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The interior light (between the sun visors in a coupe) will only turn on when I have it set to the on when the doors are open setting. When its switched to that and either door is open, the light turns on (as it should). When I switch it to the always (regular) on position, nothing happens (with or without the doors open). I'm not sure why it won't turn on. If I ever need a light I have to open my door.



I am also having locking issues and know the switches in the door jams (connected to the light) can cause the car to think the door is open and unlock. Since the light turns off when I close the doors, this shouldn't be an issue, correct? Could the light not turning on normally be connected to the locks?



Thanks.

I would say "Yes". Door locks/lights reply on those crappy brass brute force switches to operate perfectly. Even though the contacts may allow enough current for some funtions to operate they may not be compliant with other demands. Pull them out and give tme a good clean as they tarnish and check them with a meter. As they are only a single pole switch make sure the grounding screw is also seating and making good contact.

What should I check with the meter?



Thanks for the advice, sounds like a good idea.

The centre pin to the outside case should go to 0 ohms when closed. There is a little bent triangle that just presses into a hole, if that is off just a bit then the contact is never a good one. There is 12V on the centre of the switch so you can measure and make sure you have a solid 12V there as well, wiggle the wire, clean the contact.

You might want to take a look at the light assembly as well. The contacts in there are not terribly robust, and the heat from the bulb(s) over the years tends to deform the plastic housing. I had one in the trunk (cab) that kindof worked sometimes. When I opened it up it was clear that the contacts were not making contact. I replaced the light assembly - $10 as I recall.