I have been reading on here about all the problems with courtesy lights. I have a 1980 and the lights were staying on all the time. I unplugged the dimmer module that is behind the glove box.

The interior lights should go out after about 30-45 seconds, if the timer is working properly. If they are still staying on after the timer should have turned them out, then you definitely need to start checking the pin switches(door switches). It's possible the wire(s) to one, or both of them are ground. It's fairly common for the terminals on the switches to break, and allow the wire end to ground against the pillar post. I did work on a '77 model one time that had that same problem, and I found that the passenger side door, when closed, wasn't even touching the pin switch. Adjusting the switch out helped, but I would up gluing a small piece of rubber on the end of the switch, and another small piece on the door itself, so the two parts would touch, and open the switch. I fooled with that problem for the better part of a week before finding it.....
You can disconnect the pin switch terminals from the timer module, and see if the lights go out then. If they stay on still, you have other problems...

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Joel Adams
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I have held the pin switches in by hand one at a time and still nothing. Can you give me a couple tips on how to remove them etc. Thanks

This is from the 1980 electrical troubleshooting decription.

 

Operation:

 

Entering: When either door is opened lights will come on for 30 to 45 seconds or until ign switch is turned to start or run.

 

Leaving: When ignition turned off lights stay on for 15 seconds.

 

With ignition in run and either door opened, lights come on until door is closed.

 

Lh Door Sw: 3 wires Wht- Lts, Lt Blu-Anti Theft and Tan-Key Alarm

Rh Door Sw: 2 wires Wht-Lts, Lt Blu-Anti Theft

 

You should be able to bypass timer by jumpering the 2 wht wires of the disconnected timer connector. If lights remain on you know you have an issue with the door sws.

 

The headlight sw puts a ground that bypasses the timer (does not go through it) if you have a meter you can check the wht wires of the timer connector to ground. one wht wire would read some resistance to ground and go to ground when the headlight sw turned counter clock wise. the other wht wire should read open (no resistance) with doors closed ground with door opened. The wht wire for door switches goes to passenger door first then a wire from their goes to the drivers side. (if I read the diagram correctly)

I am looking for the left and right courtesy light door switches and can't seem to find them both. Find new ones I mean. any suggestions?

Lectric Limited ...Click on the "View Catalog" at the top of the page, then enter year/model. Scroll down to "Switches".....you'll see both driver and pass side switches there. 

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks a lot , got them ordered. Glad I joined this site.

Is there anything I should know or be aware of before taking the old door switches out and installing the new ?

Depending on where the car has lived most of it's life, they should screw out nice and easy. Once out, you can pull them thru the holes, and swap the wiring terminals.
IF the car has lived in the rust belt, you might wanna spray some penetrant around them a day or so before trying to get them out.
Other than the rust issue, it's really pretty straight forward.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks Joel, the way I see it you have to remove the kick panel and get at them that way. Is that correct, thanks again

You should not have to remove the kick panel!!  Just unscrew the switch and gently pull, you should be able to see the connection at the end of the switch!!

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Yeppers....just unscrew them and pull out. However...IF the wire terminals have pulled out, or broken off, you will need to remove the kick panel to get to them, but they are right there....no searching.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks a million guys you are awesome

One tip before you get a surprise....disconnect the battery before you remove the pin switches. The switch body IS the ground for the system....sometimes, when unscrewing the switch(es), you can get a little spark/shock.....which can lead to more serious bodily damage by banging yer head on something. It can also cause some pretty bad werds to fly outta yer mouth....

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Boy you guys have been a great help. Replaced the door switches , was very easy, And everything works just like it should.The headlight switch turns them off and on like they should and and now also when you open the door and then shut it after 30 seconds everything turns off. Finally!! thanks for all the help. Ordered the switches yesterday and they came today, thanks again !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 YEAAAA!!!!!! I love it when a plan comes together! 

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Plan??  We had a plan??  We be just a bunch of C-3 vetters that "tinker around" with our babies!!!  (Don't tell the wife I said that!!)

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