I have a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban LT I purchased new. The dome light stays on after locking the car for about 20 minutes and then shuts off. When moving the dimmer switch it doesn't shut off the light but the lights do flicker a bit so I don't know if the dimmer switch has a timer built in that shuts the lights off. I have also read it could be the BCM as well. I was hoping someone could give some diagnostic or parts replacement suggestions for this issue. All the other electrical items in the truck seem to be working well so this in only about the interior lights and that makes me question the BCM since it controls quite a few items in the car.
I did replace the interior light relay since it was cheap but that didn't do anything. As I recall the lights did have a delay in shutting off for about a minute when locking the car but I'm not sure. Is there another relay that controls the light shut off or is it just the BCM.
Thanks for any assistance.

 

Sounds like a door switch is stuck and the battery saver is kicking in after 20 min. Not sure if a full, all 4 code families scan will pick that up on a '01. P code scanner will not do a full scan of all 4 code families.
Door light switches are usually in the door latches.
Is it all the lights or just a rear dome? Check all your switch's as one of the rears may be on.

 

Thanks for the reply. It is all the interior lights stay on for 20 minutes after shutting off then turn off. I think they turn off because of the BCM battery save feature. One thing I am going to check is if the lights stay on when the car is running with the doors closed.

I don't think it is a door switch because I don't get a door ajar notice in the message center when I do have a door not properly closed.

I am wondering of the combination headlight/domelight switch could be the problem. I and trying to find out of the dome lamp portion of the switch has a delay built into it that is malfunctioning?

 

Good evening everyone,
I found my culprit for the interior lights not turning off until the BCM shuts down power after 20 minutes. I purchased the truck brand new in 2001 and had the dealer install a overhead tv. In the overhead panel is an additional interior light. This light has not been working for sometime and so I thought I would check out why. I removed the light and found a connection was coming apart there but there also seemed to be some loose wires hanging there that were connected but not wrapped in electrical tape or inside and crimp. Interestingly enough when I fiddled with the wires the lights turned off in the interior. I open the door and the lights came on and then shut the door and the lights went off after about 10 seconds. I then went through a locking cycle and the lights worked properly too. So I am not sure what happened with this aftermarket light assembly but the lights are working normally now. I got the information off of the light and it is marked with Ramco Industries RV Illuminaire with a part number. I searched for the company and found one that might be it to see if they can get me another one and help me with a wiring diagram to install it correctly. I am assuming the connected wires may have been connected some way to be able to turn on the light without activating the rest of the interior lights. I thought I would pass that along in case anyone else ever has something odd like this. I attached some photos for you guys.

 

In all the Chevy shop manuals one of the first questions they ask in diagnosis is are there any aftermarket accessories installed in the vehicle. If so, remove then diagnose.
Good find.