My interior lights no worky-worky

A couple weeks ago I went out to my 81 to find the interior lights (dome light and both floor lights) on. I did a cursory check of the fuse panel to make sure that I hadn't knocked a wire loose with my left foot. I had to stop for gas on the way home and the lights went off (waited the standard delay then auto-dimmed out like they're supposed to). Then, a few days later, no lights at all.

I replaced all of the standard fuses in the fuse panel but no change. The dash lights and glove box lights all work just fine. Any suggestions on the next place to look?

Thanks in advance, guys!

Corey

Your courtesy light timer sounds like it's gone bad.  I believe it's mounted behind the glove box.  It's orange so it's pretty obvious when you see it. 

There are some repro timers on the market and occasionally a NOS one turns up on Ebay.  I don't know how but it can be bypassed.  Hopefully someone here will tell you how.

I was thinking it might be the timer, too...but I had no idea where to find that little guy. I guess I'll be pulling the glove box this weekend.

Anyone know how to test the timer to verify that it's the culprit (before ordering a replacement)?

Thanks!

I don't know if there's an actual test...it either works correctly or it doesn't, and yours is acting exactly like one that's gone bad.  In the '78 I used to own the timer would sometimes work correctly, sometimes the lights wouldn't go out and sometimes would come on at random.  

I feel pretty confidant saying go ahead and replace your timer and you'll be good to go.

Well, not one to argue with C3VR wisdom, I'll go ahead and order a replacement timer. I'll let everyone know how it goes...maybe take some pics of the process in case it might help someone else down the road.

It does sound like a timer issue. You might try unplugging it, and then plugging it back in first, just in case it has a little corrosion on the connector. The timers do have a bit of an attitude it seems...sometimes they work fine, sometimes they don't. Fickle things.

Is there one on the '80 model?  I can activate my interior lights by turning the light switch all the way to the left, but they won't come on if you open either door.  I replaced both of the door push-in thingies, but it still doesn't work.

Not to hijack your thread Cory, but this is driving me nuts as well (ok, so it's a short drive, more like a short stroll).

No problem, dnv...

According to Zip Corvette, you've got the same exact timer:

78-82 COURTESY LIGHT TIMER
Product Number:ES-341

Price:

$69.95

Corey

Corey;

Can you activate yours by rotating your headlight switch to the left all the way?

DNV when you replaced the door sws did you make sure they make good contact I beleive they ground to the frame