COURTESY LIGHTS

[greydbj]

I have a minor problem (hopefully) that I am sure someone else has seen and probably has a solution.

I started the car tonight and the courtesy lights and dome light went very bright, then very dim and then normal; it did this for three cycles and then stayed on and would not shut off in the 30-40 second cycle controlled by the timer. I had to pull the fuse to get them to turn off, but have lost a couple of other things, like the power door locks and I am sure the theft deterrent. The behaviour of the lights, it bright, dim, normal for three cycles is almost reminiscent of a voltage regulator problem (in the old days), but I have had a recent test of charge rate etc and all was okay; maybe not now.

Anyway, I am sure it has something to do with the interior light delay timer; the shop manual describes the trouble shoot when the lights will not turn on, but not if they will not shut off; is it the same test.

Has anyone had a similar problem or any suggestions. Tracing/tracking electrical problems is not my forté, so any and all help I can get would be appreciated.

Thanks.....dbj

 

[Yoda]

D

Good to see Rare's Twin checking in

It sounds like you are on the right track looking at the timer control circuit..

Here is a thread that explores quite-a-few options, and is worth the time to read Interior Dimmer Problems 1981

"Isn't RETIREMENT Wonderful!"

Bud

 

[greydbj]

Thanks for the reference; I found a few others as well and managed to find one of Burglar's with the part number; will check out the local GM dealer today (not hopeful); found one at Ecklers and Zip too, slight price variation though; keep you posted.

Yes retirement is great, but the job jar is far from being empty.....matter of fact, it is almost as full as when I started this retirement campaign.....go figure....dbj