SMB Map Lights Only Work With Door Open

[tnmarm]

For some reason the SMB installed overhead map lights in the cab of my 2003 E350 only work if a door is open.

If a door is shut the lights turn off and the switch does nothing. If a door is open the lights turn on and respond to their switches.

I'd like to be able to use the map lights while the doors are shut. Is there something weird that might be causing this or is this expected behavior?

[simplesez]

Is this something as simple as turning the knob? That is how it works in my van. The plunger knob rotates to control dash brightness and overhead light shutoff.

[REF]

Yup, turn the headlight knob

[wltrmtty]

I have a 1998 E250 and it does the same thing. Evidently, the reading lights are wired into the existing Ford dome light circuit.

[Ron_Nunan]

Thanks guys.., this thread answered a couple questions..haha..not everything works as it should

[tnmarm]

So the knob kind of solves the problem. When I turn the knob, I can control the map lights with the door shut.

But if i leave the knob turned, push the map light buttons to turn them off, then open a door, they dont turn on.

So, i cant get my ideal scenario of them turning on when entering, then being switch activated once inside the van. But this is a small enough work around to not be too painful or go wiring hunting to try and "fix" it.

Thanks again gang.