A week ago, something went haywire with my interior lights so that the only way I can shut them off is to pull the fuse, which is a real pain since that fuse also powers the garage door openers (Homelink).

I've checked the door jamb switches and they all seem fine. But looking through the forum, I see references to door handle switches, and since the driver's door is the one that's gets the most use I'm thinking that switch might be the culprit. However, I'm not finding anything like that at Rock Auto nor in the GM parts catalog.

Anyone with knowledge of this, could you please provide some info? Is a switch on the door handle a real thing? Maybe a part number?

Thanks -

 

There is a secondary door switch that is part of the door handle, that triggers the interior lights. When working normally, lifting the door handle will turn on the interior lights. I don't know the part number for this switch.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Do you know whether that switch has ever been available separately, or do you have to replace the entire handle in order to get one?
If the switch is found to be the cause, can I assume that disconnecting it would let the lights go out?

 

As far as I know it's part of the latch assembly. It senses whether the door is latched and/or if the door handle is lifted. Lifting the handle will turn on the interior lights, even if the door is locked and latched. As far as I know you'd have to replace the latch assembly with a matching one (vehicle equipped with factory content theft deterrent system).

This thread has a bit more information about it, but doesn't really get into too much detail. I didn't have time to search too deeply for better info. From what I read on there it may be a closed loop system. This means that when the latch is closed the two wires are connected, and that connection is broken when the latch is opened. If the sensor is damaged, then to bypass it you'd need to jump the two wires together to close the loop so the BCM thinks that the door is closed.

Your best bet is probably to pull the door panel off and check the connector and test the wires inside the door. Maybe you'll be lucky and find that the connector just came off and all you have to do is plug it back in. FYI, only the front doors have this system. Rear doors are just a simple door jam push button switch.

FYI, if you really know what you're doing with 12V electrical systems, the door trigger wires are also available at the BCM under the center of the dash. The12Volt.com has wiring diagrams to help you, but I'd strongly caution against this route unless you really know what you're doing.

 

OK. That's helpful information. Thanks alot. I'm guessing, the chances of new outer door handles being available is pretty slim. And anything I find in the boneyard is likely to be worn worse than mine. So, I'll do as you suggest, pull the door panel and test the circuit. FWIW I grew up with 6V, then 12V auto systems so circuit testing/repairing isn't a problem.

Thanks again. Really appreciate your reply.

 

I'm going to start a new thread about this.
As you say, there's a switch built in to the front door latches that triggers a feature the owner's manual calls "Illuminated Entry". In my '99 manual, it's described on page 2-51. It does not say "if equipped", so it was a standard feature on the year's effected - I'm guessing '98-'05.

The electrical schematic shows the interior light circuit being controlled by wires colored orange and black (standard for decades). I figured if I could pull that plug, the lights would go out if that switch was the culprit. I've gotten as far as seeing the plug with orange & black wires in the top connector on the latch, but it's so tight in there I can't get access to the locking tab to disconnect it.

Left Front Door Latch Access


See new thread titled "Help! R&R Left Front Door Latch"