1998 Dodge Caravan Dome Lights

abearinabox@cav · 09-08-2007, 01:24 PM

I have a 1998 Dodge Caravan my problem is the Dome Lights. When any door is opened the lights will not go on. I have checked the lights and fuses but everything looks alright. After the alloted time for the lights to turn off, I hear the switch click off? Any help is gratefully received.

Bob

**qldit** · 09-08-2007, 09:03 PM

Good Afternoon abearinabox@cav, I have absolutely no experience with that particular vehicle, but lighting circuits generally are quite simple.

I am guessing that when you switch those lights on there would be a time controlled relay involved, if this is the case it would most likely be a dual contact kind of relay where one set of contacts is used for the timed "hold-in" circuit, and the second would be used for passing power to the light circuit.

If this might be the case I would suggest having a close look at that relay, it's contacts and connections, possibly consider replacing it.

The power to that system would most likely be common for both circuits.

Afterthought, also check the globe hoders are earthed to the frame of the vehicle, chances are there is a common earth that is not making contact.
To check this you will need a small multimeter and a length of wire to check for continuity using the resistance range with no power applied.
You can also select a suitable DC voltage range and test similarly to see if any voltage is apparent on the centre globe socket when power is applied.
(Centre of globe socket to frame)

Others will have different ideas.

Cheers, qldit.

09-08-2007, 01:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
abearinabox@cav Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: baltimore,md Posts: 41 OS: winXP SP2	1998 Dodge Caravan Dome Lights I have a 1998 Dodge Caravan my problem is the Dome Lights. When any door is opened the lights will not go on. I have checked the lights and fuses but everything looks alright. After the alloted time for the lights to turn off, I hear the switch click off? Any help is gratefully received. Bob

09-08-2007, 09:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
qldit TSF Gearhead Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane Australia. Posts: 592 OS: All Systems, mainly Linux	Re: 1998 Dodge Caravan Dome Lights Good Afternoon abearinabox@cav, I have absolutely no experience with that particular vehicle, but lighting circuits generally are quite simple. I am guessing that when you switch those lights on there would be a time controlled relay involved, if this is the case it would most likely be a dual contact kind of relay where one set of contacts is used for the timed "hold-in" circuit, and the second would be used for passing power to the light circuit. If this might be the case I would suggest having a close look at that relay, it's contacts and connections, possibly consider replacing it. The power to that system would most likely be common for both circuits. Afterthought, also check the globe hoders are earthed to the frame of the vehicle, chances are there is a common earth that is not making contact. To check this you will need a small multimeter and a length of wire to check for continuity using the resistance range with no power applied. You can also select a suitable DC voltage range and test similarly to see if any voltage is apparent on the centre globe socket when power is applied. (Centre of globe socket to frame) Others will have different ideas. Cheers, qldit. Last edited by qldit; 09-08-2007 at 09:09 PM.