Hi, I have a 2008 F150 SLT and I have an issue with my interior dome lights (Dome light and the front “Map” lights) randomly coming on while driving, some bumps on the road turn the dome lights on, I can also tap the light switch and on top of the dash above the instrument cluster which will also turn the dome lights on and off and the odd time now when I open my door the lights initially turn on (like they are supposed to) and then they turn off. Also from what I have read and as far as I know my lights are not randomly turning on when the truck is parked and there is no key in the ignition. I have googled and searched this forum and found multiple causes and multiple fixes some of which include door switches, light control Switch, and the Instrument cluster. I’m looking to see if I can get some advice on narrowing down the issue. In my way of thinking (correct me if I’m wrong) but if it was a door switch wouldn’t it affect the stereo and the electronics that would turn off and my only issue is with the lights; also if the issue was with the control switch, why would tapping the dash above the instrument cluster turn the lights on and off. Please advise


Thanks
CmdrKang

 

The stereo won't turn off if you open a door while driving, so a door switch is still in the running as a likely candidate. Either that or a broken wire where the door swings open.

 

following

 

My map lights would come on randomly as well. My fix was to re-solder the instrument cluster.

 

The easiest fix would be the door switch, this could be a likely candidate. I would start there and see if that fixes your problem first. Then come back here and let us know either way.

 

I had a problem with the interior lights, it was my driver side door switch. The part is cheap but replacing it isn't easy.


You need to take off the interior door panel, and remove the entire latch assembly inside the door. This assembly has rods and cables and it kind of a mess to get in and out. Make sure you remove the window guide so you have access.


Once the latch assembly is out, you can remove the old switch and put in the new one.

 

 

I was having a ton of trouble with 2008 f150. The radio and lights would randomly go on and off and the battery kept draining.

All grounds looked good. Switched looked good. Relays all good. I put in a new radio which have reportedly failed for others.

With the new video player style radio in, I noticed flickering when my head lights were on. I pulled out the dimmer and viola! No more flickering, no more intermittent radio & lighting..

Maybe this works for you!

 

@Jmess

i have an 08 and i occasionally have phantom dome light on/off issue. seems to typically occur in first minute or two of driving. I have always “assumed” that it is due to failing cluster (also have phantom brake light on cluster)

can you provide more detail on what you did with your dimmer? if you replaced it with something other than stock switch, do you have link or part number ? if you had to modify dash can you post detaiks/pics?

 

• I've seen several posts saying that resoldering resistor 821 in the cluster fixed this.
• This is a good video showing how:
  You Tube