Is my "Dome Overide" switch going bad or is this a different problem?

[Stabbin97Tahoe]

Just during the past few days I have noticed that my dome, door, and underdash lights have been staying on after I turn my truck on. I first noticed this at night when I drove home after work and the only way they turned off was if I pushed the Dome Overide switch to the in position. I tried it during the day with it out and they were on. Now when I push the switch in with the truck running and lights on as noted above I hear a clicking noise coming from the dash and the lights go off. But after driving around I push the button to where it is in the out position and the lights either are off or turn back on.

The only things I have done to the electrical system is I had a alarm/autostart system installed professionally. I noticed that with the switch out the alarm chirps twice when I lock it (normally once). I know it is doing this because of the switch problem. And I also did the LED treatment to my gauge cluster myself. I took the headlight switch and wire connector where the dome overide switch is located out to see if I could get to the light but to no avail.

What is the problem? I never had understood the operation of this system. But now I don't have lights when I open my doors, or I have lights on when I drive around...depending on the switch placement. Thanks for any input to this strange problem that came out of nowhere :think: :confused:

[Whifflebat]

Bad door switches? It happened on my '94

[Stabbin97Tahoe]

Originally posted by Whifflebat
Bad door switches? It happened on my '94

HMM, ok can these easily replaced or is it hard? Where exactly are these things. Are they the black things that depress when the door closes on them? It's really annoying now because it sets my alarm off when I leave the vehicle and the lights come on inside which makes it think that someone has opened a door with it activated.

[1badgmc]

I've got the same thing happening in the Yukon. I'm pretty sure it's the dome override switch and not the door switches. I need to replace it, but just haven't felt like messing with it, so I leave the dome override on.

[Big Angry]

I have been battling this demon for about 2 months myself. I spent 1 day last week tearing the dash apart trying to make sure all the connections were ok...what a PITA.

[BryanS]

I'm having the same problem. Has anyone found a solution yet? I would really like to have the lights turn on/off as they are supposed to.

[1badgmc]

Originally posted by BryanS
I'm having the same problem. Has anyone found a solution yet? I would really like to have the lights turn on/off as they are supposed to.

Until one of us replaces the dome light switch, I don't think anyone will have a solution to the problem. I'm just too lazy and cheap to mess with it right now.

[pwm_Z71]

This was on the ckseries mailing lists. They don't reference what year trucks but it may be a fix.

Our headlight switches, dome light override, and dash light dimmer are
all one unit. I decided to take it apart! It's don't think it's really
meant to be serviceable, but if your careful it can be done. The only
tool I used was a small flat blade screw driver to undo the tabs holding
it together. I used electrical cleaner to degrease almost everything.
I also used a pencil eraser to try and polish up the main contacts, but
I think my eraser was too soft, or the factory grease severely discolors
copper! I re-assembled it using Permatex Di-electric grease. It snaps
back together pretty easily. I just tried it our and..... It works!!!
My dome light isn't coming on when it shouldn't and now I don't have to
have the override activated all the time!! It's nice to have a dome
light again!

Here's a couple of things to be aware of:

The headlight switch knob is covered with gray rubber. The whole knob
doesn't seem to be removable. I did not degrease the main housing that
holds the clear plastic and knob. I did pull the gray rubber off to
clean it. I was a bit afraid that the rubber wouldn't go back on, but
it does without a problem.

There is a small light bulb that twists out of the bottom on the whole
assembly. It needs to be removed in order to take this thing apart.....
the it almost falls part id all the tabs are loose. I was glad I was
working over a paper plate.... it caught all the pieces.

There is a little spring/wire on the dome override. It may take a
little fiddling on re-assembly to get it right.

[Loki]

i was having a similar problem in my 01...but i don't know if it is exactly like you guys' problem. Mine was under warranty, but i figured how hard could it be, so i talked to a friend on the phone while helping with a diagram that i didn't have, and it was just a big waste of time. i dissasembled the headlight switch, everything looked good, but when i took it to the dealership, they replaced it for me, and haven't had a problem. I've seen a few of these switches on ebay recently for like 5 dollars or so. worth the trouble IMO.

[BryanS]

Its been a few months since the topic has been brought up, so I thought someone might have found the solution. Anyone? :think:

[bdphil]

I had this same problem in my 97 suburban. I figured it was the dome override switch 'cause it would pop out on its own sometimes. I replaced the headlight/dome override switch assembly with a brand new one (to the tune of $60) and the problem was still there.

I pulled the two door switches in the front and cleaned them real good and tried again. Same problem, but I noticed that the plunger end of the door switches were pretty sloppy. I took both switches back out and bent the 3 contacts out a little so they would put more pressure on the contacts in the white switch assembly. Voila! Problem solved on mine.

If you have fat hands like me, the door switches are a pain to get out but you guys might want to try this before buying new switches, etc.

Hope this helps.

Ben

[BryanS]

I appreciate the feedback. Quick question - how do the door switches come out? I haven't even looked but I figured it might be a good idea to get some helpful hints from someone who has already done it. Thanks!

[OKLAGMCRUISER]

Originally posted by Whifflebat
Bad door switches? It happened on my '94

:word:

The dome override merely turns off the existing problem...I don't think that the problem is in the override switch...but in the door switches.

Pat

[burbman]

I had the same problem in my wife's 99 Yukon. Fortunately it was still under warranty. The dealer threw parts at it until the problem went away. Ended up being a bad body control module (the one that controls the power door locks and remote entry) If you think about it it makes sense because this module triggers the interior lights when the key fob is used to unlock the doors.

[OKLAGMCRUISER]

Originally posted by burbman
I had the same problem in my wife's 99 Yukon. Fortunately it was still under warranty. The dealer threw parts at it until the problem went away. Ended up being a bad body control module (the one that controls the power door locks and remote entry) If you think about it it makes sense because this module triggers the interior lights when the key fob is used to unlock the doors.

If that's the case...BCM's can be bought off of ebay for around 30 bucks....FYI.

Pat