All Interior/Courtesy Lights "ON ALL THE TIME"

[axlrose]

Hi
Just had problem suddenley spring up which is draining the battery.

All the interior lights that normally only come on when doors are opened & then go out when all are shut are on all on the time.

I cannot fathom out why this has occurred & at present have had to take out the bulbs to save the battery.

Please can anyone shed a light on wot may be the cause & how to solve it.

Cheers

Axl

 

[OneLever]

Is the Door ajar light on the dash constantly on? If so you probably have a stuck door switch. Otherwise it may be a stuck relay.

What make, model, year, and engine type is your truck?

 

[corkey]

open and close all the doors again, especially the back hatch,and let us know,,

 

[axlrose]

Ref : Courtesy Lights "ON ALL THE TIME"

Its 1998 Explorer Auto. When I first open door there is the initial "bleeping" when put key in ignition. When first key all lights come on dash including doors ajar warning light which Does go out when doors are shut.

Regarding your mention of Relays I have been reading another thread from somone with complete oppposite "there interior lights won't work". In that thread there is details of
a relay which is located in rear nearside panel where the jack is kept.
Is this relay Only for the interior lights & can be removed temporarily or does it operate anthing else.

Cheers Axl

 

[OneLever]

I still do not know if the 1998 relay boxes are arranged the same as the 1997. However, I would suggest you look at the Interior lamp relay located in Relay box #4. Here is a link to a thread involving that box. The relay can be seen in picture six: Link. If the relay is stuck in the on position then you can just replace it with a new one.

Please let us know in this thread if that fixes your problem.

 

[axlrose]

Relays all different!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've seen that link & just come in from checking those relays. Couldn't beleive wot I saw
According to the pix on that link the relay for interior lights is the 3rd 'Top right of the 6.
On mine that space is empty & the 2nd space which on that other link is unused has a relay in it!!

I can't work out why this problem has suddenley started coz I haven't removed or disturbed any Relays;fuses so if it is a relay thats stuck on Where is it?

 

[axlrose]

To Corkey:

I've been round all 5 doors & tailgate window opening & shutting harder/softer but made no difference.

With tailgate window is that also attatched to same relay as the doors to control interior lights?

 

[OneLever]

According to the pix on that link the relay for interior lights is the 3rd 'Top right of the 6.
On mine that space is empty & the 2nd space which on that other link is unused has a relay in it!!

The link I gave you shows the electrical wiring on a 1997 vehicle. There were substantial wiring changes in the year 1998. You will have to search the forum archives but I suspect you are still looking for the Interior lamp relay in a 1998.

 

[swetrid]

Spray wd-40 or equivalent in all the door latches to help free any stuck door ajar switches. Also make sure you didn't turn the dimmer up all the way and cause the lights to remain on.

 

[dmwebb34]

I've had/have this problem on my 99 X. If I play with the dimmer switch I can make it go away. I'm saying its a good solution but it fixes it for my 99. And by "play with the dimmer switch" I don't mean putting all the way up. I mean finding a dimmer switch position that makes the lights go out. I find it is usually near the top range of the dimmer before it "clicks into" the full on position.

Again I know its not technical and that I have issues with my 99, but it might fix it until you can do a "real" fix. Which is what I'm waiting to do.

 

[axlrose]

Fingers Crossed Ive Fixed It!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all your help.
After adjusting the Dimmer switch & pressing the 2 switches together that turn the lights on it all seems to be working correctly.
I'll just have to keep an eye on it so it doesn't re-occur & leave me with a flat battery!

Thanks again for all your help.

I know its early but hope you all have Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year.

Cheers Axl

 

[J.Rovirosa]

I had this happen once before awhile back and it eventually corrected itself after playing with the dimmer switch and opening/closing all the doors. Like was mentioned, it seems like a temperamental door switch.

 

[mike213735]

Hi all,

This may seem like a dumb question, but I only picked my Explorer up on Friday and I have the "interior lights always on" problem too.
If I fiddle with the dimmer / interior light switch, I too can find the point where the dash lights are bright, but the interior lights are off.
My (dumb) question is, where are the door ajar switches located? My dash shows the door ajar warning ALL the time when the ignition is on. However, there have been a few instances where the interior lights have behaved as they should, but the door ajar light is still on.

Help...Please!
Mike

 

[dmwebb34]

When this happens I usually find my rear hatch is the problem.. sometimes the carpet mat in the back slides down close to the hatch causing it to not fully close .. I also have to push the rear hatch latch forward (after I pull it to open the hatch) to make sure it closes correctly. Hope that helps...

 

[iwannabamedic]

mine did the same thing, the switch for the lights are on the latch in the doors. you can not spray them due to being onto of the latch, i had to replace to of minenot hard just take your time. or you could get door panel off and spray the switch from the inside to see if that helps