So today, out of the blue, I realized that even with the door shut the courtesy lights stay on. I've checked all of the door switches, and they are all fine. What could be the problem?

I should admit I took out the radio this afternoon. Could that have anything to do with it? It's the only work I've been doing to the car lately, but it does involve the electrical system.

I'd really rather not resort to the removal of the lightbulbs, but if I can't get this sorted tonight, that's what I'll have to do.

Has anybody seen this before, or have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Andrew.

 

Andrew..

I'd suggest pulling the drivers side switch, and testing it manually, just to make sure it's not an open circuit.. I'd bet that is where the problem is...
And, if you find that is the problem, I have replacements, cheap.. ($6)..

My 84 was doing the same thing on a left rear door, it was in the switch.. Closed and opened normally, but never broke the circuit.. Different switch, problem solved..

Cheers
David
Everyday XJ

 

Thanks, David.

Well, I did pull the driver's side switch, took it apart, cleaned it thoroughly and put it back together (even resoldered the connections of the wires), went through the parts manual and the service manual carefully (including an absolutely futile search for the courtesy light delay switch, which the service manual describes in utterly opaque terms)...

And then, the light bulb went on, so to speak, and I turned the interior light switch off. Duh! I guess I've never had occasion to use it since I've owned the car, and just didn't think of it connecting to the courtesy lights. Geez.

Stupid, maybe, but I hope this flailing about helps someone else sometime!

 

Andrew. Not stupid at all. There aren't many cars with a switch like that for interior lights. There aren't even many other Jags, come to think of it. It is one of the quirks.

And I'd just like to say, there is always value in reading the handbook (not meaning to imply you haven't). I consulted mine again today about those two little knobs on the rear console.