Interior lights

[x308]

When I open the driver’s door, the interior lights do not come on and the chimes don’t chime. When the passenger door is opened they do. I couldn’t find the little push button switch, where is it????? Or may this be some kind of fuse problem???

[proticus]

the switch should be near the door hinges. a little push button switch. obviously you know this if you were looking for it. personally i'd let it go, i hate it when the door chime goes off. talk about an annoying sound. it's possible it's a fuse, but i wouldn't count on it. i would expect both door open/close switches to be on the same fuse. so if one works, the fuse should be good.

[x308]

I wouldn't mind not having the chimes, but I bought this car at a state auction. The car came with a battery cut off. If for some reason the electrical system feels a draw on the battery, when the engine is off, it locks it out, so the battery doesn't go dead. Good idea but it's a pain in the ass to reset the clock and radio stations every time you get in the car.
Thanks for the help.

[x308]

I made a complete search of the door and there are no door switches to be found. I’m sorry that I didn’t mention it earlier, it’s a 1997 GL. There is a cylinder attached to the wiring for the door, could this be the area that I should be checking??

[mikeemon]

The switch is integrated with the doorlock or latch assembly inside the door. Not fun to replace. I just live with the doors "being open" and have removed all interior lightbulbs to save my battery.

[Plesso]

Originally Posted by mikeemon

The switch is integrated with the doorlock or latch assembly inside the door. Not fun to replace. I just live with the doors "being open" and have removed all interior lightbulbs to save my battery.

Um . . .define "not fun" How bad is "not fun" ? I've been debating fixing my lousy sensor on my 98 Taurus. Wondering if it's worth it. I've done a lot of ugly work on cars before, so I'm just curious.

[mikeemon]

It is basically blind work, so if you don't have to see to do things you will be ok. remove the inside door panel. unscrew the three bolts holding in the catch mechanism to the outside of the door. There are four mechanical and one electrical connection on the catch assembly. The mechanical connections are the rods controlled by the power door lock and the key lock. Some are easier than others to deal with. 3 have hook ends. I have done this once on a 95. I had to, as the door would not latch closed at all anymore. Not a great feeling. If you decide to do it good luck.