no interior or running lights

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TSTARKEY
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The running lights and interior lights on my 1995 Ford Ranger recently stopped working. I replaced a 15amp fuse (3rd run across top), which promptly burnt out. I checked some wires, thought I found a short in the wires by the tailgate that goes between the tail lights. I replaced the fuse again, but the lights still do not work. None of these lights work - Dashboard light, interior dome light, running lights, tail lights at night.

My headlights, turn indicators, brake lights, and hazards work fine. Frankly, the only thing I am concerned about is my tail lights... I don't want to get hit at night.

Suggestions? I am hoping I do not have to pull the dashboard, as that will quickly get beyond my skill level.
Jan 21, 2006 at 7:19 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Have the affected lighting feeds and grounds traced using the correct diagram and fuse assignments. Restore the tail lights before nighttime driving; do not increase fuse ratings.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: This question and its visible discussion. The roadmap distinguishes the original owner's reports from other participants' experiences; proposed follow-up is editorial guidance, not a confirmed diagnosis. Fluke: Diagnosing voltage drops https://www.fluke.com/en/learn/blog/automotive/electrical-automotive-troubleshooting General support for loaded circuit testing; use matching vehicle specifications.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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TSTARKEY
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I forgot to add... the second fuse did not burn out. But as I said, the lights still do not work.

Thanks!
Tim
Jan 21, 2006 at 7:20 AM
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CERVANCE
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i hate to be the bearer of bad news but the exact thing has happend to a friend of mine and he had to replace the whole fuse block afer replacing it a few time it started on fire he had a 97 dodge ram 1500 so he jsut sold it and get a new vechile i think dodge wanted like 1500 for a new one sorry i couldnt help more
Jan 22, 2006 at 5:38 AM
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DUDE
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di you look in the owners manual asto which is the fuse pertaining to those lights
Jan 26, 2006 at 10:19 AM
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MER449S
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:o Today we spent hours attempting to find the source of the short causing the battery to be dead. We discovered the short was in the time delay that senses the doors are shut. The short was initially fixed when we pulled the door switiches out, cleaned the connections and reinstalled them with a good ground. The poor ground on this circuit caused the time delay to remain on and run the battery dead. While we were hunting this short, we discovered that the fuse to the interior lights also controlled the running lights.

The first area to check is that the fuse to this system is still working. Another fuse to this system exists under the hood for a larger circuit, which also includes the headlights. If you change the in dash fuse and still do not have these lights, attempt to change the one under the hood as well.

The second thing to check is the main wires to this circuit going in/coming out of the fuse box are intact.

And don't forget to make sure the ground wires or grounding screws connecting lights to the body of the vehicle (depending on the type of vehicle) are secured. Bad grounds will kill your lights.
Jan 28, 2006 at 5:55 PM

Discussion summary

no interior or running lights

A 1995 Ranger lost its instrument, interior and running lights. One replacement fuse blew; a later fuse remained intact but the lights still did not work. The owner suspected wiring near the tailgate.

Reported outcome: The original owner did not report restored lighting.

A later door-switch and battery-drain account came from another participant. It is not a confirmed repair of this Ranger.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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