Electrical problem
2002 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 45,000 miles
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The dome light comes on when I put the selector in reverse and often when I brake and signal for a left turn. Also, the chime continues to ding when the key is in the accessory position even with the doors closed. The dome light problem is especailly annoying when driving at night. I would appreciate any suggestions you could offer for correcting this problem.


Hi Docfixit,

Many thanks for the spot on diagnosis of the annoying problems with the dome light and chime in my 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier! I pulled the driver's side door jamb switch and unplugged the two prong connector. The inside of the socket receptacle was very wet despite the pleated rubber seal. I sprayed it with WD-40, dried it carefully and replaced it. To my great satisfaction the dome light now works perfectly, fades out nicely with the timed delay and the chime is silent with the key in the accessory position.
Other than the modest donation I made, the actual cost of the repair was zero. If I had taken the car to a GM dealer, I would have been handed a hefty bill. Your expertise was very much appreciated!

Many thanks for your response and great service. I endured the annoying dome light and chime problem with my Cavalier for months. I am not great at diagnosing electrical problems, and I am delighted that you could help me to finally get it resolved. I avoid dealer service because it is very expensive and the quality of the work is often questionable. I bought my previous used 1993 Cavalier from a local GM dealer. The service manager said the brakes would be need to be inspected before the car left the lot. I went to the service area after normal working hours to look at the car. It was off the floor with both front calipers left hanging by the brake lines, something that is clearly cautioned not to do right in the GM service manuals!
I bought the 2002 from a private party about a year ago. It was very clean and had only 39,000 miles. I do routine mechanical work and service myself. It has many improvements over the '93 except for the diabolical location of the oil filter that is very difficult to access. However, I take my time and make sure it is installed right when I replace it.

Hi smilingjack
What the dome light and chime have in common are the door switches. Go to each door ckeck them out sometime the rubber bumper that closes switch falls off and the switch comes on causing dome to come on and chime to ring because it thinks door is ajar.
Let me know
Thanks for your donation