Hey all,

Just picked up a used H3 today, and noticed that the dome lights arent turning on when I open the door, OR when I turn the dashboard brightness all the way up. If I manually turn them on by hitting the switch on the light, they do turn on, but that's the only way. Any idea what may be causing this and how to fix it?

Also I wanted to know who has installed aftermarket auxiliary input for MP3 players, and how you have done it. I'm particularly interested in hard wired FM modulators.

Thanks in advance.

-- George.

 

Try pressing the dome light defeat switch in the bottom left corner of the headlight switch panel.

 

Tried that. Did nothing... I wonder if the switch is bad.

 

Mine does the exact same thing.... Any thoughts?

 

Any warranty left? Could b a bad switch....

 

the sw ON the lites is for the two reading lamps,right?. dome lamps are separate and controlled by body c m, and the push button. all on same fuse

 

I put in an aftermarket plug for my mp3 player. Found a converter on eBay for $70. Same place had a dash mount plug for $15. Pulled off the trim panel around the radio, pulled the radio out and the converter plugged right in to the back of the stereo. (OEM 6 disk player with XM) Had to run one ground and one hot wire for the converter. The dash mount they had fit right into the dash where the 2 switch blanks are next to the cigarette lighters. Looks like it came that way now, I'm very happy with it. The only possible downside (and it doesn't bother me at all) is that to access the mp3 player, I have to hit "BAND" and this converter took the place of "XM2" preset storage. I still have the 6 presets available under "XM1" and I don't have XM active anyway, so it's not a problem for me, but something to be aware of. I just went on ebay and did a search for ipod converters for a 2008 H3, there were tons of them.

 

I had an issue with the rear door where I would open it and lights wouldn't come on. Took out the switch and YUP it was corroded.
Its weird though cause when I open the other doors the dome light came on; which means they are on different circuits.
I suggest taking out every door switch (simple one screw) open up the electrical housing and inspect to be sure the contacts are clean and the wire is making good contact. Spray/rub all rubber surfaces with silicone and go from there.

We live in the middle of the pacific ocean here so its a given for the corrosion however like I said these "American Made" electrical switches were not meant to be on a vehicle designed to FORD 24 inches of water!! Keep us posted!