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courtesy light problem

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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 04:44 PM
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Default courtesy light problem

I have an 85 and a problem. When I open the doors, the interior lights do not work and the deck lid switches in the doors do not operate. The deck lid switch in the center console works as it should. If I turn the light switch back to the left the interior lights work fine and the deck switches also work. Any advice. Thanks in advance...
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 05:16 PM
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check door jam switches make sure they aren't stuck. Check the inop bulbs may need replaced since 1 works. Check fuses
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 05:29 PM
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Sound like a door switch.
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 07:56 PM
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My '85 had the exact symptoms. It's caused when the interior light delay module fails. The module is located in the passenger footwell, right by the ecm. Used ones come up on ebay.
Here's one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1984-1989-C4...pXq8Ws&vxp=mtr
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 08:49 PM
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OP - I've directed people to this thread previously. You might check it out. Do you have the FSM?

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1566755421

If you just search for "delay timer" I'd expect you find maybe 40+ threads. I didn't.
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
OP - I've directed people to this thread previously. You might check it out. Do you have the FSM?

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1566755421

If you just search for "delay timer" I'd expect you find maybe 40+ threads. I didn't.


I have replaced the delay timer three times in the 20+ years I have had my 85, they can fail without warning but are quite cheap new.
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 12:03 AM
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Default courtesy light problem

Originally Posted by Kevova
check door jam switches make sure they aren't stuck. Check the inop bulbs may need replaced since 1 works. Check fuses
I have tested all the parts, bulbs, fuses, jamb switches and all are ok. I'm inclined to think that there is some kind of other switch or relay or something that is getting in the way. thank you
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by saxman1
I have tested all the parts, bulbs, fuses, jamb switches and all are ok. I'm inclined to think that there is some kind of other switch or relay or something that is getting in the way. thank you
Yeah that is the courtesy delay timer, it can fail leaving lights off.
Corvette Central has the delay timers $34 I believe. www.corvettecentral.com
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 12:09 AM
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Since I know all the lights, switches, fuses are all ok, I'm now inclined to lean toward getting a
new delay timer and give it a try. Thanks to all who pitched in. I'll post the results as soon as I get the part. Again....many thanks
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 01:44 AM
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The delay timer supplies the ground for the door switches. If the timer is bad the switches won't have a ground to make the hatch open.

Some fun facts:
The trans must be in Park or Neutral to open the hatch with the console switch. Manual trans cars must have the emergency brake on.
The console switch gets its ground through the starter motor. You can't open the hatch with the console switch while cranking the engine (Just for fun I tested this and it didn't open).
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