'99 Blazer dome light on intermittently

title says it all.
the dome light stays on every now and then. i'm pretty sure it's in the driver's door handle. ya know how when the lights are off and you come up to the car and lift the handle they come on? well i think something is up with that switch, cuz if the lights are on (when they're not supposed to be) and you lift the handle and let it drop, they'll go out after a delay. any ideas what the problem is?

The switch in the latch assembly, or the linkage, might need a shot of carb cleaner and some lithium grease, (in that order). The trim panel will need to be removed to inspect it and/or clean it.

The switch in the latch assembly, or the linkage, might need a shot of carb cleaner and some lithium grease, (in that order). The trim panel will need to be removed to inspect it and/or clean it.

crap. just had the panel off. the auto door lock will unlock the doors, and locks everything except the driver's door. i figured it was the linkage, but was disappointed to find that the mechanism is just flopping around in the door. it looked like a pain to get out, and i'm guessing it's an expensive part, so i just put everything back. i didn't think the dome light switch was in there, tho.

do you need to take the latch out to get the actuator out?

You're right, the dome light switch, (pilar switch), is in the door jamb. The switch you're referring to is in the latch and turns on the illuminated entry feature. Sounds like a retainer clip broke or something simple...take a look. Work it with the trim panel off and you'll find the problem. You may have to manually close the latch with the door open, the shaft of a phillips screwdriver works well to do that. (Don't close the door until you open the latch.)