Interior light on except when moving!

[wrigley123]

Tried to find the answer for this problem using the "SEARCH" feature. Noticed that the interior light seems to be a problem on this car. My daughter has a 2002 cavalier 4cyl automatic with 50,000 miles on it. When the car is "off or on" sitting, the interior light is always on (the door switches and the dash switch have been checked and rechecked). As soon as you drive down the road, the light starts to dim (just like it does when you shut the door) and it goes out! As soon as you stop, the light comes back on and stays on until you start to drive again. I have never seen this happen in any car before!

Mike

[Cavalier2000]

you got a short somewhere.

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by Cavalier2000

you got a short somewhere.

REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! Explain to me what you mean by that please?

Mike

[mike2004tct]

Because of the year, I'd guess you may have a software problem in the ECM. You may want to search the NHTSB for recalls or problem reports to see if this is a common problem for your year.

The only other possibility would be the interior/dash light control (wheel) switch.

[Cavalier2000]

ECM and the top light really don't have an control of each other. But a power line the fuse box to a couple three way switchs and then goin to the light itself. They are on a timer though.... leave it on for too long and it goes off. you said you checked the door switchs so that rules out a lot. Pop the dash off and check out the dimmer switch. I've got a buddy that his light will come on for a few seconds for a ramdom reason. Sometimes at a stop light and sometimes driving.... I'll think on it and let you know if I can get some info on it

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by mike2004tct

Because of the year, I'd guess you may have a software problem in the ECM. You may want to search the NHTSB for recalls or problem reports to see if this is a common problem for your year.

The only other possibility would be the interior/dash light control (wheel) switch.

Appreciate the input. I'll check that!

Mike

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by Cavalier2000

ECM and the top light really don't have an control of each other. But a power line the fuse box to a couple three way switchs and then goin to the light itself. They are on a timer though.... leave it on for too long and it goes off. you said you checked the door switchs so that rules out a lot. Pop the dash off and check out the dimmer switch. I've got a buddy that his light will come on for a few seconds for a ramdom reason. Sometimes at a stop light and sometimes driving.... I'll think on it and let you know if I can get some info on it

When I'm moving down the street and the interior dome light dims, then finally goes out, I can reach over and move the thumb wheel and turn the dome light on and off. When the car is sitting still and the interior dome light is on, the thumb wheel will not turn it off. For that reason I dont think the thumb wheel switch is bad. I did hear that computer programming for various functions in the car go through the radio????? I have not had a chance to research that but I will tomorrow. Thanks for your inputs. I do appreciate them

Mike