dome lamp switch??

[wbixby]

Hello I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport and I am trying to install lights for the floor down by your feet since the vehicle didnt come with any and I have been looking for the switch that turns on the lights when you open the door. Usually on most cars I have seen the switch by the hinges of the door and on some it was on the latch for the door, but I looked and I cannot seem to find a switch. If anyone knows where the switch is I would really appreciate it.

Thank you

[denisb]

The switch is on the latch itself. You would have to take the skin off the door and get to the latch or, if you have the wiring diagram, you could patch into the harness which comes through the body, from the door, behind the drivers side kick plate under the dashboard. (The panel to the left of the pedals) I beleive mine were a yellow wire and a black (with a possible yellow stripe?!?!).

Some car starter sites might have the wiring diagram since they pulse the door signal to turn the radio off when the remote start shuts off. (Bulldog alarms maybe)

Oh and remember that with the new model cars and delayed lighting, I'm not 100% sure that this will actually work for your purpose. You might have to tap into your dome light wiring itself.

Denis

[wbixby]

thank you for your help instead of tearing the door apart i just tore the dash apart and got to the back of the light dimmer switch i found a wire that was hot when the door was open and off when it was shut so i just used them..however when the headlights are on and the door is open the lights dont work but if the headlights are off and the door is open then they work i dont know what wire i got into but i guess its better than nothing..


thank you
bill

[denisb]

I'm guessing you got in after your delay circuit, so your light will only work while your delay is still on after your car is turned off and/or for a minute or so after your door is opened and closed. It will work fine if you only want this light on for a short time after you've opened the door, but it might be a pain if you need it on for longer periods of time.

Denis