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Question about dome light switches

Discussion in '365 GT4 2+2/400/412' started by 180 Out, Oct 23, 2012.

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  1. 180 Out

    180 Out Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2012
    1,286
    San Leandro, CA
    Full Name:
    Bill Henley
    #1 180 Out, Oct 23, 2012
    I found my '83 400i with a nearly dead battery just now, and the dome lights on. When I say dome light, I'm talking about these largish rectangular fixtures at each end of the overhead console. They illuminate when you open the door, and they stay on for about 10 seconds after you close the door. Each fixture also has a slider switch to turn the light to "always-on." My question: what is the position of the switch for "always-on" (or in the alternative what is the position for "door activated")? Just to keep it straight, the two possible positions for the slider are "toward the front" and "toward the rear." I'd like to know with respect to the front fixture and the rear fixture: what is the position of each slider switch for "always-on"?

    I'm asking because neither setting will turn off the lights. Both fixtures want to stay on constantly. Therefore I suspect either that one of the plunger switches in the door jambs is stuck in an always-on position, or the relay is failing. I will troubleshoot this later. But for now I'd like to know is, what is the always-on setting for the slider switches? Thanks in advance for any help.
     
  2. blkprlz

    blkprlz Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2007
    2,169
    Tampa bay
    Full Name:
    Bruce
    #2 blkprlz, Oct 24, 2012
    Sorry Bill, can't help you out on that (but I'm going back to Fla. in a couple of wks.)...I'm sure someone will before then.
    On another note:
    Italian cars (& British cars as well) are known for their electrical gremlins & it has always been advised to install disconnect switches to the battery to prevent drain down (Moroso or other). From what I understand, the newer cars had them factory installed...don't know if this is still the case or not. I'm not a real fan of these types because if someone can get into the car, they can unlatch the hood cables to re-connect. I'm more of a Hella guy because you can tuck these babies away in inconspicuous places. Even with this type of switch, I still disconnect the battery & connect a tender to it...I just don't want to blow the Dinoplex :(
    http://www.boatersplus.com/hella-2843011.html?utm_source=googlepla&utm_medium=cse&utm_content=LS-265-002843011&utm_campaign=googlepla&gclid=CMGUp9PgmbMCFc1lOgodORwAHQ
     
  3. SouthJersey400i

    SouthJersey400i Formula 3

    Mar 14, 2007
    1,679
    Romulus, NY (Finger Lakes)
    Full Name:
    Ken Battle
    #3 SouthJersey400i, Oct 24, 2012
    Bill
    There is a timing relay to turn the lights off. I suspect yours has failed. I replaced mine only a week ago. My lights went off but I suspect a slow power drain thru that relay. It was not the problem so I have a second hand working relay if you are interested. the relay looks like the others except about twice as tall and is located in the upper left of the fuse/relay panel.
    Ken
     
  4. 180 Out

    180 Out Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2012
    1,286
    San Leandro, CA
    Full Name:
    Bill Henley
    #4 180 Out, Oct 25, 2012
    Hi Ken. I sent a pm about the relay. Do you know about the light switch position, whether "toward the front" is "always on" or is it "door actuated"?
     

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