Most modern vehicles have interior lights that automatically turn on when you open the doors. While this is convenient when you’re entering and exiting your Jeep at night, it can be pretty bothersome when you need to keep your doors open. Interior lights can also drain your car battery when left on for too long. Luckily, there’s a relatively easy way to turn them off.
While the exact process can vary depending on your vehicle’s exact model, most Jeep interior lights can be disabled using the dimmer switch. Here are some helpful tips on how to turn your cabin lights off:
There are two main types of dimmer switches: the headlight dimmer switches and the dashboard dimmer switches. While some vehicles have a separate switch for the cabin lights, most Jeeps have a dimmer switch that operates the dash and interior lights.
The dimmer switch is a thumbwheel typically located on the left side of the steering wheel, next to the headlight switch. It’s labeled with a speedometer symbol on top.
To turn off the interior lights in your Jeep, you’ll need to adjust the dial accordingly. Here are the settings available on most Jeep vehicles:
Set the dimmer switch all the way down to open your doors without triggering the interior lights. You’ll have to press the buttons on the dome lights to manually turn them on.
If your ignition is off, then your interior lights should automatically turn off after 10 minutes, even if your door is open. Some Jeep models also come with a battery saver mode that will disable the interior lights for you.
In some Jeeps, you can operate the interior lights using the headlight dimmer switch instead of the dash light dimmer switch. For other Jeep models, however, you can’t turn the dome lights off without dimming the instrument panel.
You’ll have to modify your Jeep to install a separate switch. You can also block your door sensors off with tape. Taping your door sensors means they’ll always register as closed, so your dome lights won’t trigger when you open the door.
If your Jeep’s interior lights won’t turn off, the dimmer switch might be turned all the way up. Setting the dash light dimmer switch all the way up will cause your interior lights to stay on, even if you manually press the dome light’s button to turn it off.
In some cases, however, the switch itself might be faulty or stuck, preventing the interior lights from shutting off. It can also be caused by a malfunctioning door sensor, causing your Jeep to believe there’s an open door even if there isn’t.
The exact cost can vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. On average, however, you can expect replacement dimmer switches to cost anywhere from $10 to $580.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.