Courtesy Lights flash while driving - 1996
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2
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Courtesy Lights flash while driving - 1996
1996 C4 Coupe:
Hello all - My pesky courtesy (interior) lights flash on and off at random, usually when I hit a bump, or traverse an uneven road. Although, yesterday while sitting at a stoplight (on a flat, level street), they flickered wildly. I can hear the relay under the dash (I think) "clicking" while the lights flash. My alarm has gone off several times due to this, and my battery has also died twice (I assume from the courtesy lights being on). Temporary solution: I've pulled the PKE & Courtesy fuses until I can find a real fix.
OK - I know it's probably a door/hatch microswitch, but how can I be sure, and how can I isolate the correct switch if this is the case? And, are these switches hard to replace? Or is this something for the dealer to handle?
Also, has anyone used one of those gizmos that keeps your rear hatch open (approx. 3 in.) while driving to allow air to flow through the cab? If so, have you noticed any issues with these things?
Thanks in advance - John (save the wave)
Hello all - My pesky courtesy (interior) lights flash on and off at random, usually when I hit a bump, or traverse an uneven road. Although, yesterday while sitting at a stoplight (on a flat, level street), they flickered wildly. I can hear the relay under the dash (I think) "clicking" while the lights flash. My alarm has gone off several times due to this, and my battery has also died twice (I assume from the courtesy lights being on). Temporary solution: I've pulled the PKE & Courtesy fuses until I can find a real fix.
OK - I know it's probably a door/hatch microswitch, but how can I be sure, and how can I isolate the correct switch if this is the case? And, are these switches hard to replace? Or is this something for the dealer to handle?
Also, has anyone used one of those gizmos that keeps your rear hatch open (approx. 3 in.) while driving to allow air to flow through the cab? If so, have you noticed any issues with these things?
Thanks in advance - John (save the wave)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,936
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
1996 C4 Coupe:
Hello all - My pesky courtesy (interior) lights flash on and off at random, usually when I hit a bump, or traverse an uneven road. Although, yesterday while sitting at a stoplight (on a flat, level street), they flickered wildly. I can hear the relay under the dash (I think) "clicking" while the lights flash. My alarm has gone off several times due to this, and my battery has also died twice (I assume from the courtesy lights being on). Temporary solution: I've pulled the PKE & Courtesy fuses until I can find a real fix.
OK - I know it's probably a door/hatch microswitch, but how can I be sure, and how can I isolate the correct switch if this is the case? And, are these switches hard to replace? Or is this something for the dealer to handle?
Also, has anyone used one of those gizmos that keeps your rear hatch open (approx. 3 in.) while driving to allow air to flow through the cab? If so, have you noticed any issues with these things?
Thanks in advance - John (save the wave)
Hello all - My pesky courtesy (interior) lights flash on and off at random, usually when I hit a bump, or traverse an uneven road. Although, yesterday while sitting at a stoplight (on a flat, level street), they flickered wildly. I can hear the relay under the dash (I think) "clicking" while the lights flash. My alarm has gone off several times due to this, and my battery has also died twice (I assume from the courtesy lights being on). Temporary solution: I've pulled the PKE & Courtesy fuses until I can find a real fix.
OK - I know it's probably a door/hatch microswitch, but how can I be sure, and how can I isolate the correct switch if this is the case? And, are these switches hard to replace? Or is this something for the dealer to handle?
Also, has anyone used one of those gizmos that keeps your rear hatch open (approx. 3 in.) while driving to allow air to flow through the cab? If so, have you noticed any issues with these things?
Thanks in advance - John (save the wave)
Takes 2 minutes to change. Unscrew it, use needle nose pliers to hold the plug, change switch, screw back in, VOILA! DOne.
Yes, I also have one of the heavy duty versions of the hatch extender. Works fine long time.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
I had a similar situation. It was my door switch. To be sure that it is you can pull out the stop a little and then close your door. This is a temporary fix. I remember replacing my friend's switch it was easy. I pulled the door panel to take care of some other work and did the switch at the same time.
