Author Topic: Courtesy(dome)light  (Read 3757 times)

Offline claude

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Courtesy(dome)light
« on: April 19, 2014, 09:27:43 am »
Got a 1985 K20 about a year ago. Dome light works when I turn the light switch but will not work when either door opens.  I replaced both door switches but dome light still does not work when doors are open.  I did find when replacing the driver side switch that the hole that the switch screws in has been enlarged over the years and new switch will not tighten up.  How do I fix the hole problem and how do I fix dome light/door problem.  I do have an electrical diagram but no idea how to tackle the problem.  Please help!
1985 K20, manual T, 373 gears, 208 transfer case
Rebuilt roller 355 engine, Comp XE264XR cam 212/218 @ .050, .487/.495 lift w/1.5 RR, LSA 110, Dart Iron Eagle Heads with 2.02/1.6 SS valves. 325 HP at 4000 RPM. 335 HP @ 4900.
421 ft*lbs torque at 4000RPM

Offline bake74

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Re: Courtesy(dome)light
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2014, 09:52:34 am »
     As for as the door hole problem, pics would be helpful, but some would say do a patch panel, some would say weld up the holes and re-drill.  Pic would really help to see how bad it is.
     As far as the dome light working with the door switches.  You need to check and make sure they are grounded first good, then check the electrical path to make sure they are operation correctly.
     See the wiring diagrams here for how the wires are set up.
#1: The easiest and most obvious solution to any problem is 99% of the time correct.
#2: There is no such thing as impossible, it just takes longer.
  74 k10, 77k10    Tom

Offline DesertK20

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Re: Courtesy(dome)light
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2014, 09:25:25 am »
Just went through this last weekend, none of mine worked.  Pulled them both out of the door frame and they were so corroded they wouldn't make contact anymore.  A little corrosion removal and good as new.

I would run a ground (jumper) to your door switches while they are removed and check for power with a test light, and verify that you didn't buy bad switches.  If no volts present start back-tracking. 
'75 K20

Offline BADAZ chevy guy

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Re: Courtesy(dome)light
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2014, 07:16:07 pm »
Easy Test!
Take the wire that goes to the door switch and touch it to a clean ground source. If the light comes on, you have a door switch problem. If it doesn't, you have a light or wiring problem.