There is a delay for light to come on when dimmer switch is turned on

Headlamp Delay System - Autolamp, Aerostar and Explorer
The autolamp system provides light sensitive automatic on-off control of the exterior lamps normally controlled by the headlamp switch . The autolamp system keeps the lamps on for a preselected period of time after the ignition switch (11572) is turned off. The preselected time lapse can be adjusted by the operator up to three minutes.
On Aerostar, the system consists of a light sensor amplifier (13A018) , automatic headlamp dimmer relay (13A025) , and a time-delay headlamp dimmer sensor control (13C105) which includes an ON/OFF switch.
The Explorer consists of an ON/OFF switch, a light sensor and a time delay control which are part of the inside rear view mirror (17700) and two automatic headlamp dimmer relays .
Connections to the vehicle lamps parallel the connections to headlamp switch requiring the headlamp switch to be turned to the OFF position for the automatic control feature.
In normal operation, the system will turn the exterior lamps on when the natural outside light available to the light sensor amplifier decreases below a predetermined level, such as at sunset. Also, the lamps will automatically turn off when the level of outside light exceeds a predetermined level during daylight hours.
On Aerostar, the light sensor amplifier is mounted under a group of slots in the upper instrument panel in front of the driver. The light sensor amplifier must always be exposed to outside light to function properly. Do not place any items over the group of slots in the upper instrument panel which may block light to the light sensor amplifier.
On Explorer, the light sensor amplifier is on the back side of the interior rear view mirror. Do not place any items on the mirror that will block the sensor.
The headlamp dimmer sensor control thumbwheel is located next to the headlamp switch for Aerostar and on the interior rear view mirror for Explorer. The autolamp system is functional for automatic operation when the on-off control is moved from the OFF position. The closer the control is moved toward the max-delay, the longer the lamps will stay on after the ignition switch is turned off.
Pulling out the headlamp switch will override the autolamp. Automatic operation will not be possible until the headlamp switch is turned off.
Can you operate the headlamps manually, do they work ok? I don't like auto-lamps. Just my opinion.
I thought the above info might help?

you sure its not just on delay...could be 10 minutes....and did you check the dimmer switch for the dash lights. if its turned all the way up it will turn on the dome lights.

This is probably normal. If you are using LED bulbs try a different brand. I think you will find the dimmer the setting the longer the delay.

Led? Normal.

Make sure the interior lighting dimmer is not set to the full ON possition.
I believe the Windstars dimmer is under the headlight switch yet in 2000.

Look for other light controls, this sounds like sentinal lighting, which has what looks like a dimmer style control that sets this light off delay. the goal is to give light until you get in the house. the delay is adjustable.

sounds like a bad door switch ,also make sure dimmer switch is not all the way up that truns inside light on, if dimmer is not on then i would say driver door switch is no good. hope this helps.

What it sounds like to me is that the second light may have fluorescent bulbs - either the compact fluorescent type or maybe a circular bulb. The fact that when you turn off the switch and then immediately on and it works fine, also makes sense if that is the case.

check you dimmer switch. if your dimmer switch has been moved uo than your interior lights will come on and stay on until shut off.