interior light- works with door open, and nothing else

[dannycam]

its an 89 e30, and the lights only work when the doors are open. flicking the switch doesnt do diddily :(

[archie]

I got an interior light problem also. I'm watching this thread.

[dkbmxer002]

the bulbs probably aren't making a contact with the other prong.

[archie]

the bulbs probably aren't making a contact with the other prong.

I wish it was that simple.Mine is waaaaay more than that.

[ZekeTheSneak]

on mine the little pin that the black switch articulates off of broke, therefore only doors.

[dkbmxer002]

i believe that is the thing i am talking about

[JakeP]

On mine, the ends of the bulbs were so corroded that the switch couldn't make a good contact. I wet sanded the ends clean and it works perfectly. (I was too lazy to drive over to buy new bulbs)

[archie]

Check the wire under the rear seat. Betcha is worn through, mine was.

[JakeP]

Check the wire under the rear seat. Betcha is worn through, mine was.

That would cause a blown fuse though.

[Ceeker]

it's one of or more of a few things mentioned^^^^corroded contacts, prongs not making contact; bulb or contacts corroded, usually both. Since the light comes on with the door open, and not with the manual switch. I would suspect it is the prongs. However, the question remains do "both" sides react the same with the door shut? if it's one, then prob, the prongs. if it's both? then prob the wiring.