[xj] interior lights won't turn off

XJ
1

My interior lights on the pillars won’t go off. The switch
is off and the little plungers at all four doors lubed and
checked. The lights dim slightly when buttons at rear doors
are pushed in.

Has anyone experienced this phenomenon?–
Christopher Everett '87 Ser. III
Toledo/Ohio, United States
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2

In reply to a message from duckett sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Christopher:

Your car is the opposite of my 83XJ6. My driver side doors will not
cause the pillar lights to come on! I cleaned & lubed the switches
also. I even took one apart. I found that if I push the plunger
slightly to one side it will activate the pillar lights.

The switches in the jambs just complete the grounds when the
plunger is out. So, if you disconnect the swith at the bullet, you
should have the lights go out. Means a short to ground within the
switch. If still have lights, the ground wire is shnorted to ground
somewhere. I suspect a completed circuit to ground within one of
the switches.

Good luck with the electrickery from a decidely non-electrical
genius, or any other kind either.

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

My interior lights on the pillars won’t go off. The switch
is off and the little plungers at all four doors lubed and
checked. The lights dim slightly when buttons at rear doors
are pushed in.
Has anyone experienced this phenomenon?

–
Carl Hutchins
Walnut Creek, California, United States
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3

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Seems to me a common problem. My Series 1 had a combo drivers door
switch - controlled the interior lights when opened and was
supposed to make a ‘‘noise’’ when the key was in and door was opened?
This feature never worked, so I am really not sure of that function.

This poorly designed and constructed S1 combo switch is not
available, all replacement/used ones that I have purchased
are ‘‘defective due to placement in the door frame and the lack of
waterproofing.’’ When taken apart, it is obvious that water entered
at the plunger and rusted the inside contacts.

I rewired mine with a GM door switch from Kragen. It does not look
like the Jaguar switch but it works perfectly every time. I did not
bother fixing the other door switches - but this could be done on
the other doors as well.–
The original message included these comments:

also. I even took one apart. I found that if I push the plunger
slightly to one side it will activate the pillar lights.
The switches in the jambs just complete the grounds when the

–
'71 XJ6 383/200R, '74 XJ6 383/700R, '74 Nova SS Glendora, CA
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4

In reply to a message from duckett sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Duckett, I had the same thing happen on my 85 XJ-6. Turns out to
be a fuse, as I recall on the left fender, can’t remember which
one. The interior lights and the little red door open lights on
the ends of the door remained on. Not sure I understand the
process exactly, but when I replaced the fuse, all returned as it
should be. Theres several posts in the archives that should help.
Good luck. Keith.–
The original message included these comments:

My interior lights on the pillars won’t go off. The switch

–
Keith Hodges, 1985 XJ6, 1995 XJS Conv, V-12
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
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5

In reply to a message from Keith Hodges sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Keith:

That is really weird. Bad fuse means lights stay on? Usually bad
fuse or bad fuse connection means no lights!

Oh, me no wonder it continues to mystify me in so many ways!

I can usually find my way into the cart in the dark and my
passenger side functions correctly, so my wife gets an illuminated
entry and that’s what counts.

The little red light is hopeless as a warning anyway!

The door warning lights in my Jeep are out. It requirees removing
the door panels to change the bulbs!! No way. Musta been an
engineering convention attended by Jaguar and Jeep engineers!!

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

Duckett, I had the same thing happen on my 85 XJ-6. Turns out to
be a fuse, as I recall on the left fender, can’t remember which
one. The interior lights and the little red door open lights on
the ends of the door remained on. Not sure I understand the
process exactly, but when I replaced the fuse, all returned as it
should be. Theres several posts in the archives that should help.

–
Carl Hutchins
Walnut Creek, California, United States
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6

In reply to a message from Keith Hodges sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Was hoping it was common. Now do you mean the fuses in the
engine bay on the left?

Duckett, I had the same thing happen on my 85 XJ-6. Turns
out to
be a fuse, as I recall on the left fender, can’t remember which
one. The interior lights and the little red door open lights on
the ends of the door remained on. Not sure I understand the
process exactly, but when I replaced the fuse, all returned
as it
should be. Theres several posts in the archives that should
help.
Good luck. Keith.–
Christopher Everett '87 Ser. III
Toledo/Ohio, United States
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7

Usually its the #3 fuse for the power antenna. Jaguar had a bulletin about
it. The blown fuse causes some sort of back-feed.

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJR
1990 T-Bird SCFrom: “cadjag” carl.hutchins1@sbcglobal.net

That is really weird. Bad fuse means lights stay on? Usually bad
fuse or bad fuse connection means no lights!

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8

In reply to a message from Doug Dwyer sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Thank you Doug, I was afraid I was going to have to scratch my
head, or my backside, trying to figure out if I remembered it all
correctly. And, yes, to the other post, under the hood, on the
left hand fender. Keith–
The original message included these comments:

Usually its the #3 fuse for the power antenna. Jaguar had a bulletin about

–
Keith Hodges, 1985 XJ6, 1995 XJS Conv, V-12
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
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9

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Carl, weird, yes, and I’m as mystified over these things as you.
When mine happened, another poster just happened to have the same
thing, and the good members, (I forget which one) came back with
the answer. The red door open warning light is a joke, I agree,
but, since it was on, I figured it was just a matter of time before
the battery was drained. It did look kinda cool though, at night,
kinda like all the custom motorcycles you see now days with the
colored lights all around the engines. At least your wife received
the royal treatment with the lighted entry way, gotta keep them
happy if we want to continue this insanity. :o) Keith–
The original message included these comments:

That is really weird. Bad fuse means lights stay on? Usually bad

–
Keith Hodges, 1985 XJ6, 1995 XJS Conv, V-12
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
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10

In reply to a message from Keith Hodges sent Mon 7 Apr 2008:

Keith:

Yea, thanks to Doug, we now know that if the lights won’t go out to
check fuse #3 for the antenae. I guess a clue is that the antena is
likely out at that time as well!

Yea, if the lights won’t go out, it is just a matter of time as to
when the battery will go out!

It is a neat little red light, even if next to useless!

Happy wives mean a lot!

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

Carl, weird, yes, and I’m as mystified over these things as you.
When mine happened, another poster just happened to have the same
thing, and the good members, (I forget which one) came back with
the answer. The red door open warning light is a joke, I agree,
but, since it was on, I figured it was just a matter of time before
the battery was drained. It did look kinda cool though, at night,
kinda like all the custom motorcycles you see now days with the
colored lights all around the engines. At least your wife received
the royal treatment with the lighted entry way, gotta keep them
happy if we want to continue this insanity. :o) Keith

–
Carl Hutchins
Walnut Creek, California, United States
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11

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

I can report that they are still on! My antenna works, and
replacing the #3 fuse had no effect. Removed driver door
switch, unplugged connector, still on. Passenger door switch
unplugged, still on. The rear jambs are a little more
cramped. Could not reveal enough wire to get to the bullet
connector, if there even is one. I’m a dunce with
electricity. Does what I’ve done so far definitely mean that
the fault must lie in one of the back door jamb switches?–
Christopher Everett '87 Ser. III
Toledo/Ohio, United States
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12

duckett wrote:

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

I can report that they are still on! My antenna works, and
replacing the #3 fuse had no effect. Removed driver door
switch, unplugged connector, still on. Passenger door switch
unplugged, still on. The rear jambs are a little more
cramped. Could not reveal enough wire to get to the bullet
connector, if there even is one. I’m a dunce with
electricity. Does what I’ve done so far definitely mean that
the fault must lie in one of the back door jamb switches?

Have you actually checked that the interior light switch is ‘off’,
Christopher - ie ‘out’…?

In any case; at this stage it requires some attention anyway - it may
be shorted…?

Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)===================================================
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13

In reply to a message from Frank Andersen sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

Well, there you go. About the time you think you’ve got it figured
out… guess thats why the term electricery came to life! :o)–
The original message included these comments:

replacing the #3 fuse had no effect. Removed driver door

–
Keith Hodges, 1985 XJ6, 1995 XJS Conv, V-12
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
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14

I’d say the problem has to be with one of the switches (including the panel
switch) or you have a wire pinched and touching ground. Once you’ve isolated
which “leg” of the circuit is at fault it shouldn’t be too hard to fix.

No help on removing the jamb switches for the rear doors…never done so
before that I can remember. Perhaps you can access the wiring from behind if
you remove the pillar trim?

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJR
1990 T-Bird SCFrom: “duckett” ceveretus@yahoo.com

I can report that they are still on! My antenna works, and
replacing the #3 fuse had no effect. Removed driver door
switch, unplugged connector, still on. Passenger door switch
unplugged, still on. The rear jambs are a little more
cramped. Could not reveal enough wire to get to the bullet
connector, if there even is one. I’m a dunce with
electricity. Does what I’ve done so far definitely mean that
the fault must lie in one of the back door jamb switches?

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15

In reply to a message from Doug Dwyer sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

Oh my. I’m going where even Doug Dwyer has never gone before!----------------------
No help on removing the jamb switches for the rear
doors…never done so
before that I can remember.

Perhaps you can access the wiring from behind if
you remove the pillar trim?
Doug Dwyer

-Good idea!

Christopher Everett '87 Ser. III
Toledo/Ohio, United States
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16

In reply to a message from Frank Andersen sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

Give me a little credit, Frank! The lights are on in a
slightly dim and flickery state. When I hit the dash switch,
they get about 20% brighter.

Have you actually checked that the interior light switch
is ‘off’,
Christopher - ie ‘out’…?
In any case; at this stage it requires some attention
anyway - it may
be shorted…?–
Christopher Everett '87 Ser. III
Toledo/Ohio, United States
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17

In reply to a message from duckett sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

Christopher:

The flicker is a clue!!

If you wiggle the wires enough, it may open the ground short and
the lights will go out. that will tell you where the short to
ground is!

Electrickery!!

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

In any case; at this stage it requires some attention
anyway - it may
be shorted…?

–
Carl Hutchins
Walnut Creek, California, United States
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18

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

Went through all but the panel switch. I disconnected all
four door switches in turn, with just that door open, and
the lights remained on. As to a short-term non-fix, can
someone direct me to the fuse that I can pull to turn them off?–
Christopher Everett '87 Ser. III
Toledo/Ohio, United States
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19

duckett wrote:

In reply to a message from Frank Andersen sent Tue 8 Apr 2008:

Give me a little credit, Frank! The lights are on in a
slightly dim and flickery state. When I hit the dash switch,
they get about 20% brighter.

I was more thinking of a fault in the switch, Christopher - the only
thing you haven’t tested…:slight_smile:

Grabbing a handful of wires here and there to see if you can provoke a
reaction is a long shot. And since all the lamps are powered and the
switches just provides ground; you may even have two ground faults -
what about just leaving one door switch on at a time? And this can be a
fault in the actual lamp sockets as well… Any ground faults is by
nature a long haul - it’s the worst of all electrics to locate…

Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)===================================================
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20

In reply to a message from Frank Andersen sent Wed 9 Apr 2008:

what about just leaving one door switch on at a time?----------

I’ll try this, Frank. I’ve been assured it’s mostly likely
in one of the rarely used rear doors, but disconnecting the
switch did not turned the lamps off, but I did only have one
disconnected at a time. I don’t understand this fault at
all, due to my lack of basic electronics knowledge.

Christopher Everett '87 Ser. III
Toledo/Ohio, United States
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