How do I turn on the cargo lights in my Ford Transit?

The cargo lights in a Ford Transit are controlled by a three‑position switch located in the cargo area ceiling or on the overhead console. Set the switch to On for continuous illumination, to Doors for automatic lighting when any door opens, or to Off to disable them.

This guide explains where to find the switch, how to operate it, and what to check if the lights don’t come on.

Locating and operating the cargo lights

To enable the cargo lights, locate the three‑position switch and understand its settings. It is usually marked with a light icon and situated either in the cargo area ceiling or on the overhead console near the front of the van.

1. Open the rear cargo doors to access the lighting area and locate the switch on the ceiling or overhead console.


2. Identify the three positions labeled Off, On, and Doors.


3. Move the switch to On to keep the cargo lights lit continuously.


4. Move the switch to Doors to have the lights automatically illuminate when any door is opened.


5. Test by opening and closing the rear doors to confirm the lights behave as expected in each mode.

With the switch set to On, the cargo lights stay on as long as the switch remains in that position. In Doors mode, the lights respond to door activity and typically turn off when doors are closed or after a short delay, depending on the model.

Troubleshooting if the lights won’t come on

If the cargo lights do not illuminate, try these checks before seeking service:

• Check the cargo light switch position to ensure it is not in Off. Switch between On and Doors to test functionality.


• Inspect the interior fuse box for a blown fuse related to cargo/dome lights; look for labels such as CARGO LAMP, INTERIOR LIGHTS, or DOME LAMP.


• Inspect the bulbs or LED modules in the cargo area; some units use replaceable bulbs or modular LED strips that can burn out over time.


• Verify door switches and wiring are intact; a faulty door switch can prevent automatic lighting in Doors mode.

If the lights still do not work after these checks, consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for model‑specific fuse diagrams and locations, or contact a Ford service center for a diagnostic check.

Model-year and trim variations

Locations and exact operation can vary by model year and trim level. Some Transits place the cargo light switch on the overhead console near the front of the cargo area, while others use a dedicated switch fixed to the cargo ceiling near the rear Doors. If you cannot locate the switch, refer to the owner’s manual for your exact VIN, or check Ford’s online support resources for diagrams tailored to your van’s production year.

• Older/transit builds often have a switch on the left side of the cargo area ceiling or near the rear doors.


• Newer models may integrate the cargo lighting control into the overhead console with other interior light controls.


• Fuses and wiring can differ by variant; when in doubt, consult the manual or a dealer to confirm fuse labeling and location.

In all cases, the cargo lights are separate from the cabin lights and are intended to be operated independently of the vehicle’s ignition. If you rely on cargo lighting for frequent use, familiarizing yourself with the exact switch location on your specific model year will save time.

Summary

To turn on the Ford Transit cargo lights, find the three‑position switch in the cargo area or overhead console and set it to On for continuous lighting or to Doors for automatic activation when doors open. If the lights don’t respond, check the switch position, inspect fuses, verify bulbs or LED modules, and review the owner’s manual for model‑specific layout. For persistent issues, contact a Ford service center for a diagnostic check.

What are cargo space lights?

Truck bed or truck cargo lights are specialized lighting fixtures installed in or around the cargo area (bed) of a pickup truck or similar vehicle.

Where is the cargo light switch on a Ford?

The cargo light switch on a Ford is typically located on the dashboard, often to the left of the steering wheel or to the right of the steering wheel near the headlight switch. The switch's exact position varies by model, but it is commonly found as a button or a dial with an icon resembling a truck bed or cargo light.
 
This video shows the location of the cargo light switch on a 2019 Ram 1500: 56sPYR Automotive YouTube · Oct 12, 2022

• Dashboard location: Look for a button or dial on the dashboard, often on the left side near the steering column or on the right side near the headlight switch. 
• Button icons: The button may be labeled with an icon of a truck bed or cargo light. 
• Auxiliary controls: On some models, the cargo light switch is part of a set of auxiliary light controls, such as on the Ford F-150, where it's located below the fog light controls. 
• On/Off operation: For many models, pressing the button once turns the light on, and pressing it again turns it off. However, some models may have a different function, like a simple on/off button that doesn't turn off when you press it again. 
• Other methods: If you cannot find a physical switch, check the vehicle's interior light controls for a dedicated button, or look for a control option in the vehicle's infotainment system or settings. 

This video shows how to turn interior lights on and off on a Ford F-150: 56sQuick TipsYouTube · Aug 26, 2025

Why won't my interior lights come on when I open the door?

Your interior lights may not be turning on when you open the door due to a faulty door jamb switch, a blown fuse, or a setting issue with the light/dimmer switch. To troubleshoot, first check that the light is set to the "door" or "on" position by adjusting the dimmer and the overhead console switch, then inspect the individual door jamb switches, and lastly, check for a blown fuse or other electrical issues.
 
This video demonstrates how to check and replace the door jamb switch: 58sAngry Asian FabricationYouTube · Feb 21, 2023
Initial checks

• Adjust the light switch: Find the light switch or dimmer control, often located on the overhead console or dashboard, and try rotating it or pushing different buttons to ensure it's not in the "off" or "door" lock-out position. Sometimes, holding the button down for several seconds can reset the feature. 
• Check the door jamb switch: Locate the small button or rod switch on the door frame, near the hinges or latch. Press it manually. If the light turns on when you press it, the switch may be misaligned or faulty. 

This video shows how to test the door jamb switch by manually pressing it: 1mSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 16, 2024
Advanced troubleshooting

• Inspect the fuse: Check your car's fuse box, typically located under the dashboard or in the engine bay, for a blown fuse related to the interior lights. 
• Look for loose connections: If the fuse is fine, the problem could be a loose or corroded connection. Check the wiring where it connects to the lights or switches. 
• Consult a professional: If you've tried these steps and the lights still won't work, or if you are uncomfortable working with electrical components, it is best to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis. 

How to reset Ford Transit lights?

Then depress fully the accelerator and the brake pedal. Together after about 15 seconds the light will start to flash. The service light is now reset.