Dome lights

[1Gus2]

This has puzzled me for years. When I was a kid, it seemed like they functionede normally and predictably. Three positions. But the last few years, the switch positions seems to turn the light on of off unpredictably.
I've got a 1998 Nissan Altima now that turns the light on in two positions - but never just when the door opens. This function for some weird reason seems to fail on every car I've had recently.
Any clues about this?

[Copytech99]

Check the rubber covered pin switches in the door jambs, they can break easily enough.

[Malkree]

By the way I also think that the whole thing is in the contacts that are in the door and fires right at closing.