Dome light puzzle - Car Troubleshooting


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Dome light puzzle

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Car Troubleshooting

CarAf
User

Nov 21, 2015, 1:49 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1321 views)

Dome light puzzle	Sign In

This has puzzled me for years. When I was a kid, it seemed like they functioned normally and predictably. Three positions. But the last few years, the switch positions seems to turn the light on of off unpredictably.
I've got a 1998 Nissan Altima now that turns the light on in two positions - but never just when the door opens. This function for some weird reason seems to fail on every car I've had recently.
Any clues about this?

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Nov 21, 2015, 4:46 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1309 views)

Re: Dome light puzzle	Sign In

The 3 position should be
off
on
door
although they are probably on a timer.
Check to make sure one of the door switches isn't staying in the "door open" position

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

VoltMan
Novice

Dec 19, 2015, 10:56 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1245 views)

Re: Dome light puzzle	Sign In

Your 3 position switch goes off-door-on. When in the on position the dome light has a direct path to ground through the switch. When in the "door" position, the SECU, or Smart Entrance Control monitors the door positions and ignition position etc., and controls the ground signal to your dome light. So what your problem is, is that either one or more of your door switches is showing an open door, i.e. shorted to ground, Or, the SECU is bad and shorted to ground internally. If you can unplug the door switches, then turn the switch to the door position , and if the lights do not come on, the problem is in one of the door switches. If the light still comes on then it would be a bad secu or door switch wire shorted to ground.

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