When I bought my '01 S2K last year, the interior light had a mind of its own... OFF=OFF, MIDDLE=ON, ON=OFF... I finally got annoyed enough to get to the bottom of it. I'd already verified the magnetic door switch was working (beeping when key in ignition and door open) so I started removing the light.

Using a small screwdriver you should be able to pop the two small tabs on the clear lens (toward front of car) that covers the lamps. Once that comes out, you'll need to remove the two screws that also serve as ground, then pop similar tabs on the black plastic switch assembly.

Disconnect the plug and the switch assembly should come free. There are two wires coming into the switch assembly. White/Blue is constant 12V. The other is switched between GND and 12V, based on the magnetic door switch.

There's a lot going on in there for such a simple switch... To continue dissecting, there's a white plastic cover that can be removed to reveal the mechanics of the switch. NOTE: Be careful when removing this as there are a number of small parts and couple spring-loaded bearings that can shoot out. When I disconnected all that I found corrosion - the root of all my problems! No idea how water got in there but it's been dry up there since I've owned it (at least as far as I know).

Here's a pic. Notice the green gook on the top row (and that was after I'd scraped some of w/ a screwdriver).


I also cleaned the other side of those contacts (located on the back of the white plastic piece you had to remove to get this part out). A little cleaner, reassembly, and it now works like a charm (finally!). It's the little things... like a dome light that works when you open the door.

-e

 

A scouring pad and a little soap and water will clean the oxidization right off. Make sure you grease the contacts to keep air off of the copper, or they will just do it again.

 

good to go. lubed up and reinstalled. thx for the tip.

BTW, i used to live in fayetteville many years ago. still have family there.

-e

 

Cool. I'm a transplant though. I'm from Baton Rouge. I'm about to move to Clayton.

 

Lots of those in Fayetteville... I wasn't military but it seemed like everyone else was. Good luck w/ the move!

 

Strangely enough, I'm not here with the army. I'm actually a civilian now as of last month. I keep trying to think of a new screen name though.

 

I need to do this soon too. Got anymore pictures?

 

sorry, don't have any more pix. it's really pretty straight-forward. pm me when you get to it if you have any questions.

-e

 

Just did mine today, its been bothering me for a while. Thanks for the Pics.

Tip: Be careful when taking the switch apart, there is a spring with 2 ball bearings that like to fly out and get lost.

 

glad to hear you got it fixed. thx for the tip - that's why it was in my original post

i'll edit to bold that section just to be sure folks read that.