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Interior - Lights Remain On/Battery Becomes Rundown

File In Section: 8 - Chassis/Body Electrical

Bulletin No.: 43-81-01B

Date: September, 1995

Subject:
Battery Rundown/Interior Lights Remain On
(Diagnostic Check/Replace Door Handle Switch)

Models:
1992-94 Chevrolet Cavalier
1994 Chevrolet Corsica, Beretta
1992-94 Pontiac Sunbird

This bulletin is being revised to update the correction procedure and parts and warranty information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 43-81-01A (Section 8 - Chassis/Body Electrical).

Condition

Some owners may experience interior lights staying "ON" after all doors are closed and after the Multi-Function Alarm Module's inadvertent lighting function has timed out, causing battery rundown. In the Corsica/Beretta, the Multi-Function Alarm Module will automatically turn off the interior lights after 20 minutes. The Cavalier and Sunbird's interior lights will continue to light indefinitely.

Cause

The LH and/or RH front door handle switch(es) may be providing a resistive path to ground which may cause the Multi-Function Alarm Module to sense that the door(s) are falsely open.

Correction

Follow the diagnostic procedure as listed below. If a resistance other than the specified value registers during testing, replace the malfunctioning door handle switch, (see P/N chart). Continue through the entire test to check that both the RH and LH door handle switches are functioning properly.

1. Disconnect the Multi-Function Alarm Module.

2. With the LH front door open, measure the resistance from:

Term "J" to Term "P" (J Car)

CONN C1, Term "H" to CONN C2, Term "E" (L Car)

Resistance should be between 0 - 0.5 Ohms.

3. With the LH front door closed, measure the resistance from:

Term "J" to Term "P" (J Car)

CONN C1, Term "H" to CONN C2, Term "E" (L Car)

Resistance should be > 30 Mega Ohms.

4. With the RH front door open, measure the resistance from:

Term "K" to Term "P" (J Car)

CONN C1, Term "G" to CONN C2, Term "E" (L Car)

Resistance should be between 0 - 0.5 Ohms.

5. With the RH front door closed, measure the resistance from:

Term "K" to Term "P" (J Car)

CONN C1, Term "G" to CONN 02, Term "E" (L Car)

Resistance should be > 30 Mega Ohms.

Parts Information





All parts are found in Group 10.470 - LOCK ASM F/RH or LH

Important:
The door handle switches are part of the front side door lock assembly.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information





For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: