Cabin lights turn off quickly???

[NKenny]

About 3 weeks ago, with no apparent cause, my cabin lights began to turn off very quickly once the truck is turned off. It used to have a 30 sec. or so wait time. Also, if I turn on a light in the cab with the truck off, open a door with the truck off, or use the dimmer switch to turn on the lights, they will not stay on more than 5 seconds. The cargo light does the same thing. I have tried every setting the light dial, etc.



What is the cause of this? I really like to be able to have lights inside the truck when the truck is not running.



Thanks.

 

[RRees]

I'll give it a shot. I'm new to the Diesel thing, only had my 06 for less than 3 weeks.



I don't know if they use a mercury switch or not, but if they do, that could effect how fast the mercury "opens" the circuit. Try parking on and incline and see if you have a longer "burn" time. Like I said its a WAG, since you have a 2 inch leveling kit.



Later.

 

[ENafziger]

This has really been bothering me too! I also have an '06, and my truck is exhibiting the exact same symptoms as yours. It's really aggravating to turn on the cargo light and jump in the back of the truck... just as the light turns off!



If there is something to this mercury thing... When did you first notice your truck doing this? I first noticed it on mine right after I went up a VERY steep and rocky incline about 200 yards long... pretty dumb thing to do, but sometimes when you're on a date you aren't thinking very straight!

 

[JApol]

I have the same problem on my 05 after the door got replaced after an acident. Probably something in there

 

[fireman717]

Well I am in too. Mine started after getting rid of my bullydog. Everything else is fine.

 

[Lips]

mine go off quickly when i turn off the headlights before shutting the truck down. they stay on longer if i turn off the headlights after shutting the truck off.

 

[pwr2tow]

If you press on the brakes the dome light comes back on, but you have to keep pressing the brakes every time the light goes out.

 

[tdinut]

I replied to a previous thread from someone on AZ (I think). He has the same problem and he said the factory worker who installed the timer module set it wrong. From what I understand, his dealer said it was set to 20 sec. not 20 min. and the only way to fix it would be to replace the dash console under warranty. The dealer said he would need the truck for at least 3 days and provide a loaner. The dash would be taken out and sent to Chrysler for a replacement and set with the same mileage etc. as the old one. I have the same problem and don't want anyone ripping my dash apart (yet). I have no squeaks or rattles. I have not talked to my dealer about it yet and do not know if they will own up to it.



Joe

 

[ENafziger]

Is this something that can be changed with the dealer's scan tool? The lights worked fine when I got the truck, and continued to work for about 5 months. Even when I turn on the lights manually (either with the light dimmer switch all the way up, or by pressing the lights) they go off in a very short time... maybe 5 - 10 seconds.

 

[tdinut]

Here is a link to the other thread ...

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165066



I would like to get mine fixed if it is not a radical procedure.



Joe

 

[ENafziger]

Thanks for posting the link. That's interesting about being programmed wrong from the factory. I am 100% certain that my lights used to stay on for extended times... I used to be able to turn the cargo light on and sit in the bed and read for at least 15 or 20 minutes before it would go off. Now I can barely jump up into the bed before it goes out again!



While the wrong factory program may be the cause for some of the vehicles, it makes me think that there is another problem as well... I hope someone comes up with something soon. I've already had the transfer case in my truck replaced under warranty, and the leaking grab handle issue looked at. I've got to get the truck in soon for the loose driver's seat, leaking grab handle (again), transmission violently popping out of reverse, fuel tank vent recall, dome/cargo lights not staying on, long-cranking TSB, front pinion seal leaking, etc. All in all though, a great truck!

 

[JDubien]

Well... I'm not sure whats going on, but my dome light issue seems to have fixed itself. Now it's staying on for 10 minutes before it shuts off. Now I really don't believe the dealers story about the timer being set wrong. The silver lining is that my dash wasn't taken apart and I wasn't without my truck for 3 days or more. However, theres no telling what the future will bring. I just hope it continues to work. By the way, the dealer told me they could not fix with scan tool, it had to be sent back to factory. Good luck everyone.

 

[NKenny]

The problem began about one month ago. I have 24K on my truck and spend a significant time off road. I can't remember any specific event that triggered the change, but I know it worked perfectly before.



ENafziger, I hear you on the date "courage". I have had this truck in a spot or two thinking "You are and idiot. " If I could plan it better, I suppose I would drive the other truck on dates (we'd have to put up with the smell of manure, dust, and gear oil).

 

[tdinut]

Update! Try This, It fixed mine.



Hi,



Yesterday when I changed my fuel filter, I disconnected the negative battery terminals for probably 30 minutes. I was told to disconnect them for at least 8 minutes or more, then reconnect. It worked like a charm. Now they do what they are supposed to do. I am relieved the dashboard did not have to be ripped up. I don't know how long they will stay like that and hope that was just a freak occurrence. So if anyone is still having problems, give it a try. Good Luck.



Joe

 

[JimB1]

That fits. It's a re-boot to whatever is re-bootable in the system. 8 minute wait time is to guarntee bleed down of all subsystem power supplies so there's a true zero voltage which in many systems sets up a auto re-boot cycle upon power-up. Quirky timing cycle (the lights) misoperations are part and parcel of system program getting out of sync and re-boot is the fresh start. Your 30 second wait time is about right for industrial electronics which usually have LED's that dim out. Can't think of anything needing 8 minutes. I can also think of a good handful of other posts calling out various instrument panel lights comming on unexpectedly. Re-boot is a good try for solving that. I'm betting lots of these devices are data bus address controlled. Anything quirky with that stuff on a otherwise good system and re-boot is a early troubleshooting step.

 

[ENafziger]

Thanks!!!!!!!! I unhooked the negative terminals of my batteries last night for about 45 minutes... and lights are fixed! Thanks again... Eric

 

[CRuth]

Man, i wish mine would malfunction. I get seriously annoyed waiting for the dang lights to go out.

 

[jandr]

I've seen in another, newer post about guys having the same problem with their light timer going off too soon, like mine is doing, and see the easy fix is to disconnect the battery. I came across this older post where guys had this problem last year and fixed it with the battery deal. Just wondering if it has held up or if it started again. My truck is about 2 years old, about 30,000 miles. This timer problem just started a couple of weeks ago.

 

[willysrule]

I can't find it again but there was a TSB out for this... they had a flash that would fix it...

 

[jandr]

Well, mine did it again. First time was around 20,000 mi. The battery disconnect worked great. Made the "light off timer" work just like when it was new. Only other thing I noticed that happened during this process was that the MPG overhead computer went to 15. Probably a default number. But that came back up to normal after a short bit of driving.

It just did it again at around 45,000 mi. Has anyone had to do this more than once? Still, no big deal if it lasts that long and can stay away from the dealer.