Door light wire

[GTUSN2006]

Backinfo:

 

I have kodiak sidewinder steps mounted on my truck that are activated by door jam switches much like that was found on the old old OBS style trucks. (Late 70's to maybe 87) I have had the steps for over a year and a half now, and have gone through 3 switches on the 2 passenger side doors. The switches are mounted in the same place on both the drivers and passenger side, but never had to replace the driver side switches. Dont really know whats causing this but getting tired of replacing switches.

 

Idea:

 

I had no clue how the interior lights worked with no visible switch like even my 93 had on the side of the dash until I held the door mechanism closed on the door with a screwdriver and the lights went off with the delay. So i am figuring there is some electrical connection to the door mechanism that acts as a ground/open circuit. I am thinking the delay is from a relay or something like that that all the door wires connect to. I was wanting to try to connect my step wire to one of the door wires and see if the step would operate that way, thus using factory mechanisms that I know work and are reliable.

 

Problem:

 

I am trying to be lazy here, basically i dont want to take the door panel off to find the wire color only to track it to somewhere in the cab or under the hood.

 

SO...does anyone have a service manual that they can look at this for me? Do these wires exhist? Do you think I am on the right track with my idea? And maybe give me a photo or description of where these wires go or at least the color so i can at least skip the door panel?

 

Thanks for any help in advance

[Shaners]

My buddy tapped into the footwell lights inside the cab for his lighted westin boards... He had a heck of a time trying to figure out the GM wiring on these new trucks, and decided that would be the easiest place to tap in.

 

His running board lights now have the delay, plus theater dimming as the interior lights fade out.

[GTUSN2006]

Well, I had today off, and decided not to be lazy and went outside and took the door panel off. I took one of the rear ones since there are less connections. Come to find out its a light blue wire with a black stripe and it works. Step goes down when you open the door, and goes right back up when you close it.

 

Now the hard part, I have to try to trace the stupid thing and tap into it before it connects to whatever delays it.

[scrapykunas]

In my 99 I think the switch for the interior dome lights are in the handles. When you pull the handle a little from inside, the lights come on, but it's not pulled enough to open the door. just my observation.

[GTUSN2006]

I found out the the wires for the rear two doors on my crew cab end at a plug that is directly underneath the steering column. On is green with a black stripe (PR) and the other is light blue with a black stripe (DR). However, the front 2 doors dont connect to this harness. So, its back to pulling door panels (already have most the rest of the interior apart).

[lrymal]

You guys have been a big help. GM's infinite wisdom involved removing the floor well lights for the 2005 models. I think with this info, I can go ahead and rig up something. I had no idea where the wiring was for the dome lights. This possibility makes it much easier.

 

[GTUSN2006]

Ok, five hours and a yardful of interior peices later (only broke 2 metal clips, didnt break a single plastic one, knock on wood). I now know where each wire is and maybe tomorrow i can work at running the wires up the frame rails, into the engine bay and then actually hooking the steps up to the factory wiring. Its taking alot of work, but at least I will be rid of the door jam switches that came with the kit and their inconsistency.

 

Also, in about an hour i will make a new page and put pictures of the wiring and harnesses on my cardomain page that should be linked in the signature. This is for a 2004 2500 hd crew cab, so if its different for your truck, then I am sorry.