Dome light problem

[HondaknightRR]

My dome lights aren't working and haven't been working since i bought my 97 Tahoe. I checked the fuses and those were all fine. I think the guy that had it before me messed something up with the wiring when he disconnected all of his subs and amps. Could anyone tell me where to start with this?

 

[grimm]

Do you mean the dome lights that come on when you open the door, or the on/off map lights? Either way, check the door switches. Mine are a little faulty from time to time. The bulbs could also be simply burned out. If so, you could upgrade to LEDs.

 

[blreed42778]

I posted this problem in another thread but kinda off subject (sorry) My dome lights work but only when I use the switch on the dash. They do not come on when I open the door. I've messed with the switch to see if it was just in the wrong setting and when I turn the lights on with that and close the door, the lights dont go out. I would really like my dome lights to work when I open the doors. I'm thinking it is some control module somewhere because the lights do not come on when I open any door. Not all of my door switches can be bad! Any help?

 

[SunlitComet]

Which switch the overide to shut them off or the reostat with the manual turn on function? The interior lamp module usually keeps them on for about 40 seconds.

 

[blreed42778]

The push botton one. Not the one that dims/brightens the instrument panel (well that one works too) I'll mess around with it a little more then let you know. Thanks

 

[blreed42778]

Talked to my father in-law (the previous owner) and apparantly there is a bad switch for the driver's door. Could one bad switch make all of them inoperable?

 

[SunlitComet]

It would only take one switch to be broken in a grounded state or its wire grounded. They eventually all share the some ground wire. Fortunately it is right there above your inside fuse panel. Also beware that another user had found out that his was not being depressed enough because of a piece of plastic insert plug on the door frame. I think it was missing or not shallow enough. At any rate push the button in yourself and wait a minute to see what happens.

 

[blreed42778]

Yeah, I tried that! Apparantly its the second switch that has been put in there. The thing doesnt even sit in there correctly so I figure thats the likely cause. I wonder how hard it is to replace and if it's even worth it. Thanks!

 

[SunlitComet]

The ones in front should just pop out. Maybe with the help of a tiny screwdriver I think. I am not near mine right now. Look for a notch around the switch I think.

 

[blreed42778]

Great! Thanks