Interior Lighting Related Problems of the 1997 Ford Ranger

Table 1 shows one common interior lighting related problems of the 1997 Ford Ranger.

Table 1. Interior Lighting related problems of Ford Ranger

Problem Category Number of Problems
Interior Lighting problems
26

Interior Lighting problem #1

Dome lights stays on for extended periods of time. I had to remove the bulbs, now I have no dome light.

Interior Lighting problem #2

The windshield wipers came on by themselves and the washers did not work. Also the dome light stayed on after the door was closed for at least 30 minutes or more. The wipers would come on when the turn signals were used. The dome light was distracting at night. Scc.

Interior Lighting problem #3

The interior light in my truck does not go out when the door is shut and the engine is running.

Interior Lighting problem #4

Interior dome light will remain on for long periods of time. Nearly impossible to drive at night. Replaced the interior light relay. This did not work. There is no way to turn the light off. This causes servere dangers at night.

Interior Lighting problem #5

Interior light fails to shut off occasionally after door is closed;presents problem for night driving when this occurs.

Interior Lighting problem #6

Won't go in any gear this morning seemed fine yesterday. The dome light stays on all the time even with the door closed, it has been like this for quite a while and is very inconvenient.

Interior Lighting problem #7

Dome light stays on, and is very distracting at night. Consumer owned a 1993, Ranger and had same problem. Consumer will contact the manufacturr to see if they will pay for it.

Interior Lighting problem #8

While driving windshield wipers turn off and on whenever they want to. They sometimes will not run at all or they will stop running during use. The dome light also stays on and will not turn off causing a glare on the window. It started doing it with the passenger door then the driver's door started the same problem. I checked with a dealer and it seems to have been a problem with Rangers for many years now and still troubles many owners right up to the 2001 models. *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis**739942.

Interior Lighting problem #9

The relay to the dome light shorted out. It's happened twice. I know 3 other people who also drive Rangers , and have all had the same problem. One of them has had the same failure twice.

Interior Lighting problem #10

When getting inside of vehicle dome light stays on all day, and there is a binging noise. Dealership is aware of problem.

Interior Lighting problem #11

The dome light wouldn't shut off and caused the pinging sound as if the door was ajar. I called carriage Ford (where I bought the vehicle). They said the problem was not necessarily in the dome light but in the door switches--they've had to replace a number of these already. My daughter, who lives in TN, also has a Ranger and she's having the same problem. I've noticed people in other Rangers driving with their dome lights stuck on, too. I reasoned this must be a common problem and checked to see how much the parts were to replace it. I was told it was minimal for the parts--but the labor was $160+. I called customer service at Ford to see if there were any recalls with these parts. Because this is part of the safety and security features, (dome light as well as rear high mount brake light) I hoped they'd take care of it. I was told they were not able to help me. Can you? where do I go from here? thanks, chrisquire@home. Com.

Interior Lighting problem #12

Windshield wipers came on without manual operation, and windsheild wiper fluid released. Cause unknown. Door ajar light / dome light remained on.

Interior Lighting problem #13

Dome light comes on by itself and fails to turn off.

Interior Lighting problem #14

Dome light stays on after ignition turned on. Chimes when key is inserted in ignition switch.

Interior Lighting problem #15

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT supercab. I purchased the car brand new in 1997. That year I noticed that the dome light in the car began to stay on. I would be driving at night and the light would stay on. Sometimes the only way to turn the light out is to pull the fuse out. I think this is very hazardous to myself and others driving. I have tried to fix the problem but nothing seems to fix this. This has happened the last two years around the colder months, but not in the warmer months. I think this is a defective part from Ford. The reason why is that I have two friends of mine who have 1997 Ford Ranger, they have and are experiencing the same problem. I have contacted Ford customer assistance on the internet and they have no idea what the problem is. I also called my dealership and they were no help. I am very frustrated about this. This should really be considered a safty recall. The fact that driving at night with your dome light on is illegal, and this can cause a serious hazzard to drivers at night. ( dot number: ? ).

Interior Lighting problem #16

Windshield wipers seem to have a mind of their own. The dome light also seems to have a mind of it's own. They both come on and go off when they want to.

Interior Lighting problem #17

Interior light stays on all the time, causing problems with night driving.

Interior Lighting problem #18

Interior dome light does not go off sometimes. Dealer fixed dome light ywice, and same problem is still occurring.

Interior Lighting problem #19

Interior light staying on while driving. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on four occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Interior Lighting problem #20

Dome light does not go out when key is turned on or door(s) shut. No particular indication as to why.

Interior Lighting problem #21

Dome light will not shut off. When it does shut off, thier is a clicking sound and the light will blink on and off. Also, once it goes off it comes back on ,and heats the light cover up. Deale rhas been contacted.

Interior Lighting problem #22

Dome light stays on, and the door ajar light comes on intermittently. This problem existed after the warranty expired. Vehicle was not repaired correctly the first time.

Interior Lighting problem #23

The speedometer/ the interior lamp, and the windshield wipers don't work. Dealer can't find the vehicle.

Interior Lighting problem #24

Interior dome light stays on. Also had the same problem with my 1994 Ford Ranger.

Interior Lighting problem #25

When sensors in door accumlate dirt it causes dome light to come on. Light will not go out until consumer takes out fuse. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated it was not covered under warranty. Please provide VIN.

Interior Lighting problem #26

Interior door light intermittently remains illuminated when doors are shut, and when vehicle is being driven. This problem becomes more of a safety concern when driving at night.


Interior Lighting related problems in other Ford Ranger model year vehicles:



Safety Ratings of Ranger Cars
Fuel Economy of Ranger Vehicles
Ranger Service Bulletins
Ranger Safety Recalls
Ranger Defect Investigations