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View Full Version : Need advice removing/installing door jam light switch


tcbnj
08-26-2017, 02:28 PM
Asking for advice when removing/installing A pillar door jam courtesy light switch

It appears to me that when unscrewing the switch from the door pillar (or vice versa) the attached wires will twist potentially damaging them. Is there a technique for not damaging the wires or I am ‘overthinking” this repair?

PS. My issue is that the courtesy lights won’t turn off when the doors are closed (and it is not due to the dimmer switch being turned all the way up) and I think it’s a faulty door jam switch. Car is 1995 Formula 6 speed with all the comfort & convenience options

Thanks

PolarBear
08-28-2017, 07:58 AM
I am not sure about the 4th gens, but on the 3rd gens you can get to the back side of the switch under the dash, it's a huge pain, but it's doable.

On the other hand, in my older GM vehicles, you can't get to it, so when I would install them, I would twist the switch the same number of turns so when it is installed it is at "rest" and not twisted. When you take it out, you just have to hope it doesn't break while you're taking it out

tcbnj
09-02-2017, 06:15 PM
Well I removed each door switch and the lights stayed on. Somewhat unrelated but after removing - reinstalling the switches I was playing with the passenger seat fore/aft adjustment and "voila" the lights went out. Currently all operations normal. I did have the seats and carpet "moved around" as part of a welding repair on a transmission tunnel brace support bracket. I am surmising that there is a short in that neighborhood

The_Bishop
09-03-2017, 03:48 PM
Maybe a wire got pinched behind a bolt somewhere?

tcbnj
09-09-2017, 07:10 PM
At the risk of boring you all, I think I have a resolution – there was no problem with the door jam switches. I am 95% certain the problem is a short in the courtesy light circuit which is linked with (1) keyless entry module, (2) retain accessory power module and (3) an alarm system I had installed the first month I bought the car (May 1995). The keyless entry and alarm appear to be located below the glove box
The welding work I had done required moving the passenger kick panel which must have disturbed the aftermarket alarm system ‘spaghetti’. While I have not “found” the short, my shifting the spaghetti seems to have alleviated the problem. My next steps are unclear as this problem has not occurred for more than 22 years. Unless it resurfaces, I am inclined to leave well enough alone.
Thanks to those who tried to help