Mystery Relay
 

Ok, I have a 97 Ford Ranger Splash that has a problem with the dome light. The light will come on if I use the switch located on the light but not if I use the dimmer switch that is next to the headlight switch. I have checked the fuses and the light bulbs are good. I have also sprayed WD-40 into the latches on the doors and got rid of the door ajar light. So at this point I'm troubleshooting the dimmer switch(pulse width module) and the relays associated with the courtesy lights. From what I can tell, the dome light has a relay that is located in Relay box #1 that is supposedly located on the driver side just to the right of the steering column... Not having any luck finding it... In my effort to locate it I went through the whole dash because I read a service bulletin that stated base models may have said relay box in different locations. Still no joy!!! =( I did however find one thing that was out of place and was hoping someone might have some input.

Behind the passenger side kick panel I found a relay next to the airbag computer that only had one of five wires attached and I wanted some input as to what it is...
Please keep in mind that this is a base Splash edition that has power nothing and a manual transmission.
Everything works on the truck(minus the courtesy light switch). No warning lights and it's not throwing codes. Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

Regards,
John

It appears to be the Interior Lamp Relay.

Anyone have any idea how the rewire this relay? There are three wires that are the same color... How does one figure out what goes where?

You can either try removing the terminals of those that were cut from the connector and carefully trying to open the ends and re-crimp the wiring or solder the wires to what’s left on the terminals or go to a junkyard and cut out the connector with enough wire to splice back into your harness. From what I can tell 97 through 01 should be the same connector.

If you can see the terminal numbers they are as follows:

1. LTG/ORG - 12V
2. LTG/ORG - Ground via GEM
3. BLK/LTBLU - to dome light
4. BLK/PNK - from instrument dimming switch
5. LTG/ORG - 12V

With Key on engine off, you should see power on terminal 1 & 5 (note, power is from same splice so it wont matter if you mix up these two when re-connecting).

Once you establish which of the three LTG/ORG wires have 12V, as noted above, will leave you with only one that does not have power. This one should go to the GEM which is terminal 2.

Ok, With your input, and the help of half a dozen wiring diagrams, I got it all wired up and working. Thank you so much for your time and input!!!

Here are some pics of the repair. =)