Question about 1997 Chevy truck

I dunno exactly where to post this, but general seems like the best place, so here goes. Hopefully someone here has had the same problem I do. I actually had it on my 1998 3/4T, but I sold it shortly after it happens. Currently, I have a 1997 1/2T that’s doing the same thing. The dome lights don’t work when you open the door. They do work when you turn them on with the switch. The headlights and running lights work fine. The cargo light does not work at all, either when the door opens or when you flip the switch. Most of the time, the daytime running lights work, but not always. Here’s the best part- the buzzer that sounds when you leave the lights on with the ignition off does not work. This is the fourth time in the last month or so that I have drained the battery because I forget to turn the headlights off. I know this could be avoided if I would just remember to turn the lights off, but I guess the mind is the first thing to go. I have looked at the wiring diagram, and there are several things it could be, but without testing it, I can’t come up with a real good place to start and I hate replacing things randomly. I’m sure I could figure it out with a testlight and an afternoon, but since I’ve personally had two of these trucks do the same thing, I’m really hoping someone here has had the same problem and fixed it. Thanks in advance for any/all help!
Greg

The “Buzzer” or “dinger” for your lights on/keys in the ignition is a “plug in” type at the bottom of the steering column at the toe-kick.

As for the dome-lights not coming on, sounds like a broken wire in the “loop” of where you have both “plungers” that release when you open the door. When the plunger releases, it opens the circuit to allow electricity to the lights. Check your plungers and wires.
Sorry, but get a test-light. It should tanke much more than an hour with a diagram. Try googling a wiring diagram that you can print.

You probably hs\ave one of two things happening. Either you have a door jam switch that is bad, or your headlight switch has a internal problem. Hope this helps.

When you leave the headlights on and have the key out, is the interior dome light switch at least half way up? If it isn’t then move it up almost until the dome light comes on. This is the case with my Chevy.

I work on these everyday. So here’s the problem with the dome and buzzer. The little black switch on each side of the dash. When the door is closed it goes in, when it is open the switch pops out. Yours is old and worn…get both, they are cheap $10 each or so. You’ll see how goofy they are when ya take the old ones apart…they always break on removal. Do that 1st. You can PM me on other stuff, but fix this 1st, they do a few other things as well through the lighting system.

If you are interested, there are a few GM related vehicle sites. They have some good information.

http://www.dieselplace.com

http://www.chevytalk.org

CALL YOUR LOCAL GM DEALER , there was a problem with the lighting module that runs those lights on those trucks and on Trail Blazers.

If you think its a head light switch give me a call I have another one sitting in the garage for a 96 should be the same.I’ll let you have it for a good price. brand new I think. Thought mine went out changed them out to find out it was a broken wire . Just sitting there if you need on give me a shout

Quote:

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Most of the time, the daytime running lights work, but not always.

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Daytime running light module…..

If you haven’t resolved the problem contact 2catch1 the guy will guide you through any necessary fixes.

First, thanks to all who have responded! Second, here’s an update. I replaced both of the door pin switches today and the dome lights are now working properly. I believe the headlight switch is also bad, there is a “dome override” feature that I had to jumper around to get them to work. But with that feature bypassed and the new door switches, at least the dome lights are working. But I still have no alarm for leaving the headlights on. I suppose it’s possible this could be related to the headlight switch assembly, but I’ll have to keep checking. I have the Haynes manual, and I can’t find the alarm mentioned anywhere in the book or wiring diagrams. As usual, the people at Southview Chev were totally useless in answering any questions (Am I the only person who thinks so?). So I will keep checking on the net and playing around with it in my spare time. If anyone else has any thoughts, feel free to jump in. Oh, and a few of you have PMs also!
Greg