Courtesy lights not working...

[jpalmer1717]

Hi folks...so my 1990 has a courtesy light issue. They will not come on with either door open. They DO work using the switch, and the security light blinks properly when doors open. Any ideas would be much appreciated..

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

You need to covered the light sensor in the dash if there is to much light the courtesy light don't come on something to try

Regards Glen

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[jpalmer1717]

Pitch black, lights aren't coming on...

[Flyman 27]

When I had that problem, mine was the door switches failed. I had installed aftermarket switches & they lasted about 6 months. I replaced them with ACDelco & haven't had a problem since.

[jpalmer1717]

If the problem is indeed the switches, how can the security light and alarm be working properly? Doesn't that prove the switches to be functioning?

[Flyman 27]

Well, I know that the keyed door lock switches are wired to the alarm as well as the door elec lock & the door opening switch. I chased my error awhile before finding it. at first I didn't look at the door shut switches because they were only 2-3 months old.

I don't claim to know how the system works, it is just my experience.

Maybe someone with more experience in the electrical systems can jump in here with better info??

[-=Jeff=-]

Dumb Question

Does the alarm still work? does the security light go out when you close the door?

I still would look at the sensor mentioned above. I believe in the Factory Service manual there is a way to test the circuit through the CCM, it controls the light and light timer.

[Demps]

Good advice by smart people. They'll help you figures it out.

Because it's easy & cheap: by chance have you removed the courtesy fuse & inspected it?

The trouble tree will likely also include the ambient light sensor.

If you don't get it resolved, send me a note and I'll get in the service manual.

Ted

[jpalmer1717]

First of all, thanks guys for the feedback. I really appreciate it. I'm a DIY guy to the bone but definitely on a learning curve with all the little electronic issues I need to fix on this newly purchased long time dream car. Anyhow, back to business-
To answer your questions, yes the security light goes out as soon as either door shuts or I press either door switch.
I inspected the fuses first off.
The ambient light sensor is functional as this is a Canadian ZR1, which means that sensor controls the running lights as well.
I guess I should also mention the third brake light is not functioning. No power to the light. Also my gas guage is stuck at 3/4. I'm sure these things aren't related, but just in case.

[-=Jeff=-]

First of all, thanks guys for the feedback. I really appreciate it. I'm a DIY guy to the bone but definitely on a learning curve with all the little electronic issues I need to fix on this newly purchased long time dream car. Anyhow, back to business-
To answer your questions, yes the security light goes out as soon as either door shuts or I press either door switch.
I inspected the fuses first off.
The ambient light sensor is functional as this is a Canadian ZR1, which means that sensor controls the running lights as well.

You are referring to the light sensor found on the top of the dash on the drivers side?

I think your best bet is the manual and the CCM tests..

[jpalmer1717]

Yes, top of dash light sensor.

[-=Jeff=-]

I don'e think that has an effect on the courtesy lights.. only Canadian cars had that sensor

[jpalmer1717]

I was looking at the wrong light sensor. I now see the tiny sensor directly in front of the driver on the dash. How can I check to see if this sensor is my problem?

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

When it's outside in the light with the key on cover the sensor the dash will dim

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[jpalmer1717]

There must be another way to check this sensor rather than assume it's the problem. No lights come on with the sensor in complete darkness. Can I bypass the sensor without harming anything to see if the lights come on?

[-=Jeff=-]

I don't think that it is the sensor..

Do you own a Factory service Manual for the Corvette?

I still say test things out through the CCM and also check the Courtesy Light relay

[jpalmer1717]

I do have the service manual... trying to make sense of it now. Do you know the location of the courtesy relay?

[-=Jeff=-]

If I am sitting in the drivers seat.. first relay to the right f the column, behind the hush panels

[jpalmer1717]

I'd be all over replacing the relay if I knew what a hush panel was.... :(

[jpalmer1717]

So you're saying the courtesy relay is on the passenger side under the glovebox carpeted area?

[-=Jeff=-]

So you're saying the courtesy relay is on the passenger side under the glovebox carpeted area?

no driver side.. right of column, you need to remove the driver side lower carpet piece of dash, then the metal plate behind it

[jpalmer1717]

Actually it was the third relay on the passenger side. As soon as I plugged it in, on came the lights! What a feeling!

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

Thats great another problem ticked off the list

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[jpalmer1717]

Carnage..

[jpalmer1717]

The second relay I replaced is the fog lights which are now working too!!

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

That's ugly

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[Flyman 27]

What could possibly do that to an underdash relay?
Was it a flood damaged car?

[-=Jeff=-]

what did the rest of the wiring look like? If those are on the passenger side, was the heater core ever replaced?

[jpalmer1717]

Everything else looked like new. My guess is a direct spill through the glove box.