Interior lighting issues

STUHRLING

MEMBER
2002 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE
69,000 MILES

I have a few questions about some interior lighting (possible) issues on my car.

First, unfortunately I cannot remember when the light around the ignition key switch is illuminated or should be anyway. Mine illuminates when I press the key-less entry unlock and goes out when I start the engine and remains out even if the parking or headlights come on. It turns back on when I shut the engine off.

Secondly, I cannot remember if the little red light(s) in the transmission selector in the console that show which gear you are in is supposed to be lit up all the time (i.E. Anytime the engine is running) or if it only should be lit when the parking or headlights are turned on. Currently, it only lights up when the parking and headlights are turned on.

Lastly, I am having and intermittent problem with all the interior lights. Sometimes when I press the key-less unlock button to enter the vehicle or turn the engine off to exit the vehicle the interior lights do not come on at all but other times they do. All other functions on the vehicle seem to work fine.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

3 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,970 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.
First one is normally only on to show you where the ignition switch is, It comes on with the interior courtesy lights and goes off with them.
The console PRNDL light is only on when the lights are on. It is on the same dimmer circuit as the dash/radio/and all the other interior lamps.
The issue with the lights being intermittent could be the dimmer section of the light switch. Try turning it up and down a few times and see if the lights work properly then. The variable resistor can start to develop a bad contact and do this. If moving the dimmer fixes the issue you can leave it in a place that works or you could replace it.
Replacement isn't really difficult, you remove the trim around the steering column and up over the dash around the instrument panel, then a few screws and swap the dimmer.

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Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 12:23 AM

STUHRLING

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reply. I could not remember when those pesky little lights were on and off!

Okay, I tried the dimmer switch and when the lights actually work the dimmer appears to function properly.

Presently, I get interior lights if I turn the key to the on position. When I turn the key to the off position the lights time out as they should. But, when I open any of the doors no lights come on nor do they come on when I turn the engine off and remove the key. Sometimes after the car has been sitting for a bit and I go and open the door the lights come on (that one time only) but will not come on again. If I try to turn the lights on with the dimmer switch when the lights do not come on from opening the door they still do not turn on. I tried replacing the ignition switch as I keep a spare one on hand and still know difference.
Just a thought, do you think it might be a BCM problem?

Appreciate your help!

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Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 10:02 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,970 POSTS

Okay, if the door switches and the dimmer don't turn on the lights every time then the issue could be in the BCM. However, it may also be a bad/corroded ground to the BCM, it is on the side of the steering column.

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Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 1:54 PM