Cabin Lights and radio problems

[e3gordon]

Ok,

2001 Grand AM GT1

So here is where the problem may have started.

Yesterday, I locked my keys in the car. I was away from home and did not have many options. So, I got a hanger, and a srewdriver, pryed the top of the door open just enough to slip the hanger inside the car to hit the unlock switch (i had done it once before and it worked). While doing this, a guy pulled up and "happened to have a slim jim". We were able to get the door open. I think the metal lever that attached to the hinge that the key turns came off because the with the key in the door it just turns and does not unlock the door, even though the remote works.

Anyway, now when I get in the car and start it, the interior lights come on and stay on untill I start driving down the road (i checked the dimmer, and the roof light switches to make sure). Also when the I turn the car off, the lights stay on and instead of the radio truning off when the drivers door opens, it shuts off as soon as the ignition is turned to off. Could it be the door switch controlling the lights/radio? If so where is it and any suggestions how to check?

Thanks,

Eric

[xeroinfinity]

You'll probly need to pull the door cover off and reattach the lever that came loose from the slim-jim, it can happen.
A wire could also have been pulled loose to the "door open" switch which is in the latch on the door, making your lights stay on.

On your radio, if its the stock one it is supposed to shut off when the key is turned off, unless you have some aftermarket stereo they can differ.

[e3gordon]

I reattached the lever to the key assembly that came off when we used the slim jim and that is working fine.

I took the panel off and looked at the wires going to the latch and they are connected with clips and seem to be ok, but I did not remove the actual latch.

Was the switch you were referring to connected inside the latch?

I think that is the cluprit since the lights stay on even with the door shut. I'm just not sure what I should be checking exactly.

I even looked in the shop manual.

Thanks

[e3gordon]

Anyone have any suggestions?

[J-Ri]

Try unpluging the switch (yes, should be in the latch if there's not one on the A or B pillar). If the lights go out, it's the switch. If they don't go out, try jumping the terminals, if they go out then it's also the switch. Can't remember if the switch is normally open or closed, so just try both.

[xeroinfinity]

Being a 2001 a wire had to have been nicked and or ground out..... this could be your BCM acting up.
Check the wires and make sure they are not cut or something's unpluged like the latch plug.

I still dont think this would cause the radio to do anything unusual. Well no more unusual then most delco's.

Electrical Gremlins are fun, just dont get them wet after midnight.