how does a car interior light work
When it comes to automotive lighting, applicants learning the Highway Traffic Act most often think of high beams, turn signals and other elements of exterior lighting. And while these elements are essential for driving, other elements that illuminate the interior of cars are also available. These are mainly the various devices included in the dashboard, in the ceiling light or in the rest of the vehicle, and whose mission is to provide information to the driver even at night, or to calm his driving.
Interior lighting dedicated to comfort
Apart from the lighting elements integrated into the dashboard, which are truly essential for safe night driving, other lighting components are usually integrated into the passenger compartment of cars. And while some of these elements really help users, others are mainly aesthetic.
While daytime users generally have no problem reading the information displayed on the various meters, correct collection of the information provided by the unlit dashboard meters turns out to be much more difficult at night. To remedy this problem, car manufacturers have, over time, integrated lighting elements inside various components of dashboards.
Nowadays, the bulbs integrated in this equipment are small enough and of low intensity to allow a pleasant reading of the indications provided by the tachometer and the speedometer, and this even when the user is driving at night or in a motorway. tunnel.
Automotive ceiling light
One of these lighting elements integrated into the vehicle interior to provide users with a certain level of comfort is the vehicle ceiling light. While the very first models of illuminated ceiling lights, which appeared around the 1900s, operated with a switch, this lighting element gradually became automated. But this automation didn’t happen all at once. The different generations of cars have thus been equipped with lighting activated when the front doors are opened, and this until the latest generations, which allow fully automated management of the overhead light switching process.
The latest models of ceiling lights mostly offer dual-zone lighting, comprising both central lighting and two bulbs located on the right and left side of this element. This feature allows the passenger to turn on the light on their side without risking inconvenience to the driver. Other functions can also be listed among those offered by the courtesy light, such as timed shutdown (a lighting system allowing vehicle headlights to remain on for a few seconds after the driver has left the passenger compartment), or further assistance in locating the vehicle.
How to replace a courtesy light switch in most cars
A courtesy light switch is what signals the courtesy light, located in the passenger compartment, to turn on and provide the light needed to …
A courtesy light switch is what signals the courtesy light, located in the passenger compartment, to turn on and provide the light you need to see what you are doing, especially on a dark night. The courtesy light works by completing or interrupting the electrical signal that turns on the courtesy light when a door is opened.
There can be multiple switches in a given vehicle, typically determined by the number of entrance doors in the passenger compartment. They can also be found on some rear cargo doors on minivans and sports vehicles.
Although most of these courtesy light switches are found primarily in the door jamb, they can also be a part of the door latch assembly. For this article, we will focus on the courtesy light switches located in the door jamb.
Locate the courtesy light switch
Open the door
Open the door that corresponds to the switch that needs replacing.
Replace the courtesy light switch
Necessary material
1.screwdrivers
2.Socket set
3.Tape
1 Remove the courtesy switch bolt.
Using a screwdriver or socket and ratchet, remove the screw that holds the courtesy light switch in place.
Set the screw on the side in a spot where it won’t get lost.
Pull the courtesy light switch out of its seat
Carefully pull the courtesy light switch out of the recess it is in.
Be careful not to trap the connector or wiring that plugs into the back of the switch.
Unplug the electrical connector on the back of the switch
Disconnect the electrical connector on the back of the courtesy light switch.
Some connectors can be released by hand while others may require the use of a small screwdriver to gently pry the connector off the switch.
Warning: Once the courtesy light switch is disconnected, do not allow the wiring and / or electrical plug to re-enter the recess. A small piece of tape can be used to secure the wiring or connector to the door jamb to prevent it from falling back into the opening.
Pair the replacement courtesy light switch with the one to be replaced
Visually check that the replacement courtesy light switch is the same size as the old one.
Also, check that the height is the same and make sure the connector on the replacement switch matches that of the old switch and that the pins are in the same configuration.
Connect the replacement courtesy light switch to the harness connector
Plug the replacement into the electrical connector.
Verify the function of the replacement courtesy light switch
Check the function of the replacement courtesy light switch
It is easier to verify the function of the replacement courtesy light switch before reinstalling it back into the door jamb.
With all other doors closed, just push the plunger on the switch and check that the courtesy light goes out.
Reinstall the courtesy light switch
Reinstall the courtesy light switch in its seat until it is flush with the panel.
Once returned to the correct position, reinstall the bolt and tighten until secure.
Verify correct installation
Take a moment to make sure the installed height is correct. Gently close the door.
Press firmly on the door, paying attention that there is no abnormal resistance to the stop.
Warning: If there appears to be more resistance to closing the door than normal, this could be a sign that the courtesy light switch is not fully engaged or that the wrong switch has been acquired. If you try to force the door closed, the replacement courtesy light switch may be damaged.
The job is complete once the door has closed with normal effort and the operation of the courtesy light switch has been verified. If at any time you feel you can use your hand to replace the courtesy light switch, contact one of technicians to come to your home or workplace to have the replacement done.
The Road Traffic Act does not have any clear provisions regarding interior lights
It does not seem to be a violation to turn on the interior light while driving.
However, it is very dangerous to turn on the interior light while the car is running, so
Except for the bus, I also announced in the textbooks of the driving school not to turn on the interior lights while driving.
If you drive with it on, you will not be able to get a ticket, but you may be warned by the police.
Danger of interior lights while driving Difficult to see from indoors to outdoors
Generally, it looks good from dark to bright,
On the other hand, if you look at a dark place from a bright place, it will be difficult to see the dark place.
If you turn on the interior light, you will see the dark outdoor from the bright indoor.
Therefore, if you turn on the interior light while driving at night,
It’s very dangerous because it’s hard to see what’s going on outside.
Danger of interior lights while driving Window reflections
At night, if you try to see the dark outside view through the window from a bright room,
I couldn’t see the outside because my face was reflected on the window glass.
You’ve probably had that experience once.
This is a common phenomenon in cars.
If you turn on the interior light while driving, the inside of the room will be reflected on the window of the car.
It is difficult to see the outside, which makes driving a car dangerous.
As mentioned above, running with the interior light turned on is due to reflections, etc.
I think you’ve found that there is a danger that it will be difficult to see what’s going on outside.
Whether it is better to turn on the interior light while driving is
It’s better to consider safety as well as the question of whether it will be a violation.
To drive your car more safely, we recommend that you refrain from turning on the interior lights while driving.
