Jim

 

Yep. Tha's how it works!!!!!!!!!!

 

I just real quick took a peek at the bulbs and they didn't look blown. Maybe I'll try rotating the dimmer dial a little harder to see if it will click on. Thanks for the info.

 

I can even be more stupid asking a question. (Yours was not). When did they stop having the Cargo Light. I have a 2005 Lemon and it was not available.

 

I'm surprised that they would get rid of the cargo light. It is a part of the third tail light on my truck, and I thought it was pretty standard on most pickups.

-Jim

 

Waldreps - I hope that was not a stupid question because that is the question that brought me to this site many posts ago. I had a '99, could not get the cargo light on, the owners manual said nothing, so I looked up this site and got hooked ..... and got the answer (instrument dimmer switch). That question has been asked many times.
Dono

 

If rotating the instrument panel dimmer switch up until it "clicks" doesn't work, do a continuity check on the lamps & a voltage check of their power lead, then look to a ground, wire connection, or connector problem.

Let us know what you find.

 

After the 2001 model year, for sure, but I can't narrow down exactly what year.

A lot of those lights are gone now, like the underhood light, glove box light, headlights (joke)...

If cost cutting has gotten so bad that we don't even have the choice as to pay a few dollars more for thsoe options (I would), then my 94 model will suffice.

Ford, you lose. Hell, even Toyota and Nissan have cargo lamps now.

 

Thanks. They don't even offer the Daytime Running Lights anymore, even though they have to have them on vehicles sold in Canada. They talk a big talk about safety, Huh

 

Thanks for all the help. It's just as Jim described. It's just that the rotating dimmer switch is really, really hard to rotate on up till it clicks. Thought I was gonna break something, but it worked. Thanks all.

 

I hear you there! I wouldn't mind at all paying for those lights... :P I do have the cargo lights, thank the lord!

 

Just to show a not so dumb question never goes out of style, I just got a 2000 Ranger and like the originator of this post, and I'm sure a few others, had to come here (using the search function) to find out how to turn on the cargo light. If it is in the owners manual, I havn't found it, now I don't have to.
BTW my first post in the Ranger section.
56 F-350 flat bed dually
00 Ranger SC 4dr 4x4 (can you tell I'm its new proud daddy)
89 f-250 SC 460 (a truck that will never fail)
In my never ending quest for "One of Each", not really but one can dream.

 

My 2000 Ranger cheapie only has a third brake light.

 

My 2000 very basic Ranger only has the brake light. However, if I remember right, it is wired for a cargo light. I'd have to take it back off to make sure though.