I've been reading about guys doing a plug-n-play swap of dome lights from Mustangs, Explorers, Taurus', tec., and into a Ford Ranger.

I own a Mazda, 2003, B2300, and its dome light looks like the following:







It's a single bulb, that is held in place by three screws and two tabs. Is this same dome light everybody is talking about swapping out to the 3 bulb Mustang unit?

 

yep you can swap that sucker out

 

I'm confused by which dome lights will work. There are three screw holes that must align with the framework of the truck. For example:





Therefore, it would seem that only specific dome lights would fit as there is no variation in the mounting. Also, you will note that the molded holes in the light assembly are of varying heights.

There is no "plug" for this dome light as 2 of the mounting screws act as the conductors

 

I had the same and used an Explorer dome w/ 2 map lights in mine and it bolted right in. The only thing I had to do was snip off a plastic tab that stuck out the top of the explorer dome. Your truck is already wired for constant power for the map lights (the green wire), it just wasn't being used on the cheapo factory light.

 

the mustang dome will use the "L pattern" mounting. neither of the two holes you marked on the trucks ceiling will be used.
the two holes on the wires and the one between the 2 to complete the L will be the ones you'll have to use.


btw the "mustang" dome lights also came in the taurus and super dutys as well. you could also use a ranger "bubble" dome light but the mustang/taurus/superduty ones are the best.

 

I just order the dome light from a 1999 Ranger XLT at my local dealer, is had the center dome light and the 2 side map lights that turn on by switches on the light to fit in my 2005 (just before I got rearended in April this year).

Mounts right up (same screw pattern) and you already have the second power lead.

 

Awesome! Thanks guys.

Great input/information.

 

how did you change your dome light

 

I pulled the 2 wire clip out of a 2005 from the junk yard and ran the second wire down to the fuse block to power. All of the mounting for the light is the same.

 

My original dome light was exactly like yours. Mustang dome was a bolt-in swap. I was installing an Explorer OHC at the same time, so the "alway hot" power lead came from the OHC.