Hi there, So while re-wiring my footwell lighting to my ambient lighting (so they would stay on during driving) There was a slight spark and I know I blew a fuse. The orange lights now do not turn on, which fuse do i replace in the fusebox to get the lights working again?

Any help very appreciated

thanks

Hi there, So while re-wiring my footwell lighting to my ambient lighting (so they would stay on during driving) There was a slight spark and I know I blew a fuse. The orange lights now do not turn on, which fuse do i replace in the fusebox to get the lights working again?

Any help very appreciated

thanks

I took a quick look at the wiring diagrams. They show the ambient lighting LEDs being driven directly by the GEM, with no fuse. Of course the GEM itself is fused, but if that went you'd have no central locking, no lighting, nothing.

So there's a risk you've damaged the GEM. Sorry. Hopefully someone else can come up with a different answer :(

I took a quick look at the wiring diagrams. They show the ambient lighting LEDs being driven directly by the GEM, with no fuse. Of course the GEM itself is fused, but if that went you'd have no central locking, no lighting, nothing.

So there's a risk you've damaged the GEM. Sorry. Hopefully someone else can come up with a different answer :(

Oh damn that doesn't sound good :( what is the GEM and where can i find a wiring diagram? thanks

Oh damn that doesn't sound good :( what is the GEM and where can i find a wiring diagram? thanks

The GEM is the Generic Electronic Module and it's a small metal box hidden behind the glove box. It's basically an off-the-shelf microcontroller that's programmed for the Fiesta. So all the switches in the car (including door open switches) connect to it, and it drives all the interior and exterior lights, wipers, windows, mirrors, locks, alarm, etc. Basically everything in the car apart from the stereo, climate, engine and brakes.

The wiring diagrams can be downloaded from ETIS. I was quite surprised that none of the interior lights seem to be fused. I can understand with the LEDs as they're so low power, but the normal bulbs draw quite a few watts. There might well be some fuses or fusible links inside the GEM, but that's not something I'd advise opening up unless you really know what you're doing and don't care about your warranty. But it could be the diagrams are wrong and there is a fuse - I really hope so for your sake.

The GEM is the Generic Electronic Module and it's a small metal box hidden behind the glove box. It's basically an off-the-shelf microcontroller that's programmed for the Fiesta. So all the switches in the car (including door open switches) connect to it, and it drives all the interior and exterior lights, wipers, windows, mirrors, locks, alarm, etc. Basically everything in the car apart from the stereo, climate, engine and brakes.

The wiring diagrams can be downloaded from ETIS. I was quite surprised that none of the interior lights seem to be fused. I can understand with the LEDs as they're so low power, but the normal bulbs draw quite a few watts. There might well be some fuses or fusible links inside the GEM, but that's not something I'd advise opening up unless you really know what you're doing and don't care about your warranty. But it could be the diagrams are wrong and there is a fuse - I really hope so for your sake.

Thank you very much for the response, what would the cost be then if the GEM is gone?

Thank you very much for the response, what would the cost be then if the GEM is gone?

I've no idea, but I'd expect hundreds.

Looking at some different wiring diagrams suggests some sharing of fuses. Could you check some other features to see if they still work? What about the main interior light, heated windscreen, dimming mirror, etc (if you have them). Fuse F1 in the central fuse box (also behind the glove box) does several items. But I still can't find anything refering to the ambient lighting.

It could well be worth taking out each fuse in there one at a time and checking it (hold it up to a bright light and see if there's a break in the wire inside, or use a multimeter). The manual lists all the fuses, but the descriptions might not be "complete". I wish you luck.

Ok thanks again, I've decided to book in for a service tomorrow. I've had the car a month and have removed all of my own wiring. So do you think warrantee will be covered?

Ok thanks again, I've decided to book in for a service tomorrow. I've had the car a month and have removed all of my own wiring. So do you think warrantee will be covered?

The warranty only applies to manufacturing defects.

I can only advise you to be honest with the dealer and explain what happened.

You really ought to check all the fuses first to potentially save yourself a lot of hassle. It'll only take you 10 minutes - and it's in the owners manual so it's OK for a customer to do. If you don't feel confident doing this, is there someone you know who can help?

A lesson - if ever one were needed - not to mess about with daft things like "re-wiring my footwell lighting to my ambient lighting (so they would stay on during driving)".

;)

A lesson - if ever one were needed - not to mess about with daft things like "re-wiring my footwell lighting to my ambient lighting (so they would stay on during driving)".

;)

for youre sake i hope it hasnt damaged the gem module they are at least 400 quid plus just to buy and as stated they run everything like alarms windows etc that spark could have overloaded the circuit inside sometimes they are repairable but likely not and as stated the warranty will not cover this open the fuse box and check every fusde with a torch to see if its popped if youre lucky its just a fuse.

i have to agree with the statement above i have said to others the lights are not meant to be on permenantly they produce too much heat and can and will melt the wiring and cause all sorts of expensive repairs

Thanks MOD for adjusting this thread back on track :-) (and apologies for any offence I may have caused)

Harvey,

I would be interested in the solution to your lights problem. Why? Well mine are not working either, all I have fiddled with in that area was the installation of a sunglasses holder. Whilst I have not investigated it further yet (electronics engineer/lecturer by trade) when time permits I'll pull out the old multimeter and torch and get to the bottom of it.

Jim