Dead battery from a freak eletrical issue?

[XfireZ51]

Swap out interior bulbs to LEDS. They can be on for days without draining the battery. You could also put a little 2sided emblem adhesive behind the door switch. That will bring the plunger closer and make sure it turns off.

[Billy Mild]

The LED bulbs is a good idea.

I think the switch just needs to be replaced altogether.

I assume the interior door panel needs to come off? What is the best place to get a new one.

[QB93Z]

Originally Posted by Billy Mild

The LED bulbs is a good idea.

I think the switch just needs to be replaced altogether.

I assume the interior door panel needs to come off? What is the best place to get a new one.

The interior door panel does not need to be removed.

Unfortunately the only door switches I have been able to buy are a cheap replica of the original AC Delco switch. I had one fail the first time I shut the door. I buy them three at a time now because I know some will fail quickly.

GM Part 10098478. I get them from GMPartsDirect.com

There is an oval plate behind the switch that the two screws attach to. The trick is to remove the switch without dropping the plate down into the door. Remove both the screws. Next wiggle the switch and pull the switch and the connector out through the hole. The plate is on the wire, inside the door, at this point. Replace the switch on the connector. Using a right angle tipped pick tool, thread it through one of the screw holes in the door and then through one of the screw holes in the plate. Pull the plate against the opening and thread the connector and the switch into the door. The pick will hold the plate so you can start a screw in the other screw hole. Once the first screw has engaged with the plate, remove the pick and start the second screw.

Good luck,

Jim

[Billy Mild]

Originally Posted by QB93Z

The interior door panel does not need to be removed.

Unfortunately the only door switches I have been able to buy are a cheap replica of the original AC Delco switch. I had one fail the first time I shut the door. I buy them three at a time now because I know some will fail quickly.

GM Part 10098478. I get them from GMPartsDirect.com

There is an oval plate behind the switch that the two screws attach to. The trick is to remove the switch without dropping the plate down into the door. Remove both the screws. Next wiggle the switch and pull the switch and the connector out through the hole. The plate is on the wire, inside the door, at this point. Replace the switch on the connector. Using a right angle tipped pick tool, thread it through one of the screw holes in the door and then through one of the screw holes in the plate. Pull the plate against the opening and thread the connector and the switch into the door. The pick will hold the plate so you can start a screw in the other screw hole. Once the first screw has engaged with the plate, remove the pick and start the second screw.

Good luck,

Jim

Well that would have been nice to know. I lost that metal piece back there.

[5ABI VT]

I would check the terminals. undo the neg and positive and clean them and put them back on. I had a similar issue once and the terminal was corroded a bit and not very tight. Just thought I'd chime in a simple step that you could check before proceeding.

[Schrade]

Interior lights staying on COULD be the Delayed Accessory Bus, if equipped...

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by Billy Mild

Well that would have been nice to know. I lost that metal piece back there.

Yep now the lower part of the door panel needs to be removed, make sure you raise the winow for your search in the back side of the inner door.