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Old 10-27-2009, 09:42 PM   #1
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Dome Lights Override

Looking for info on how to install an override for my overhead lights. I have a 2003 passenger van and there isn't one on the dash. I would like to be able to turn off all the interior lights when the doors are open.

I noticed another member had one installed by a company but has anyone done this on their own?

Thanks

Luke

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Old 10-27-2009, 10:52 PM   #2
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Re: Dome Lights Override

I read a procedure from Ford where you can add a switch to one of the wires in the B-pillar, and that will disable dome lights. I can't find the procedure anymore, and I don't remember which wire. Sorry, but hopefully it's a start.
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Old 10-27-2009, 11:01 PM   #3
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Re: Dome Lights Override

My suggestion is to put a switch on the hot wire at the dome light. You could use a toggle switch or any switch that blends in. That way when the switch is off and you open the door the light will not turn on and when the switch is on the light works normally.
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Old 10-28-2009, 01:01 AM   #4
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Re: Dome Lights Override

Quote:
Originally Posted by PeasBugs
My suggestion is to put a switch on the hot wire at the dome light. You could use a toggle switch or any switch that blends in. That way when the switch is off and you open the door the light will not turn on and when the switch is on the light works normally.
Since he has a passenger van, there are lots of lights (each has their own override switch). Also having a passenger van, I can understand the desire to have a single switch for all the dome lights.
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Old 10-28-2009, 01:58 AM   #5
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Re: Dome Lights Override

I have the Chevy Passenger van but I think the Fords have it too: a Dome Override Switch which allows you to switch off all the Dome lights regardless of individual switches... Mine is located next to the main head light switch.

Try a Google about it you might get some info...
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Old 10-28-2009, 06:57 AM   #6
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Re: Dome Lights Override

Quote:
Originally Posted by luked
Looking for info on how to install an override for my overhead lights. I have a 2003 passenger van and there isn't one on the dash. I would like to be able to turn off all the interior lights when the doors are open.

I noticed another member had one installed by a company but has anyone done this on their own?

Thanks

Luke
Cut it off at the source
Your dome lights should have a common supply lead to the fuse box. I have the same project on my list and will have more information at a later date.
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Old 10-28-2009, 06:58 AM   #7
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Re: Dome Lights Override

Quote:
Originally Posted by saabman
I have the Chevy Passenger van but I think the Fords have it too: a Dome Override Switch which allows you to switch off all the Dome lights regardless of individual switches... Mine is located next to the main head light switch.

Try a Google about it you might get some info...
My 2001 Astro had the same feature.
Did you know that if you push the button twice, it turns off your day time running lights?
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Old 10-28-2009, 07:01 AM   #8
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Re: Dome Lights Override

Quote:
Originally Posted by LeadDoggy
Did you know that if you push the button twice, it turns off your day time running lights?
Oh, I thought I tried that and it didn't work... Or maybe I don't know what the DRL are... I get confused with my van as it is very different from EU vehicles...
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Old 10-28-2009, 07:31 PM   #9
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Re: Dome Lights Override

Quote:
Originally Posted by luked
Looking for info on how to install an override for my overhead lights. I have a 2003 passenger van and there isn't one on the dash. I would like to be able to turn off all the interior lights when the doors are open.

I noticed another member had one installed by a company but has anyone done this on their own?

Thanks

Luke
Yep, when I had 12V work done on my 2006 passenger van, the ceiling lights were dealt with in the following manner:

1. the door activated lights (which cannot be turned off with a dash switch in the E350 van, unlike every other vehicle I've owned) are now on a toggle switch on the B-pillar behind the driver. I'd guess that the B-pillar might be the best access to the required wire, as the original plan had been to put the switch in the ceiling near the front-most ceiling light.

2. the individual switch-activated ceiling lights ("reading" lights ) are now wired to the AGM battery, so that I can use those lights when parked without draining the van battery.

Sorry I can't give you details on how this was done.
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Old 10-28-2009, 07:39 PM   #10
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Re: Dome Lights Override

On my 07, if I turn the headlight switch to the 'lights on' position, then off again, they go off.
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