Reading lamps drain battery?

[eipromb]

Just wanted to ask a question for those with the rear reading lamps, (I think models with sunroof only).

If you turn them on, do they turn off automatically for you after a certain period?

I've have my battery go dead twice because I left the rear lamp on while working on the car (the fronts do turn off after a while). I realize its my own fault, but there should be some sort of protection, my previous car (Mazda3) had the rear lights turn off after about 15 minutes. I've asked the dealer about it, and they say its just how the car is. Just wondering if it really is that way or my car just isn't working right.

[Luna2]

Originally Posted by eipromb

Just wanted to ask a question for those with the rear reading lamps, (I think models with sunroof only).

If you turn them on, do they turn off automatically for you after a certain period?

I've have my battery go dead twice because I left the rear lamp on while working on the car (the fronts do turn off after a while). I realize its my own fault, but there should be some sort of protection, my previous car (Mazda3) had the rear lights turn off after about 15 minutes. I've asked the dealer about it, and they say its just how the car is. Just wondering if it really is that way or my car just isn't working right.

Following the "EM0250U" manual pg 164 to pg 169, when you turn on the lamp using the "local" switch, it bypasses the light on sensor input to the ECU (pg 166) from the light. The bypass mode on the switch is straight to body ground, hence the light will remain on till the power source is removed or is depleted [dead]. Remember to turn the light OFF when done!.....
I did note that if any interior light is in any position other than auto/door or off, the return path is to the chassis/ground directly, no auto off.
If I am in error, please tell me where the error is and advise me where to look in the manual(s) for the correct information, THANKS!!!!