In my '96 850R, the overhead light located above the rear view mirror does not come on when any door is opened. The switch is in the "Door Open" setting. The red lights on the doors and the white lights under the dash do work when the door is opened. The trunk light is not working, either (I haven't looked for a switch on the trunk light, so it could just be turned off). Before I go tearing into things and testing everything that could possible be the issue here, I was just curious if there is a common problem that I should check first. I.E., maybe the "lights Off" timer relay is bad, etc.

Thanks in advance, guys!
Tim

 

Hi Tim,

As for the trunk light, yes it may very well be the switch position, or the bulb is burned out.

As for the reading lights, I wonder if there is a fuse dedicated for them. I don't have the manual with me so I can't tell. Also, check the bulbs and give the entire assembly a light tap to see if they flicker. If they do, something is loose.

Or, as you've mentioned, the automatic turn-off function may be playing a trick.

In this case, try the above or wait until someone jumps in. I am limited as to testing environment right now, so I couldn't give you exact procedures.

Best wishes,


JPN

[IMG]local://upfiles/6892/17E1C56D6E8145B88F66AF0A18CC2447.jpg[/IMG]

 

Mine didn't work either, but when I finished putting the window track in my driver's side door, it started working again. So, in my case, it had something to do with the door switch. Does the light work if you just turn it on with the switch?

 

where is the switch for the rear hatch light? I've noticed when you turn the interior lights on via the overhead switch, all of them come on except the rear hatch light. The bulb is fine, because when you open the hatch, the light switches on. Thanks.

Also - Tim, not to state the obvious, but did you check the bulb for the light you're talking about?

 

Thank you for the quick responces guys!

One thing I forgot to mention is that the overhead lights DO in fact work if I turn them on individually. Just not when I open the door. So I know the bulbs are not the issue. I guess there could be something screwy inside the door. I might have to check that.

 

JBV,

The switch on the trunk light is, well, on the light housing itself (feel it or bend your back to see it[:@]). There is a rotary switch where you can rotate to make them OFF or ON when the trunk is opened. Not sure if it had ON-ALL THE TIME position. If you mean the rear gate on wagons, I do not have an idea.

Tim,

That overhead switch position is actually confusing, it took me a few trials to master which position does what. There are 3 positions; ON-ON-DOOR OPENED-OFF. If I remember, the far left is the ON, and the middle is the ON-DOOR OPEN. If the switch is in the correct position and they still do not light up when the doors are opened, then it's probably the switch like Jim said.

I hope you find a solution soon.


JPN

[IMG]local://upfiles/6892/7DF0DB256AEB435592E44C85544D025A.jpg[/IMG]

 

its right on the light on a wagon. guess I should've looked before asking.

 

↑!


JPN

[IMG]local://upfiles/6892/811318907A5F4EA9BB1C6B6013CC8C8E.jpg[/IMG]