Interior Light Problem on 1999 Solara

[mfox20]

I have a interior light and clock issue that began a couple of days ago. I will describe the issue below and what I have checked so far. Any input would be appreciated.

1. Open any door, dome light does not come on and the clock goes out then resets to 1:00.

2. Turn on any inside light switch such as the map light or vanity mirror light, no lights will come on and clock goes out then resets to 1:00.

3. Open trunk, same symtoms as in 1 and 2.

It appears that 12 volts becomes not available to these items when any light switch changes position (door switch, map light switch, etc...). I checked voltage in the passenger side vanity mirror and showed about 9 volts only.

Battery voltage is about 12.6 and alternator is delivering about 14 volts. I am not seeing any battery drain down overnight.

Bulbs were checked for continuity and appear to be good.

I am not sure where else to look, maybe I missed a bad bulb, bad switch, bad ground. Everything appears to be related to the courtesy type lights.

Any thoughts?

Again, I appreciate any insight you might provide. We purchased the car new in 99 and it has about 131k and has had very few issues.

Michael

[pjfaith]

Was was the fix on this problem? I don't see where you can find the answer to peoples car problems....

[Lauer340]

It sounds like to me you're shorting somewhere. I would start with checking your fuse panel located under your steering wheel on the inside of the change holder. Make sure you have the right fuses. If that checks out, make sure your car is grounded properly from the battery. That could cause a malfunction but I doubt. Cause it sounds like, every time you pull energy for these lights it's drawing energy then suddenly stopping all. So next I would check to make sure your wires and plugs are all tight and not burned out behind the console. Idk other then that...