Wierd Electrical Dome Light problem?

[revhardSHO]

Im having a weird problem with an 89sho. After exiting the car, and shutting the door; the dome light(and side door lights) go off like normal. Heres the weird part:
If i come back to get something out, and leave agian(just like i stated above), the interior lights STAY on. What is going on?? The only way i can get them to turn off is if i restart the car. Has this happened to anyone else outthere?
Also--if the car is locked and i pull the handle up the lights will go on and stay on. It was drained the battery a few times.
And ive fiddled with the dimmer and that doesnt seem to effect the problem.

thanks
silas

 

[rangerj]

Silas,

I do not have an 89 Shop Manual. Check the 89 wiring diagrams for a relay/time delay switch ("dome lamp switch")in the interior wiring.

Before replacing anything, check your "grounds" and do any recommended diagnostics on the switch.

Obviously if it stays lit it is grounded, but that may be the problem, that is, it may be grounded out! Most likely the relay or timer is going bad!

Hope this helps some, rangerj.

 

[SHOZ123]

Mine does that because the ignition switch is worn out.

 

[projectSHO89]

Per teh 89 EVTM:

"HOW THE CIRCUIT WORKS"

"The Illuminated Entry System powers solid state lamps in the front door key lock cylinders and Courtesy Lamps when the outside door handles are raised."

"Lifting either front door handle causes the Iluminated Entry Actuator to send a current from Fuse 8 to the Courtesy and Lock Lamps. The timer will turn the lamps off in about 25 seconds."

"When the door is opened, the Courtesy Lamps are powered through the door switch (see Courtesy Lamps)."

"With the Ignition Switch in ACCY or RUN, the timer is reset and the Door Lock Lamps go out."

Sounds like a flaky Illuminated Entry Module.

There is a good diagnostic on page 32-80-4 of the 89 Helms that will verify power, switched power (ignition switch), ground, door handle switches, etc before before assuming the module is at fault.

Steve