Is the ESOF knob lit? - Diesel Forum

obonaventure · 01-25-2005, 09:46 AM

I noticed last night when I reached for 4x4 at night that the knob was not lit? Is it supposed to be?.

fordmastertech · 01-25-2005, 01:05 PM

Yes it is supposed to be.

The instrument cluster and panel lighting system provides dimmable backlighting to the following components:

audio unit
climate control assembly
auxiliary climate control (front and rear)
instrument cluster
steering wheel switches
headlamp switch
reversing parking aid switch
air suspension switch
adjustable pedal switch
electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) mode select switch (MSS)
heated back window switch
message center

mambodottore · 01-25-2005, 03:58 PM

This has been bugging me since I got the truck, an 04 EX limited. The options for the headlight switch are backlit but the indicator on the knob is not, though the knob for the ESOF is lit!...Is the headlight knob supposed to light up or not? Some say theirs doesn't but I'd like to know if it is in fact supposed to...or is this another cheepo way to save $ as in deleting the hood blanket and engine compartment light after 12/31/03...I had the dealer install them on my 04 as part of the purchase deal. Thanks.

fordmastertech · 01-25-2005, 06:07 PM

The head light switch knob is not lighted.

obonaventure · 01-26-2005, 12:53 PM

Thanks. I keep my dashlights dimmed all the way down. Maybe thats the problem. I know there is a wire somewhere to control the dimming of the overhead console that I need to find a clip but is there any such wire(s) for the other items?

rozett · 01-26-2005, 12:58 PM

I don't think there is any way to bypass the dimming of the overhead console, short of running a new wire all the way down to the dash. The entire instrument lighting circuit goes thru the dimmer. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

obonaventure · 01-26-2005, 07:30 PM

I thought I read on here that there was a wire running down the passenger side kick pnale that could be clipped to disable the dimmer on the overhead console.........

Also I checked on the way home tonight and sure enough when I turned the dimmer up the ESOF knob and lable lit up. Kind of annoying to me that everything dims done real low but the over head console and the ESOF lights basically turn off.

rozett · 01-26-2005, 09:00 PM

I've looked at the wiring diagrams a number of times and can't see a way to do that. A wire from the ignition switch goes to the pulse-width dimmer module and then feed around the dash and upper console. About the only thing you could do is tap into the lamp power to the switches on the doors for windows/locks. They are not dimmed.

fordmastertech · 01-26-2005, 09:52 PM

I would have to agree if you snip the wire for the dash illumination to the over head console it will stay bright. I thought the same thing about reading or seeing a post either here on TDS or Ford Truck Enthusiasts site, hope I can say that, I installed a over head console in my bomber Exploder and hooked it up that way. I will have to spend some time in the Ford wiring diagrams book.

fordmastertech · 01-27-2005, 08:14 PM

The wire you would have to remove or cut is the light blue/red at connector 222 on the right side kick panel under the dash. The connector is a 10 terminal and you are looking for pin 1. I would remove the red divider retainer in the connector and slide the pin out and tape it up in the harness. This worked on my Exploder and should work on the Excursions also. This info is out of a 2000 Ford wiring diagram book, not sure if the colors changed in other years.

obonaventure · 01-28-2005, 08:18 AM

Thanks!

I asked in the General Forum and someone responded with: "The wire is light blue with a dark red tracer and is in the corner of the plug. It is on the same side of the rectangular plug as the release tab you depress to unplug connector from trip computer."

I'm assuming this description is at the trip computer side. I think the kick panel is a safer place to do it at. I've "heard" things about the trip computer and I don't want to have any regrets.

Thanks again for your help!

fordmastertech · 01-28-2005, 08:48 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The wire you would have to remove or cut is the light blue/red at connector 222 on the right side kick panel under the dash. The connector is a 10 terminal and you are looking for pin 1. I would remove the red divider retainer in the connector and slide the pin out and tape it up in the harness. This worked on my Exploder and should work on the Excursions also. This info is out of a 2000 Ford wiring diagram book, not sure if the colors changed in other years.

[/ QUOTE ]
Pin 1 on connector 222 is for a pickup
On a Excursion you will be looking for the same color wire but have to do it at the overhead console. I was thinking pickup when I posted the earlier information. The Excursion will not have the Light Blue/ red in connector 222 in kick panel. It is the only Light Blue/ Red wire in the over head console, pin 9. I would still remove it the same way as above. On a pickup you could also do it this way in the overhead console, same pin 9
Sorry for the wrong information Pickup vs Excursion [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]