By Eric Seifert
ALLDATA Automotive Technical Editor
Randy works the graveyard shift. Last Wednesday when he was leaving work, he noticed that the dome light in his 2001 Stratus Coupe failed to illuminate when he unlocked the car. Not happy with repeated fumblings in the dark, Randy called the shop to schedule a diagnosis. He was quite pleased when I made the follow-up call telling him his car was fixed with only a minor labor charge.
Chrysler reports that some vehicles may experience loss of power to items such as the radio, dome/courtesy light, vanity mirror illumination, remote keyless entry or compass/temp display due to an intermittent short in the dome light circuit. The dome lamp switch slide terminal may be loose, allowing it to touch an adjacent terminal and causing the failure of IOD fuse #4 (2001 models) or #18 (2002 models) (see Figure 1). The most likely case for the fuse to blow is the dome light switch in the off position and the doors locked or unlocked with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Applicable Vehicles
2001-’02 ST Sebring/Stratus Coupe without a sunroof built prior to August 10, 2001, VIN MDH0810XX.
Diagnosis
Note: Disconnect the negative battery cable prior to performing the diagnosis.
Pull the dome lamp assembly out of the headliner and inspect the switch slide terminal orientation while the switch is in the off position (see Figure 2). It should be tight and in line with the direction of switch movement (forward and backward). If the terminal is loose or is rotated to one side, perform the Repair Procedure.
Repair Procedure
1. Align the switch slide terminal and tighten its attaching screw (Figure 2).
2. Reinstall the dome light assembly into the vehicle.
3. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and verify the repair.
Written by ALLDATA Technical Editor Eric Seifert, an ASE certified Master Technician and Engine Machinist. He has 20 years of independent shop and parts store experience.
For additional information, visit www.alldata.com.
