Reading/Map Lights

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Dec 3, 2004 | 07:47 AM

Old Lt

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Reading/Map Lights

The reading/map lights located on the bottom edge of the rear view mirror, in my 2000 Vette do not seem to work correctly. When driving, if I click on the switch(s) the lights do not work. If I turn the panel light **** all the way bright and illuminate the courtesy lights, then the reading/map lights will work via the switches. When I open the doors after unlocking the car the reading/map lights illuminate for a few minutes, then go out. I've have reading/map lights on other cars and they worked on demand. Does anyone else have this problem or is this normal for a 2000 Vette?

Thanks
O. L.

Dec 3, 2004 | 12:20 PM

ALLEGRO

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ttt

Dec 3, 2004 | 12:43 PM

ptdrummer54

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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07

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I would try this on mine to validate my answer but it is at the Vette Doctor. As I remember though we have turned on the map lights while driving in our 97 - worked as expected so your problem sounds like just that - a problem of some sort. You should be able to turn them on via the switches on the mirror...

Dec 3, 2004 | 12:55 PM

blacksedan87

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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and

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Sounds like the switches on the mirror aren't working. I've replaced my mirror on my 98 to the newer style electrochromatic mirror. The switches turn the map lights on regardless of whether the ignition is on or off. You might consider swapping the mirror.....here's the link on how to and what you'd need to buy.

http://www.c5forum.com/diy/electro_mirror.php

Dec 3, 2004 | 01:51 PM

JC in XTC5

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The C5 tends to have a design with many different circuits controlling the same lamps, i.e. the Courtesy Lamp circuit works properly and turns on your reading lights, but the reading light circuit itself has a problem.

The reading lamps are also controlled by the Inadvertent Load Control circuit that shuts power to the underhood lamp, vanity mirror lamps, cargo lamps, reading lamps, console or glove box lamps if they are left on. Do any of these other lights also have problems? Check the fuses in the passenger footwell. The ILC circuit is minifuse 2, maybe it's blown.

Hope this helps.

Dec 3, 2004 | 03:14 PM

Old Lt

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Reading Lamp & Map Light

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Especially JC in XTC5. He mentioned that several lamps may be on the multiple circuits. I checked and discovered the vanity lights,and the glove compartment light and the under hood light do not work. The cargo lamps in the trunk do work when the trunk is opened. I did not notice a lamp in the console. I located the fuse box beneath the passenger floorboard. I'm not quite certain which fuse controls these lamps. Is it #2 on the illustration? That one is red and marked "10". If so, how do I tell if it is blown and remove it? Obviously, I'm somewhat new to all this high tech stuff. Only owned this Vette for four weeks. Last time I checked fuses in an automobile, the fuses were glass cylinders with a thin metal center, which would melt when overloaded. Thanks again.

O.L.

Dec 3, 2004 | 04:10 PM

Old Lt

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Reading/Map Light Problem

Hello again,

I followed XTC5's suggestion and discovered the #2 fuse in the lower fuse box was blown. I replaced it with a spare and everything worked. For a few minutes. Then the fuse blew again. Obviously, there is an electrical problem somewhere in the circuitry. Looks as though I may have to make a trip to the dealer. $$$$

Thanks to all.

O.L.