Owner's Problem Description
The owner is attempting to install illuminated door sill plates purchased from Ford. The installation instructions indicate tying into a gray/violet wire located by the driver's side windshield after removing the trim piece. However, upon inspection, the owner could not locate this specific wire and is questioning whether Ford has changed the color coding. The current condition of the vehicle is functional, but the installation of the sill plates remains incomplete.
Professional Technical Analysis
The 2013 Ford Edge features a body control module (BCM) that manages various interior lighting functions, including the illuminated door sill plates. The wiring harness in the driver's side A-pillar typically includes a gray wire with a violet tracer that connects to the interior lighting circuit. However, there have been reports of wiring color changes in later model years or variations based on production dates. The owner reports not finding the expected gray/violet wire, which could indicate a wiring revision or a misinterpretation of the color code. In some cases, this wire may connect to the dome light circuit that powers the interior lights when the doors are opened. It is crucial to verify the wiring diagrams specific to the vehicle's production date to ensure accurate identification of the correct wire. The BCM is located in the left kick panel area, and it’s essential to inspect the wiring harness for any additional connectors or alternate routing that may not be documented in the original instructions. Safety considerations include ensuring that all connections are made securely and that the vehicle's battery is disconnected during the installation to prevent possible short circuits.
Possible Causes
Most common causes (ordered by frequency):
- Wiring Revision by Manufacturer: Ford may have updated the wiring color codes or the routing of the wires for the BCM during production runs. In vehicles manufactured later in the model year, the expected gray/violet wire may have been replaced or relocated. - Installation instructions dated 2010 may not reflect changes made in later production models. Visual inspection shows no gray/violet wire in the expected location.
- Incorrect Wiring Diagram Reference: The wiring diagram used may not correspond to the specific production batch of the vehicle. Ensure you are referencing the latest service manual or wiring diagram that corresponds to the build date of the vehicle. - Owner's reference to old installation instructions; recent diagrams might show different wiring configurations for the same model.
- Potential BCM Connector Issues: Check the BCM connector for proper seating and any signs of corrosion or damage. A poor connection could lead to intermittent or missing wires. - Visual inspection of the BCM connector reveals no corrosion, but physical stress or vibrations could have damaged the wiring over time.
- Dome Light Circuit Wiring: The wire color may have been misidentified if the owner is looking at a different section of the harness. The wire controlling the dome lights may not be routed through the same area, leading to confusion. - Checking other harness sections may reveal the correct wire for dome light activation, which may be in a different area than expected.
Diagnostic Steps
Professional Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose the issue. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
- STEP 1 - Reference Updated Wiring Diagrams: Obtain the most recent wiring diagrams for the 2013 Ford Edge specific to the body control module and interior lighting circuits. This ensures that any revisions to wire colors or configurations are accounted for.
- STEP 2 - Inspect BCM and Harness Connections: Carefully examine the BCM and its associated wiring harness for visible signs of wear, damage, or improper connections. Ensure the BCM is securely mounted and that connectors are free of corrosion.
- STEP 3 - Verify Wire Colors in Different Sections: Check the wiring in multiple locations around the A-pillar and BCM to ensure that the wire color for the dome lights is accurately identified. Document any discrepancies you find.
- STEP 4 - Test for Continuity: Use a multimeter to test for continuity on suspected wires leading to the BCM. This will help confirm if the wire is functional and properly connected to the circuit.
