You know that little light that blinks in the cluster..would it be stupid to "tap" into that light and put leds near where the lock thingy is on the top of the door panels? kinda security thing?

 

That's easy on 2001+ Rangers that use the PCM to switch the ground side of the LED. Earlier Rangers have a standalone PATS Module that switches the hot side and has a built in current limiting resistor - not so simple.

 

so are you saying it can be done that simple?

 

If it is a 2001~2006 Ranger, wire 12v hot to the LED positive and the LED negative to the blue/green wire that goes to the cluster LED. Add a current limiting resistor in series if it isn't included in the LED itself.

 

been done steven, i did it on my 2001

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MmUTTQUCAs0


i used a 12V pre-wired LED, and just tapped it into the LED lead on my alarm


EDIT: sorry i thought you were asking if it would be stupid to wire in a LED into the theft light in the cluster

 

I posted this awhile back: https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=24880

 

I don't have door locks(or electric windows), is this still possible, by Just tapping into the THEFT light in the Cluster?? I want to make sure before I start, heh. I'm thinking just on the lock pin not on the armrest. I have the LEDs and the resistors listed in the How To.

Thanks,

 

Yes, it is possible on 2001~2006 even with manual locks. The LED(s) would flash whenever the THEFT light does but they would not indicate lock or unlock.

Connect the positive side of the new LED(s) to +12v, always hot.

Connect the negative side of the new LED(s) to the dark blue/light green of the cluster.

If the new LEDs do not have a built in current limiting resistor, then one would need to be added in series with each LED.

 

Awesome, Aye thats what I want, at least for now - just the LEDs flashing along with the THEFT Lite.

Thanks again Bob!

 

Got my LEDs in the door lock pins. Thanks for the help and info. Im in the process of installing electric door locks now. Im using an A1 Electric kit. When I get my camera back I'll post a pic or two.

Thanks again,

 

Rangerguy... I haven't looked through the whole site yet. Maybe you could post a how-to on this.

 

Tony, Thanks for posting. I will definitely give it a try when I get my camera back. Ridding your doors of their lock pins and putting in LEDs is not too difficult at all, as Bob has posted several times. It takes a bit of time snaking the wires thru the door boots, but plan ahead and add an extra wire or two for future mods- i.e. Power mirrors, windows, mirrow heaters, Armrest LEDs, Keyless Entry, etc. Its not that bad and well worth it.

ATM they only flash with the THEFT light, but thats ok as I am installing a better alarm and door locks as I write this. More soon!

Stay safe!

 

Electric locks and keyless/alarm installed, sorry no pics yet, but I will post some soon. The A-1 Electric Kit is very, very nice, comes with everything you need and its a nice product. My only complaint is that some of the control module wires could be longer, but thats easily remedied. Very nice kit. I like the combo of the electric door locks and my LEDs w/THEFT light. I would like to wire in a status LED function as well.

I paid 110 for the keyless entry kit and a bit more for an alarm and ignition kill. Very nice. Its a bit of work, but if you have some auto electrical experience and patience, it goes all together well. Theres an LED that shows locked status if you desire.

One thing I would like to add in the future is a Keypad on the door, not sure if the Ford Taurus style would be compatible( I really like that style, as I had a similar one on my Mercury Cougar), I think it would and be a damn nice additional feature.

Thanks to Bob-Rwenzing and all Forum members for answering my questions. These are great mods.

 

I posted a mini how-to in the How-To Forums for the LED w/THEFT lite mod.