Hi I've a Ford fiesta mark 6 that has started to sometimes not light up the interior dash lights, speedometer and rear number plate light when the switch is turned on. 

I've checked the switch fuse and it's OK not blown so I'm wondering would it be the light switch itself that's faulty and more importantly how do I remove this switch? I can feel screws inside that it is held in place with. Any help or  advice appreciated. 

The light switch itself does not directly control the lighting circuits.

The problem is most likely with the GEM unit which is part of the passenger compartment fuse box.

On many models water finds it's way in to the GEM and corrodes the pins of the connectors and damages the tracks of the circuit board. The circuits you are having problems with are all controlled on the same connector of the GEM if I remember correctly.

Is that F33 you have checked ?  And is your "Lights On" buzzer working ?

2 hours ago, unofix said:

The light switch itself does not directly control the lighting circuits.

The problem is most likely with the GEM unit which is part of the passenger compartment fuse box.

On many models water finds it's way in to the GEM and corrodes the pins of the connectors and damages the tracks of the circuit board. The circuits you are having problems with are all controlled on the same connector of the GEM if I remember correctly.

 

Oh that doesn't sound good. It's intermittent as I could star the car now and while driving all the dash panel lights go out. Radio keeps working etc. 

 

What would be my next port of call then? 

2 hours ago, Paulkp said:

Is that F33 you have checked ?  And is your "Lights On" buzzer working ?

 

Yes from looking at the manual it was the light switch mini fuse. 

Its happening on and off when I drive the lights will go out on dash interior etc. The door light buzzer was working earlier when all was working but I've yet to check that next time they go out? 

Looking at the Haynes, there is one pin on the switch (13) that feeds F33 for switch illumination, GEM lights  buzzer and number plate lights.

Haynes Exterior Light Switch Removal

"This is an extremely difficult switch to remove.... be prepared to struggle for some time"

Involves removing the lower fascia panel, working with a mirror and light to remove the three philips screws....  It might be worth justreaching up angiving the connector a godd "wobble"

It might be worth just reaching up and giving the connector a good "wobble"

 

It was late !

15 minutes ago, Paulkp said:

Looking at the Haynes, there is one pin on the switch (13) that feeds F33 for switch illumination, GEM lights  buzzer and number plate lights.

Haynes Exterior Light Switch Removal

"This is an extremely difficult switch to remove.... be prepared to struggle for some time"

Involves removing the lower fascia panel, working with a mirror and light to remove the three philips screws....  It might be worth justreaching up angiving the connector a godd "wobble"

Thanks I appreciate that, yea that light switch looks a real pain to get out. Apparently with the mark 6.5 that switch was changed to a clip in. Just my luck! 

Dash lights come on with side lights, first position.

If the side lights are coming on and the tell-tale on the cluster, then the switch is OK

All lights are controlled by the GEM

Check fuses first

Then ensure all the connections to the GEM are good

OK thanks. Question, if I disconnected some connection and plugged back in to the Gem could it cause something else to need to be recoded or something? 

19 minutes ago, FordFan23 said:

OK thanks. Question, if I disconnected some connection and plugged back in to the Gem could it cause something else to need to be recoded or something? 

If you pulled something out, and reconnected, it will be fine, it's already been coded to your car... Re-coding is usually reserved for an electronic module that your car does not recognise, being a new unit or replacement.

OK thanks. Question, if I disconnected some connection and plugged back in to the Gem could it cause something else to need to be recoded or something? 

 

Thank you. I'll take it from there first 

1 hour ago, StephenFord said:

If you pulled something out, and reconnected, it will be fine, it's already been coded to your car... Re-coding is usually reserved for an electronic module that your car does not recognise, being a new unit or replacement.

OK thanks I'll take it from there. 

Hi Guys.

Sorry to be late on this post.. I`m having a problem with my 2015 Figo whereby the low beam lights are not working, Park, driving lights and high bean all work.. 

I have changed globes; checked fuses and swope the two realys around; nothing.

I am now suspecting the left side combination switch...

Ideas please...

Thank you

Nutlang 

P.S. - found the solution in another part of the Forum. Nutlang you idiot, you should have done a better search 🙂