Dome light Help Please
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 160
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
Dome light Help Please
I got home from work tonight and noticed my dome lights on in my 96CE. Of course I didn't leave them on since Saturday when I drove it last. My daughter says we had a significant electrical storm today.
I have tried disconnecting the battery and re-connecting...no good. Locking and unlocking doors with PKE...no good. Opening and closing all the doors to reset the timer...no good.
Any other suggestions? Where is the control module for this system? I want to get it fixed before Friday...am planning a trip for the weekend. Any help would be appreciated.
I have tried disconnecting the battery and re-connecting...no good. Locking and unlocking doors with PKE...no good. Opening and closing all the doors to reset the timer...no good.
Any other suggestions? Where is the control module for this system? I want to get it fixed before Friday...am planning a trip for the weekend. Any help would be appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Before I went to too much trouble, I’d check to make sure your dimmer switch hasn’t been moved all the way over. The sliding lever behind your headlight switch controls the instrument panel lights, but if turned all the way up it will also turn on the courtesy lights.
It's a free and easy check, and it wouldn't be the first time someone moved it all the way over.
It's a free and easy check, and it wouldn't be the first time someone moved it all the way over.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
What about the "door ajar" switches on each door? If the switch is bad, or not making good contact that would cause the courtesy lights to remain on also.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 919
Likes: 7
From: Aurora CO
Did you use a key in the lock to open the car? If you did, there is a good chance that the key slot is not 100% straight up and down. Try putting your key in the slot and rotating it from side to side to make sure that the slot is straight. Our cars have a feature that when you unlock the lock, the interior lights come on. I have found my interior lights stay on if I am not careful to align the key slot.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 160
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
I have checked everything suggested...and then some. Nothing is working. I finally pulled the fuse for the courtesy lights and pulled the bulbs from the dome lights until I get this figured out.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Warren MICHIGAN
There is (at least on the 84's) a "dome Light Timer". It is located under the passenger dash. It is very close to the PCM. It is a square(ish) plastic part and it is taped to a metal bar up under the dash. This is likely the culprit. When mine went bad, I bought it from the GM dealer. VERY EASY REMOVE/REPLACE
Not sure if this part is still available tho........
Not sure if this part is still available tho........
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Warren MICHIGAN
There is (at least on the 84's) a "dome Light Timer". It is located under the passenger dash. It is very close to the PCM. It is a square(ish) plastic part and it is taped to a metal bar up under the dash. This is likely the culprit. When mine went bad, I bought it from the GM dealer. VERY EASY REMOVE/REPLACE
Not sure if this part is still available tho........
Not sure if this part is still available tho........
I had the exact same problem and this was what caused it.
Hope this helps!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 160
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
Took my 96CE in to the shop today to diagnose an SES light and check the dome light problem. Computer responds to the command from the scanner to turn off dome lights, but they don't turn off. Mechanic believes this is a Central Control Module for the courtesy and dome lights that is up behind the radio under the dash. He quoted $500 for the module and 5 hours wrench time to replace. I said no thanks, my Heating and A/C controller is starting to go (as many are on this year) and when it does, I will replace both at that time and open the dash only once.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth Texas
St. Jude Donor '11
Did you use a key in the lock to open the car? If you did, there is a good chance that the key slot is not 100% straight up and down. Try putting your key in the slot and rotating it from side to side to make sure that the slot is straight. Our cars have a feature that when you unlock the lock, the interior lights come on. I have found my interior lights stay on if I am not careful to align the key slot.
This has happened to me a few times. Just put the key back in and wiggled it around and problem solved!jeff
