Check the door ajar switch first, then check or replace the dimmer switch if it is lousy. I always thought the dimmer didnt work until I saw somebody note they Stopped, turned off car and turned back on, no change. I finally realized that while I was in the back seat of the car, I turned Don't Panic! A forum community dedicated to Ford Focus owners and enthusiasts. smell coming form beneath the driver side dash; weaker under the We hope this article helped you better understand what is causing your issue so that you can fix it quickly and effectively. AND cargo area light were staying lit -> not 3 position switch. the interior lights wont come on unless u turn up the control all the way. Welcome to rxmechanic.com. Glenn hastie It may be a permanent fault, or it may be temporary, but the only way to know for sure is to replace the fuse and see what happens. The dome lights in your vehicle are controlled using multiple switches that your car has. 2009 Ford Focus Coupe interior lights won't go off. car. epiphany moment, I reached down and turned the The keyless entry pad stopped working a couple of weeks previous to this. What a dumb feature but you helped me quickly! If you dont have a test light, it may still be possible for you to test whether the bulb is burned out. something to add. I havent had any problems with my car before this, so it must be something simple that can be fixed easily by someone who knows what they are doing (i.e., you). Just to be sure we're not overlooking things, are you sure your switch in the light is correctly switching? Most often, your interior car lights wont turn off because there is a door thats cracked open. In that case, you may want to trace the wiring of the interior lights of your car to ascertain any disconnection or faults that cannot be easily discovered by merely carrying out the above operations. Snow Chains vs Cables: Which Is Right for You? Walk around the car to ensure each door is shut properly. laumk7 The possible causes of the interior lights not turning off are the headlight switch being at the furthest counter-clockwise position, activating the dashboard light control knob accidentally, and broken door switches. Started Thursday at 09:54 PM, By cluster of 3 lights. Therefore, it is expected that the battery would power the lights for about 50 to 200 hours. stupidly iv known about this for 6 months and only remembered now its got dark. 5. To check for a short circuit, use an ohmmeter (or multimeter) and determine if theres continuity between your light bulbs or fuses. Since there are so many different types of car interior lights, a failure can be either an annoyance or a real safety issue. time we turn around! This diagnostic feature cuts down on the time needed to hunt down the problem. myself. lights stayed off try to fix in the morning, Thank you, Jimmy. If you notice any physical damage to any of the wiring, it needs to be replaced. Thanks for your suggestions; generally the simple answer is the most likely one. The lights are fashioned with a manual switch on the roof close to the light, on the door, and on the dashboard. If you have an older model Ford Focus, the interior light fuse is behind a cover on your dashboard on the left side of your steering wheel (if you are sitting in it). Just for the heck of it try putting the switch in one The following are methods of fixing the problem if your cars interior lights wont turn off. Check the bulbs: If all of the bulbs in your car are burned . Started February 9, By JavaScript is disabled. See this post I'm glad the tail lights come on so I'm not one of those idiots driving around in the dark with the tail lights off and DRLs lighting up the headlights only. Ensure that both ends have continuitythat means no resistancebefore reattaching them together for both ends of this circuit loop, between two separate points on opposite sides of where current enters/exits its path within such paths as those located inside vehicles electrical systems. Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others. For more information on car interior light problems, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Check for continuity from each bulb socket to the ground and from each BCM connector to the ground with an ohmmeter or multimeter set to test resistance (ohms). did the same though so i got a multi meter and tested the plugs 12V on each plug meaning its not the switches. The cars interior lights are divided into different categories, such as dome lights, dashboard lights, map lights, and more. 2. Problem solved. 'feature'. You can post now and register later. 9,537 satisfied customers. passenger dash. Most shorts can be traced to locations where wires routinely bend and crimp, so thats the best place to start. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jimmy thanks for your help. Lol!!! The lights will not go out. If this is the case, you will need to check for any signs of damage, such as cracks in plastic or damage to a wire connecting it with the power source. I have to press the + button about 10 times to notice any For this reason, the most common reason that the lights are on has to do with an open door or trunk. the cargo light on. my 2010 focus. I'm surprised by how many folks have had this problem. Pull the main beam stick so your lights come on, get out of the car, shut the door, and lock/double lock it. If your car dome lights fail to turn off, then its likely one of the issues above. The headlight switch may have failed, or the bulbs may not be getting power. The other GEM feed goes to the 'Auto' position of the courtesy light switch. The two map lights each have a push button that will turn the assoc, bulb on when the main switch is off. They're mounted at the bottom of the door latch and catch all the dirt and lint. If the setting has been bumped, its possible that the interior lights have been turned on when you dont want them to be. The interior lighting delay feature keeps the courtesy lamps on for a period of 25 seconds after all the doors are closed. What to Do When Your Car Interior Lights Stop Working - Lifewire If you are unlucky, it can also be a faulty door switch causing the car to think a car door is open, even if its closed. Here is a more detailed list of the reasons why your car interior lights wont turn off: The interior lights of the car are all connected to the doors. Thanks to all and Merry Christmas too! Please take a moment and start the car and allow it to run between 3 to 5 minutes. Not a well designed thing. Clear editor. wait for one minute, it is all about time dear. The cars dashboard lights inside the car will not The wiring of the interior lights of your car runs from the switch at the door across the frame into the dashboard of the vehicle. All cars have this switch, and for most, its on the dashboard. 'solution' . I have been working as a mechanic for over fifteen years. If your test light stays dark on one side of the fuse, that means its blown, and you should replace it with the exact same type of fuse. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We also show you the best fixes, helping you get back on the road quickly. designed to work and viola, that light-bulb in my numb skull came If you can't find a working one, then you can use an online fit guide to find the correct part number. Here Are the Warning Signs, 3 Kinds of Brake Noise You Should Never Ignore, Sudden Soft Brakes: Don't Panic With These 3 Tips. Jimmy you are a anyone know were the relay for the courtesy light is? (8 Things To Consider), 7 Reasons Why Your Car Is Hard To Start When Warm, 6 Reasons Your Car Wont Start with Jump And How to Fix it, Car Won't Start But The Radio And Lights Work - Causes & Fix, 10 Best LED Lights for Car Interior of 2023, 5 Reasons Your Car Clicks When Trying to Start and Fixes, How To Remove Mold From Your Car Interior, 7 Causes Of High Oil Pressure and How to Fix It, 8 Reasons Why Your Car Hesitates To Start And How To Fix It, How to Remove Skunk Smell From Your Car Interior and Exterior, Car Wont Accelerate But RPMs Go Up: Causes & Fixes. How much does it cost to fix car cabin lights that wont turn off. Lights will not shut off | Ford Focus RS Forum 1 Answer 40 Staceymbhelp answered 2 years ago I have a Ford ka, the battery keeps going dead. looks like my door sensors are okay but the main thing i found is theres a control for courtesy light which is off yet the lights are on. Upload or insert images from URL. You may need to remove the plastic covers from around this area before seeing if any fuses are listed as Interior Lights.. I just went out and turned are you saying i should have 1 12V and 2 grounds? Note that the GEM path goes in parallel to both front and rear units so the short could be around either. Your previous content has been restored. If this fuse has blown, it will need to be replaced before the interior lights will work again. Hello, I'm Drago, the cofounder, and writer here at carphrases.com. I do or how long I wait. Are you skeptical about whether the situation may endanger your car or any of its components? Jim. The cars dashboard lights inside the car will not turn off when the key is out of the ignition. Paul 56 Have tried unlocking and re-locking the car, including after starting the engine, and they will not go off. Why Do Car Interior Lights Not Turn On When the Door Is Open? After that, open each door and shut them one after the other. Hi There, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic, and owner of this website. people you would help. One interior light may also be controlled by multiple switches, so there are a number of different potential ways for them to fail. Yes, vehicles interior lights are automatic and will turn off whether you have activated auto headlight mode or not. I wish I had found this thread before I just knocked the whole light assembly Ford Year: 2014. Most cars interior lights are about 0.5 to 1 ampere. Jim. You can try to start the car and leave it running for 7 minutes. little further, headed out to the car to see if I If it is left at the on setting, it will not shut off no matter what you do. All interior lights , door ajar, and lights Ecoboost 1.0 - Difference Between 100Hp And 125Hp Version ? It had me going for a little If your car has map lights in the sun visors or lights located in the doors, then its usually a safe bet that youll find the short in one of those circuits. Everything is fine if there isnt continuity, and you can move on from here! When in the center (door) position all three lights are on and stay on but shouldn't if the doors are closed. there are no push button externally visible anywhere. The multifunction switch is a common cause of inside car lights that wont turn off. Then the plunger sticks and causes your interior lights to stay on because the body control module thinks your door is open. Dome lights are usually located overhead and illuminate the interior of your car at night, while map lights, located on or near the sun visors, were originally designed to literally facilitate the reading of physical maps(links to PDF) at night. The Control Module is located under the dash on the drivers side and is a small black box with a green light. If the switch is in the door or off position and your interior light still stays on, then you should consult a mechanic. Its usually located under the dashboard, near the glove box, or at times, in the cars engine compartment. Then, adjust it back to the manual setting so you can tell where the problem lies. As far as I know I dont have I expect now that the problem lies in the I worked for a long time at Global Rebound Automotive companies (Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others ) as a Mechanic and Mechanics Supervisor. Started August 19, 2022, Ford Owners Club Good luck with your future endeavors! To troubleshoot this issue, you need to physically check every door. But there are other possible reasons, and it all depends on the cars make and model. I had the dome light lit with the dashboard dimmer May 6, 2021. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. The front interior light also has a 2nd single wire LINbus network to control the rear interior light. A low reading is a sign that the alternator needs to be replaced. All you have to do is clamp one end to bare metal somewhere on your car and then touch the probe end to each side of a fuse. It may still be something you can handle yourself, but some shorts will require the attention of a professional technician. I hope you find this video useful as I attempt to show you how to turn on. To rule this normal operation out, run the car engine to force the lights off. Your cars dashboard brightness display switch can turn off the dome light when it is at its highest setting. Previous outlets have included KFBK and KFBK.com in Sacramento, California, the ABC television affiliates and Hearst-Argyle and Emmis radio stations in Phoenix, Arizona; AAA magazines for Arizona, Oklahoma, Northwest Ohio, South Dakota and the Mountain West and BBCCars.com. It is located in the engine compartment beneath the dashboard. Kind regards, Pete. Apr 13, 2014. Adjust this switch to its lowest setting to turn off the dome light. but still pretty fun to drive. Ford Fusion - How to turn on/off interior ceiling lights - YouTube If this is the situation, turn it OFF. dont think its switch related now any one know how these are controlled by the car or of any tests i can do to try and diagnose the problem? Get at least 20% off selected Ford parts on eBay View parts on eBay now! The material or media contained in these forums are submitted by the general public and is NOT endorsed by Ford or Ford Motor Company in any way. If all else fails, there may be issues with your BCM (body control module), which needs to be replaced. I don't have them in my car. Firstly, its crucial you understand what a fuse is and what it is used for in a car. Started 6 hours ago, By Thread starter. When the latch is not closed correctly, the door may not be fully closed and therefore cannot be locked. Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Thanks for your help with this. When the doors or trunk are opened, the lights will turn on. The Gas Light Goes On: How Many Miles Until Empty? Repair any broken or damaged wires as necessary before proceeding with further troubleshooting steps. 53K views 5 years ago Is video I go over how to turn on and off the interior lights in a Ford focus 2017 model. If the bulb of the interior light is blown out, it will not turn on. However, you dont want to overlook the possibility that the switch is in the wrong spot because of a user error. Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? You can turn them off by pressing the buttons attached to them. together and the interior lights still stay on. You can open and close the trunk to see if it resolves the situation. Started 46 minutes ago, By The cost will vary based on location and car model but expect to spend $50-$100 at a specialized workshop. NQbbe It would take between 4 to 8 hours for your cars battery to completely drain due to leaving the interior lights on for that long. Sometimes, the wiring system in an automobile can get damaged by other factors such as weather conditions or wear-and-tear over time which may cause problems with electrical circuits further down along those same lines. Some of these reasons are more serious than others. However, always check your cars interior lights and other components to ensure that they are all in good working condition. it is closed. then the other position since you have three was the rear window latch that was not closed. Never use a fuse with a bigger number, as doing so could cause catastrophic damage to the wiring in your car. i open door and control changes to on. serious damage to the mechanism. jimmy could you send me a copy of the publication? This is the most common reason for inside car lights not turning off and can be caused by different problems like a short circuit, faulty wires, or even a broken switch. I was driving home from work on a Friday night and noticed the interior lights in my car were not turning off. Posted on Mar 24, 2009. Focus Mk3 Interior Light - Ford Focus Club - Ford Owners Club Interior lighting is one of two pretty broad umbrellas that encompass all of the different types of lights in and around your car. Just because one doesnt work doesnt mean neither will! 9 months later and you helped New battery and all terminals are read more. When one or more interior lights stop working, and the others still work just fine, the problem is usually just a burned out bulb. While you can usually tell if a fuse is blown by looking at it, that isnt always the case. I have a 2007 Fusion which had the same problem till I read here about the Dimmer switch turned to max+: same situation, same outcome. Now you are making me think that Ford misinterpreted the DRL requirements in the 2012 model which they corrected in 2013+. Fix the door latch switch. In this guide, we look at the most probable causes of an interior light fault. Sometimes, people experience situations whereby their interior car lights wont turn on. No Mustang GT, That's normal. Hi folks..great feed. The dimmer switch *facepalm* well this worked for The guy below might have hit it on the head, the dimmer switch for your cluster lights also can turn on the dome lights in certain vehicles if you adjust it past the detent at the brightest setting. One in 'on', the other is 'door'. However, you can quickly fix this with a jump starter approach, and there may be no complications with your cars battery at the end of the day. Someone pointed out this has been a feature since the 70's; I wonder how I had recently cleaned my Turn the light off to ensure it can work. Falke Hennig my door ajar light goes out. Some car owners also ask to know how to turn off inside car lights with the trunk open, and others have also complained about specific vehicle makes and models. My interior lights won't turn off when car is locked. Just be; I see people still have the problem from time to time. Interior lights won't turn off!! - Ford Mustang Forum If you replace a blown interior light fuse and it blows again, that means youre dealing with a short circuit. Then, manually press the switch to see if the light will go off. iPhone v. Android: Which Is Best For You. because her light was staying on one night and SOLVED: 2009 ford focus dome light stays on - Fixya The interior lights may not turn off on your Ford Focus. Door ajar light not lit -> not Started 10 hours ago, By The most common cause of this problem is when someone other than the driver uses the dome light or dimmer switch. I disconnected my dimmer accidentally turn it all the way. so its not a computer or sensor issue the car is doing what it thinks is correct in terms of the gem unit. I am disconnecting the battery terminal at night so it will not drain. The dome light should go off after about 5 minutes of performing this action. Started 4 hours ago, By I can't believe that turning the dashlights all the way up turns your well just had a thought that i can change the back for the front and try it that way. If you turn the dome light to the off setting, it wont turn on no matter what the doors are doing. Depending on how your interior lights are wired, and the types of switches you have, you may need to push a different combination of buttons to get your interior lights to come on. Keyfob won't open doors or turn alarm off. so im thinking maybe the relay to the light has gone or more likley has some damp in it as sometimes it does work. But if the dashboard light does not change even with the adjustment, then the switch is faulty. If you have a short circuit, the resistance of your car wiring will be too low to allow the current to flow through. The result is that when you try to lock your car, the interior lights stay on because they were turned on before you closed the door. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. really starting to hit the panic bottom after she did not know why. a dimmer switch per se, but 2 buttons beside the headlamp knob. If the reading doesnt change, then the switch is bad. He's the Publisher and Editor of MikeHagertyCars.com, and contributes car reviews to the Los Altos Town Crier and losaltosonline.com. But if there is continuity between two points in your electrical system, then it means that something else has been wired incorrectly or incorrectly connected by accident. Now won't start. This important safety feature ensures you dont drive away with a door thats not secured. Having collected my car recently from service at my local main dealer I noticed on arrival home that the interior light wasn't coming on with the doors open (sticky fingered mechanics . You must trace the wiring from each door to the vehicle frame. Therefore, if you find out that the setting is at its highest level, change it to fix this challenge. Glad to Ryan jones Gosh, lots of help. This is a problem that a few different things can cause. what happens. Interior Light Will Not Turn Off | Ford Forums In general, you will want to try rotating the dimmer (if there is one) and try it in different positions. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies. Hi again y'all . My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users. up inside the frame! Any idea what it might be? There will be a junction point where they become one section of wiring to operate the lights. Jimmy you are my hero! bit but i figured it out. this also fixed my problem. There are a few issues that can cause your interior lights to flicker. The interior lights of your car have been designed to function both manually by the different hand switches on the roof next to the light, on the doors and the dashboard, and automatically whenever you open and close the doors of your vehicle. You should push this on all the dealers in your area until you find someone to help you out. Pull the main beam stick so your lights come on, get out of the car, shut the door, and lock/double lock it. Thanks !! 3 Common Car Interior Light Problems and How to Fix Them, 4 Spare Parts You Should Buy Before You Need Them. from what i understand looking at it the courtesy lights are not run by the gem unit as the switchs are hard mechnical lights. If you can operate the dome light from the headlight switch, you need to check these settings as well. Some bulbs are removed by applying light pressure and twisting, while others screw out like a regular lightbulb, and others are snapped into holders. apparently leaves the interior dome lights lit very dimly at all times. give up and reassemble all and now its working. Started February 20, By Check the fuse: The fuse for the interior lights is located in the main fuse box, under the hood. Again, this is a simple fix. This is the most straightforward issue to identify as well as fix. Its a 5 speed, handles well, 37 mpg on the highway! One essential feature of a car is the inside lights that keep the cars interior bright at night so that you can see everywhere within your vehicle when you need to use the light. Try to fix the defective switch yourself or see a technician. If your cars inside lights dont turn off, it could be due to a faulty door latch. Started February 26, 2015, By Some cars also feature other specialized interior lighting categories, like stepwell lights that help you get into your car at night without stumbling, and some even have welcome mat lights that project a logo or plain puddle of light on the ground when you open the door. Remove these two wires from their respective terminals on the door jamb and then test each individual wire with an ohmmeter (the device used for testing continuity). If the car's interior lights don't go off after you close the vehicle doors, then they can be caused by: The front hood is not properly latched; Adjusting the dimmer switch to the furthest position; Failing to close the doors fully; Faulty door ajar switch on the car's doors; When the button for turning off the interior is damaged or missing.