The other day I took my family to the drive-in movie theater to watch the new Avatar: Way of Water. (yes there are still around 300 drive-in theaters in America!).
As we’re sitting waiting for the show to start, the kids were coming and going… you know, they had to get their popcorn, refill soda, use the restroom, etc… Every time someone opened the car door, it turned on the dome lights and our car shone like a lone Christmas tree in a forest. Very bright. It got me thinking, “I wonder if I can turn off my lights with the door still open.” I learn the answer will be very vehicle specific. However, here are nine tips:
1. Wait 2 minutes
Many vehicles have an auto-off feature to avoid draining the battery. So you could try shutting off your car, removing keys from ignition, turning off the exterior lights, and waiting a couple minutes to see if they automatically shut off. Be careful if the lights stay on a while ( 30 minutes+) as it could drain the battery.
2. Join a Forum
Chances are, others have had the same question as you. Since this question will vary between brands and models, check out forums dedicated to your ride. For example, check the Ford forums or Toyota forums and ask around.
You will probably have to join the forum to ask a question. Be sure to do a thorough search to check and see if anyone has already asked the question and it has been answered.
A member is also likely to offer an idea you may not have thought of and even a trick or two to make the process easier. Before you ask questions locate the forum menu.
There are lots of questions posted so be sure to read through them you could find a related problem or more than one way to fix the problem.
3. Google Search
That’s right. A classic Google query may be all you need. Do a search and see what you can locate about interior map/dome lights and how to turn them off when the door is open.
4. Unplug the battery or pull the fuse
A surefire way to turn the lights off when your doors are open is the pull the ‘light module’ fuse, or disconnect the battery. When disconnecting battery, remove BLACK/ground cables first, then RED/hot cables second.
Pulling a fuse is easy. Just make sure you find the one for your car. Some fuse boxes will have them all marked, otherwise you’ll need to Google it, or dig through the owner’s manual.
If you don’t wanna fuss around with fuses, disconnecting the negative battery cable will shut off all lights in the car. Some downsides to this would be that it could reset your stereo settings, and you’ll have to reconnect the wires when it’s time to leave.
5. Check the light switch settings
Many vehicles have a switch on the interior light fixture itself or on the dashboard that allows you to control whether the interior lights turn on when a door is opened. Ensure that this switch is set to the “Door” or a similar position.
6. Inspect the door jamb switches
Most vehicles have door jamb switches that trigger the interior lights when a door is open. These switches are typically located on the door frame or door jamb. They can wear out over time or become misaligned. Check to see if they are functioning properly and replace or adjust them if necessary.
7. Review the owner’s manual
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to control the interior lights. The manual should provide information about the light switch settings and any other relevant features related to interior lighting.
8. Inspect the door latch mechanism
In some cars, the interior lights are controlled by the door latch mechanism. If there is a problem with the latch or its sensor, it may not properly signal that the door is closed. Inspect the door latch for any damage or misalignment and address any issues you find.
9. Verify the bulb and fuse
If the interior lights are not turning off as expected, it could be a problem with the bulb or fuse. Check the bulb to ensure it is not burnt out, and inspect the fuse related to interior lights to make sure it is in good condition.
What causes the lights to remain on after the automobile has been switched off?
If it takes so long for the headlights to switch off, it is quite probable that there is a problem with the body control module. This is a typical failure mode for this particular kind of car a Ford 2010, 2011, or 2013.
It could be that the mechanism used was the same for all models. This is why the interior lights can’t be turned off while the doors are open and must be done manually.
What is a body control module?
The car’s Body Control Module to connects with the various (ECUs) Electronic Control Units in the vehicle.
This module can be compared to the brain, which sends and receives transmissions through the nerves to operate various bodily parts (different ECUs) (vehicle BUS).
Its ability to engage with other ECUs, a BCM unit, operates as a hub. Having to use cabled plug-in connections between ECUs in the car is no longer necessary.
What does the body control module do?
It is a multifaceted electronic component that performs numerous purposes, the most important of which is to manage a wide range of vehicle body electronics. automotive BCM.
Using data from input devices, the system module makes decisions on how to operate output devices.
By pressing a power window button, the car’s battery can interact with the ignition module by sending power to the BCM unit.
This then transmits information to the load, causing the motor to rotate and the window to be controlled.
Similar to this, there are numerous control functions that should run smoothly and consistently.
It’s also possible to control these components without a BCM unit, but this would necessitate adding more wiring to the car.
By using a BC, you can do away with all of this extra wiring. When numerous functions are being performed at once, it controls power flow because then the electromagnetic module of the vehicle isn’t overtaxed.
How does the body control system affect the car interior lights?
Because the body control system is the brain of the car it controls nearly everything includes how the driver performs manual overrides, how the lights turn on and shut off.
How the radio is operated, the doors lock, the hatch latch, the ignition turns over, and how the battery knows to turn over and start. It knows when switches and levels need to open, push, lift, and pull.
When the driver closes the door and turns the key in the ignition the interior lights inside the cabin turn on and the lights stay off and after a few minutes the bulbs become dimmer.
When the driver gets in the car and has close and locked the car door it’s time to drive.
At night it is essential to have interior lights they make it easier to find the ignition and insert the key when the door is closed and your cabin is dark.
What would cause a dome light to remain on?
Dome lights installed inside a car are controlled by a number of controls. It is usually found on a movable knob on the dashboard, to the left of the steering wheel, or on either side of the headlight switch.
If a dome light would not turn off, it is likely that the switch has been stuck in the “On” position. Often times the interior light, door, the hatch is open and hasn’t had the latch put on this will keep the car lights on when the doors are open.
To prevent this issue, you could shut the door, push it to make sure you hear the latch sound.
If this does not work for you try looking at the computer systems menu and see if you need to download an app or possibly find the location of a bad wire, fuse, and make sure the battery is not being drained.
If the interior lights stay on check the fuse, battery, hatch is closed, door is shut, give the door a pull and push to make sure it is close, you can also check the bulbs and fuses to make sure they have not blown.
Check the menu to make sure all the interior light bulb switches are in the correct position. If they are not the lights need to be checked manually.
Shut off Interior Lights
When you want to turn the lights off use the switch, make sure all doors are closed. If you want the lights to stay off when the door is open you can remove the fuse, bulbs, make sure the ear light are turned off again all great ways to keep your battery charging.
How to locate off equipment?
The location of the mechanism can sometimes seem like a trick to locate. Most times when you open the car door the interior lights come on without a key in the ignition. Look around the steering wheel or dash. Below is a photo from an old Dodge Ram pickup truck. See how it’s a simple “OFF” dial?
Is it even possible to turn all the lights off with the door or hatch open?
Many vehicles have an automatic function to turn off interior doors to save battery life. If yours doesn’t, try the tricks we’ve listed. At least one of them will work 🙂