Interior Light Question

[mcaden]

So the interior light in my vert only works with the passenger side door opening up, but not the driver's side. My first troubleshoot was to replace the inner door jamb switch, but that didn't do it (note: I have the two blade style door jamb push switch). Next, I checked fuses and they were okay.

This leaves me thinking the following - either the wiring from the door jamb switch is a problem or possibly the door lock actuator/light relay needs replacing. My automatic door locks don't work and I haven't gotten around to checking that relay, but would this be it if the passenger side door properly operates the light? Anyone have experience troubleshooting this problem?

Much thanks and I did searches and reading, but didn't see anything more on point.

Marc

[jlevie]

Go to http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm and get the wiring diagrams for your car. You can use those to figure out where the problem has to be.

[mcaden]

One more thing in case this helps diagnose - my glove box light and ash tray lights are also not illuminated. Thanks.

[Sindako]

First of All Replace The bulbs .

Remove The Steering Under Cover , and Check Out The Wirings , with a Tester Pin .
The Cable's Colour Is Red with a Green Strip ON It .
It Powers The Interior Lights .
If The Cable Is OK , Remove The Left Front Speaker Cover .
And Make Sure The GND cable for The Door Switch Is Good .
You Can Test The Brown Cable by Making Contact to The chassis WIth a Fused Jumper .And The Interior Light should Work .

Now For The Glove Box .: Also Test The Cables . ( The Glove Box Cables are In The Dashboard Wiring Harness . Not Related To The Car Full Harness . Also Make Sure The Glove Box Light Button Is Connect and Not Broken .

And The Ashtray Light Comes With The AC Harness . Check Out The Cables . and The Mini Bulb Sockets .

You Can Add Lighting Bulb Sockets and Illuminated Buttons By Using The Grey/Red Cable . That Gives Power TO The Lights From The Dimmer . You Might Check Those as-well .

[mcaden]

Sindako -- this is exactly the advise I needed. THANKS!

I already have the under dash panel off, so I can easily check the red/green wire with a pin connector. However, if its the ground -- is the ground located behind the front floor speaker panel or under the steering column area?

Also, I didn't see you mention the relay, but do you think it could be courtesy light relay behind the front speaker panel (note: I realize it may be I need to troubleshoot the other issues first before determining a relay issue) or is this unlikely.

Much thanks.

Marc

[Sindako]

Make Sure The Cables Are Fine .
Some Cars Have a Relay For The Light Dome , But Most Of Them Don't < That Relay In The Speaker Panel Is For The Locking System .

[mcaden]

A friend helped me fix today - we joined the red and black wires behind the front speaker kick panel. Auto door locks now work and interior light.

This is what we did- http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83622