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.

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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

I've been following this thread, don't mean to hijack it but I have no interior lights as well. Also when I turn the headlight switch to the left all the way I still have no lights. Is it the timer, or something else? Metal Man2008-03-29 10:47:39

Mine didn't appear to ground to the frame, it was either painted (badly by the last painter before mine during the last color change) or I must have missed something. 

I'll have it on the lift next week and see what I can see.

Thanks,

Metal Man, the easiest thing to do is open the doors and use a simple tester with a bulb in between, checking across the dome light.  Then rotate the light switch to the left all the way past the "click" and test again.

I also had a blown fuse that someone had put the wrong (smaller fuse) in.

I don't have my shop manual here.  It's at 71Shark's place.  If he reads this, maybe he will look up the fuse placement and amperage for you.

If not, I'll try to find it and repost.

I tried the thing with the test light, door open and with the light switch.Nothing, I have power at the lighter and at the light timer plug, behind the glove box. Tested all the bulbs, all good. Shouldn't the lights come on with the light switch rotated all the way to the left with the doors closed, or does this light timer control everything. I'm lost, maybe there's a way of bypassing this thing.It would be nice to have courtesy lights.

Mine works with the doors shut and the light  knob all the way to the left. 

Does anybody remember which side (driver or passenger) the wiring for the dome light runs down?  I thought it was the drivers side, but I can't remember.  You could check to see if the wiring is in tact by pulling the trim piece.

Are you sure your bulbs are good in the kick panel lights?  I tried to pull mine out and turn them around and both bulbs broke off.  Had to fish them out with a punch.  Use the bulb lube with the new bulbs.

Is it possible that there is a problem with the light switch itself.

OK If I jump the black and white wires on the plug that goes into the timer all the interior lights go on. I checked the door pin switches and they seem fine. When I jump this timer plug, the lights stay on when the door is open or closed, or if the light switch is rotated on or off. Help.

My interior lights won't come on even when I rotate the headlight switch all the way to the left. The timer is on back-order with Zip. Supposed to come in in a week or two. I was going to pull the glove box and check the timer wiring with my multi-tester this weekend but got sidetracked. That ever happen to anyone else? 

I jumped the two white wires together at the timer pug and voila, the lights come on and off when I open and close the doors.Still no lights when I turn the light switch. I think i can live without the timer.