1997 F150, Dome Light And Chime Come On When Brake Pedal Is Pressed

Sparky,


I have a 1997 Ford F-150 4x2. It has a electrical problem I can not find. The small relay in the fuse box clicks (I think it is the second from the top), the dome light flashes along with the clicking relay, also when you hit the brake the dome light comes on real dim and the door chime beeps each time you hit the brake, it is as if you opened the door, regardless of the door being open or shut. And the power windows do not work. I am not real good at tracking down wiring problems, but I did a Google search and everything I found pointed towards the gem module. So I bought a used one from a salvage yard and installed it. It still does the exact same thing. How much would you charge to help me find my problem? I already blew $150.00 on a gem that didn't work. I would like to get this truck going again. 




Hi David,

Initially my though twas a weak body ground but it could also be a blown/missing fuse with a circuit back feeding (requires removing and looking at the fuse element to check it). Check your owners manual for fuse locations. You also could have weak body power supply.  There also could be wire damage at the brake pedal itself. Just a few things to check. Does the truck run?

I do not have a set fee for helping. I prefer for you to donate, as a percentage of the repair savings. Much like you would  tip a waiter, a percentage of the restaurant bill. 

Yes, the truck runs. was working fine, my sister borrowed it, brought it back and I got in it about 30 minutes later and it was a mess, I swore she must have done something, lol but couldnt think of anything she could of done. It had a aftermarket alarm in it, it was going off all lights were flashing, horn honking ect.. along with the other problems. I tore the dash apart and disconnected the aftermarket alarm, and that left me with what I described earlier. I am going to go to the shop now and check all of the grounds and power wires, along with the fuses. 

I checked the power and grounds under the hood, fixed a couple that looked bad below the ebrake. Checked the ground in the loom to the door. We have all data but I dont know how to read the schematics. 

Hi David,

Do you have a scan tool that will communicate with the GEM?  Have you checked the grounds behind the right and left kick panels? Is there any sign of a water leak around the fuse box or GEM? Although you replaced the GEM, there could be corrosion inside the fuse box. Let me know what kind of scan tool, voltmeter, test lights or other diagnostic tools that you may have access to.

We have a Tech 2, a Genisus, and a older snap on scan tools, and volt meter, test light, ect. I checked the grounds on the left kick panel, replaced the ends on a couple of them that looked bad. I didnt know there were grounds on the right kick panel. I will check there tomorrow if I get a chance. I work in a auto repair shop. But I do mainly mechanical work, engine and frame. My boss is good with electrical stuff but he is always to busy.

Hello, you were right, I found a rusty ground behind the passenger side kick panel. Thanks so much. Its great to have my truck back.

Hi David,

I am glad your truck is fixed.

2002 Chevrolet G3500 Van Dome Lights Inop

Enjoy your site and the efforts you put in to it.
Here's my problem: 2002 Chevy G3500 Van, I can turn on the dome lights with the switch located on the main light switch assembly. All lights work throughout the van but when I open any of the doors, two front doors, two rear doors or two side doors, I get no light. Any ideas.

Thanks in advance, Tom

Hi Tom,

What position is the dome light override switch in? There should be a push button in the headlight switch area. Depending on the position of the switch the door switches will not work.

Sparky





Correct, I have checked it in both positions, in and out, problem remains. I have tried numerous things to no avail.




Hi Tom,

There are several things to look at. First check your fuses in particular the 25 amp PWR ACCY fuse in the interior fuse box. Second access the rear of the headlight switch assembly,unplug the connector, locate the purple wire at terminal L and check to see if it has a ground on it when you open any of the doors. If it does then the door switches are good. Next reconnect the harness to the switch and with a door open that you have confirmed has a good switch in it, check for a ground on the gray wire, terminal B with the dome light over ride switch in both positions. You should have a ground in one position and not the other. If this is okay you will have to locate the interior lamp control module. It may be in one of two places. Either under the center of the dash or behind the right kick panel. The diagram shows that it should have five wires. Pink (ignition power),Gray (door switch input),Orange (constant power),Black (constant ground) and White (ground output to lights)

Sparky

2001 Grand Am Gt , Dome Lights Stay On

I was wondering if and where the door ajar sensor would be located on my 2-Door 2001 Grand Am GT. When I close my drivers door the dome lights stay on until my vehicle is in motion and come back on when I come to a stop. Any help would be appreciated.

 Jason