Dome/map light takes too long to extinguish after starting the engine

Allan Hastings

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The overhead dome/map light on my 2011 GT comes on as it should when the door is opened or unlocked with the key fob. Problem is, it won't turn itself off when the car is running and underway, even if I try to do it manually. This is a problem after dark, driving the car with the light constantly on. I could remove the bulbs and lose the map light, but now and then that function is needed. All standard operator actions that result in the lights coming on work as designed. The lights eventually go out but only after a long time, just as they would if one door was left ajar or open long after exiting the car.
I believe that the signal the engine sends to a logic circuit somewhere in the electrical system is not being received that would otherwise result in a power interruption to those lights.
Any ideas about where to look for a failed component?
 

MrBhp

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The following info may not apply to your car, but it might help. ??
My daughter had the same issue with her Hyundai. I never got a chance to diagnose it cause she lives in Alabama. Her dome light seemed to have a mind of its own. Would do what yours is doing. She figured it out eventually. One of her boys had slammed something in the door. Like maybe the seat belt buckle. It bent the jamb just enough to screw up the switch. Some times it worked. Usually it didn't. It would just stay on.

Could it be a switch problem?
 

Allan Hastings

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The following info may not apply to your car, but it might help. ??
My daughter had the same issue with her Hyundai. I never got a chance to diagnose it cause she lives in Alabama. Her dome light seemed to have a mind of its own. Would do what yours is doing. She figured it out eventually. One of her boys had slammed something in the door. Like maybe the seat belt buckle. It bent the jamb just enough to screw up the switch. Some times it worked. Usually it didn't. It would just stay on.

Could it be a switch problem?
The switch you mentioned is not located in a visible and obvious place on the door or door jamb as best I can tell. In the past (maybe the very distant past) such a device was somewhat vulnerable because it was located in a readily accessible position. Not so on the 2011 Mustang. Moreover, the problem arises whether the driver's door or the passenger's door is opened then closed.
 

MrBhp

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I was thinking it was a different situation with our cars. Oh well. That's the best I got.
 

86GT351

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It goes through multiple switches. Overhead switch, Dimmer switch etc along with modules. I would get the vehicle scanned to see if there are any codes stored related to the Body Control Module.
 

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