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Door light doesn't turn on when door is opened

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birdman2

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi Guys,
Stumped on this one. My right rear inside door lights (red on the side and white on the bottom) and the foot light (under the back of the frt seat) don't come one when the right rear door is opened. For that matter the dome light doesn't come on either.
The fuses were all checked and are fine.
The bulbs have been checked and they also are OK.
I did a couple checks regarding what turns on when the door is open and only the hazard button light comes on. When the car is running and you open the door the display panel doesn't recognize that its open. (no car display showing the back door is ajar).
Anybody know what gives the signal that the door has been opened?
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Modified by birdman2 at 5:05 AM 1-7-2007
 
#4 ·
Re: (birdman2)

It's really an easy thing for me to do, I work on these vehicle EVERYDAY. With that being said I can in no way be a judge for what is easy/hard for others. So in short if you have a while to devote or just want to learn the hard way then be my guest. But if you plan to take it to somebody then disregard the below. I will give you a quick work sequence though. Open door, remove interior trim panel, loosen and secure glass, remove carrier assembly. Then you will have complete access to the actuator. You will have to loosen and remove a part of your door handle trim where the lock cylinder goes on the drivers door. Then just two bolts securing that bad boy and one electrical connector. You will then have to swap over one short cable for the door handle, note its position before removing it. Then as they say installation is reverse of removal aside from installing the window, which can get tricky if you don't know what your doing. As i said earlier if your going to try this by yourself let me know and I'll get you the material that you will need and answer your questions. Sorry it got kinda lengthy
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
Re: (JamesO)

Thanks James!
I'm the type that likes to get his hands dirty and love doing this kind of stuff. This is no big deal however small stuff like this just gets under my skin as I’m certain it would for most of the vortex audience. (very anal and perfectionist about their cars)
Two things:
My car has the extended warranty till the end of this year and I’m wondering if this is classified as cosmetic or will they repair it (I will call them Today).
Just a point of clarity around the following comment:
"You will have to loosen and remove a part of your door handle trim where the lock cylinder goes on the drivers door"
It's the rear passenger door that is not responding. There is no look cylinder on this door. Will I need to do anything to the drivers door (control actuator??)
Thanks again James.
 
#6 ·
Re: (birdman2)

That should be covered under your Ext warranty, I do them all the time.
As for the trim i was talking about. Its just a trim piece on every other door except the drivers that actually has a lock there. You need to remove that trim b.c. the door actuator connects to the door handle at that location so you can open your car door. There is usually a rubber cover inside the door jamb of the door and recessed will be a T10 or T15, cant remember. You will turn that counterclockwise as your wiggling the lock cylinder trim out. You dont want to take that bolt out just loosen it enough to get the trim out. Once thats out you will remove a little cable that is just snapped into the door handle. I'm not used to typing these instructions so if they are unclear just ask.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Re: (JamesO)

Thanks James,
I know what you mean about the lock. I called the dealership yesterday and yes its covered under my extended warranty.
I noticed today that the light was intermittent and started to piece things together. The doors lights stopped working after a I got the car detailed and waxed. It appears that moisture had entered the door latch during the wash and affected the electronic switch. I used a heat gun and carefully heated up the area to remove the moisture and all is back to normal..
Thanks for all your good info !
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JamesO
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