My tail light fuse keeps blowing (the one in the engine compartment). I'm guessing there's a short somewhere but cant seem to track it down. Is this a common problem with an easy fix?

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2001 Ford Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 extended cab

No mods yet but they're coming...

If you have a trailer light harness in the back, see if it is corroded.

[Posted with my Android mobile device using Tapatalk Pro]

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

Don't have one but the wiring to one of my fog lights is looking a little rough. I'll check it out. Thanks!

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2001 Ford Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 extended cab

No mods yet but they're coming...

Tracked it down to the dimmer switch. Turn it to med high or on and it blows the fuse. Anyone else ever have this problem?

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Holly crap!!!!! 109 bucks for a new switch. Thinking I'm going to red neck engineer it!

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2001 Ford Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 extended cab

No mods yet but they're coming...

go get a new switch from the junkyard man

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Ford Ranger Edge Supercab, 2004 3.0 Auto, 2WD, 4.10 Axle 31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO's


My Truck Is My Mountain Bike's Ride!

Class III hitch, Rhino Bedliner, Almost Maxed T-Bar Crank, Tuff Country Add A Leaf, Custom Low Anchor Points, OEM ('99) Tow Hooks, Pro Comp Offroad Lights , Mustang Dome Light, Clear Corners, Slim Toolbox, Blinker Mod,Cargo Brake Light Mod,Expo Lighted Visors, Ultra Silverstar heads/fogs, Fog/high mod, Reverse/switched lights, Bike Fork Mounts

x2, I don't think the dimmer switch is easily rigged because of a floating ground system

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2000 Ford Ranger 5.0L-302 Swap Questions? PM Me
Deep Wedgewood Blue Metallic-Have One?
5 Speed Manual Transmission
Extended Cab Flareside
2000 Ford Explorer 5.0L
1986 Mercedes 190e

I also say you should get one from a salvage yard. shouldn't be very expensive at all.

Regards,
Wily

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Current: 2000 Ford Explorer XLS 4x4 Automatic 4.0L SOHC

Gone but not forgotten ~ "Ghetto Blue" my 1994 Mazda B2300 5 Speed Standard Cab 4x2.

The salvage yards out here are somewhat lacking... I'm thinking it may not be the switch, or maybe it is, I don't know. I have it in now and as long as I keep it half way down the fuse doesn't blow. The dash lights however do not work. The idiot lights are on but gauge lights and heater/ac light not so much.

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2001 Ford Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 extended cab

No mods yet but they're coming...

wtf are the idiot lights?

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Ford Ranger Edge Supercab, 2004 3.0 Auto, 2WD, 4.10 Axle 31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO's


My Truck Is My Mountain Bike's Ride!

Class III hitch, Rhino Bedliner, Almost Maxed T-Bar Crank, Tuff Country Add A Leaf, Custom Low Anchor Points, OEM ('99) Tow Hooks, Pro Comp Offroad Lights , Mustang Dome Light, Clear Corners, Slim Toolbox, Blinker Mod,Cargo Brake Light Mod,Expo Lighted Visors, Ultra Silverstar heads/fogs, Fog/high mod, Reverse/switched lights, Bike Fork Mounts

check engine, check guage, charging system...those lol

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

Well it sounds to me like it could be the dimmer switch or it could be a problem in the cluster or stereo backlighting. It's a 50/50 shot. Increasing the dimmer increases the current draw and a problem on the circuit or the switch would manifest itself exactly the same. You might want to try bypassing the dimmer all together and see if it pops the fuse.

__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

I used a jumper wire to mimic the switch being on high and the fuse blew. Does this tell me its not the switch? Maybe I just jumped it wrong. Anyone know where I can get a wiring diagram?

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2001 Ford Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 extended cab

No mods yet but they're coming...

If the switch was totally disconnected when you did this, it tells me the problem is in the cluster or stereo backlighting.

__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

The switch was out when I did that. I have an after market stereo (using original harness) I'm pretty sure its all working correctly. I did have the cluster out and when I put it back in it worked fine for a day or so. I pulled it today and there is no obvious sign of bare wires or anything like that. I have a multimeter but am unsure what to test or how. I miss my dash lights!

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2001 Ford Ranger 4.0 XLT 4x4 extended cab

No mods yet but they're coming...

Well, I would start by disconnecting the backlighting wire from the aftermarket stereo and see if the problem goes away. Some aftermarket stereos do not use this wire anyway. If yours does use it, just disconnect it.

__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide