I have a 2011 LTZ without sunroof. The light in the middle of the roof is a combo dome/reading light pod. The front half is a dome light, and the rear is two reading lights.

The (possible) problem is that when I open the doors, the two rear reading lights do not illuminate. Only the front reading lights and the middle dome light go on. The result is that the backseat has absolutely no light going to it when doors are open.

The owner's manual says that the rear reading lights should come on when opening a door. The dealer says that he thinks it's operating as normal and that the user manual is wrong.

And yes, the bulbs are fine, as the rear reading lights work just fine when switched on by pressing the lenses.

So who's right; the owner's manual or the dealer? Should the rear reading lights go on when the door is open?

 

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I'm pretty sure your dealer is correct. If you would like me to look into this further, please PM me the VIN number of the vehicle so I may proceed.

Louis
GM Customer Service

 

PM sent. Thanks.

 

Agree.

On my 2004 Malibu Maxx w/sunroof, the front part of the center overhead light illuminates when the door opens, the two rear reading lights do not. They only come on with pushing the lens itself.

 

Thanks for the info. Several people on another forum also said that their 7th gen Malibu's are the same as mine. IMO this is a very poor design on the part of Chevy/GM. I mean, they obviously CAN make the rear reading lights come on when a door opens (the front ones already do it). I have a rear-facing child seat in the rear, and I literally can't see in it because no light goes to the backseat.