Interior lights
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
Interior lights
I am having a ongoing problem the interior lights on my 95 base model corvette. When you open the doors nothing happens the interior lights do not come on. If they do come on as soon as they go on they go right back out again. I was thinking it might be a ground issue. But today I played with the dimmer switch and the interior lights come on when turned the switch all the way up. So I was thinking that the wiring is ok????? 
Anyone with this issue or any tips how to correct this?
Anyone with this issue or any tips how to correct this?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,425
Likes: 603
From: Minneapolis Mn
Interior lights
I have the same thing on my 86 (same symptoms except mine never come on except via the dimmer switch). Everything I've found on it is there's an "interior light delay relay" that is bad. I have found another one used from a seller on this site and plan to replace it. I've also seen you can buy just the board in the relay from Eckler's or Corvette City but I have not pursued that.
I've also read there are 3 white wires on the relay wiring, connecting them is supposed to cause the interior lights to go on immediately and out as soon as the door closes. Assuming yours in comparable, that's where I'd start.
Hope that helps.
I've also read there are 3 white wires on the relay wiring, connecting them is supposed to cause the interior lights to go on immediately and out as soon as the door closes. Assuming yours in comparable, that's where I'd start.
Hope that helps.
Last edited by hcbph; Jan 13, 2014 at 06:42 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I have the same thing on my 86 (same symptoms except mine never come on except via the dimmer switch). Everything I've found on it is there's an "interior light delay relay" that is bad. I have found another one used from a seller on this site and plan to replace it. I've also seen you can buy just the board in the relay from Eckler's or Corvette City but I have not pursued that.
I've also read there are 3 white wires on the relay wiring, connecting them is supposed to cause the interior lights to go on immediately and out as soon as the door closes. Assuming yours in comparable, that's where I'd start.
Hope that helps.
I've also read there are 3 white wires on the relay wiring, connecting them is supposed to cause the interior lights to go on immediately and out as soon as the door closes. Assuming yours in comparable, that's where I'd start.
Hope that helps.
....WW
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,425
Likes: 603
From: Minneapolis Mn
Lights
Your information is correct.. Sometimes you can get the relays used on ebay for a decent price.. Like you mentioned , some guys have wired the system to override the relay so the lights work when the doors are opened and closed, instead of going out 30 seconds after the door is closed.......WW
....WW
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
I noticed that when I open the door, the door ajar light is not coming on. Is the relay still my main concern or should I be digging deeper into the system.
I also noticed that you talk about having an 86 corvette and the light relay kits are different on eckelers then my 95 vette. Still look at the relay issue.
Thanks again.
I also noticed that you talk about having an 86 corvette and the light relay kits are different on eckelers then my 95 vette. Still look at the relay issue.
Thanks again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
This is the most common failure is to have the plungers stick and not come out when the door is opened. The switch could be defective also.
Is the effect the same opening the driver's door as opening the passenger door?
The "interior light delay relay" is controlled by the CCM which makes the ground return for the lights. The door switches tell the CCM when the door is opened and then the CCM closes the relay and the lights come on.
Check the simple, common and easiest things first before you rip into the car.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
Well I learned a few things this weekend working on my car.
First my door ajar lights up only when the key is set to on or running. I did not relize that if you just open the door ajar light does not work, when the key is not in the ignition.
I grounded out the OBD and checked the codes. The car came back with no errors, all systems working. I set the system to code check door openings and closings. It read that perfectly.
When playing with the passanger door the lights came on once. So I removed the grounding wire from the OBD and started opening and closing the door. About every third time the passanger door opened the lights worked. So I removed the panels and removed the relay in the car. When I shook the relay it rattled so I went and purchased a new part and 12 bucks later my lights work.
Long story short--- thank you everyone who helped me with this issue. Its nice to have lights again.
First my door ajar lights up only when the key is set to on or running. I did not relize that if you just open the door ajar light does not work, when the key is not in the ignition.
I grounded out the OBD and checked the codes. The car came back with no errors, all systems working. I set the system to code check door openings and closings. It read that perfectly.
When playing with the passanger door the lights came on once. So I removed the grounding wire from the OBD and started opening and closing the door. About every third time the passanger door opened the lights worked. So I removed the panels and removed the relay in the car. When I shook the relay it rattled so I went and purchased a new part and 12 bucks later my lights work.
Long story short--- thank you everyone who helped me with this issue. Its nice to have lights again.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Nice work and a good find. A completed repair is what counts.
The on board diagnostics is a great tool and can point you to a problem area. But it in no way tests all the systems or possibilities of the problems that can occur. A system like that would be bigger than the car itself. No codes does not mean all is good, but is only a starting point.
The only system that tests everything is the unit between your ears.
The on board diagnostics is a great tool and can point you to a problem area. But it in no way tests all the systems or possibilities of the problems that can occur. A system like that would be bigger than the car itself. No codes does not mean all is good, but is only a starting point.
The only system that tests everything is the unit between your ears.