Did anyone ever resolve this issue? I have the same issue with an 06 LS, I had to pull the plug from the mirror and switched off the dome lights and just haven't had interior lights for 3 years. The map lights were heating up so much that they melted into the chrome coated plastic around the bulbs. Also didn't want to take it to the dealership for this issue and have to pay a ton of $

 

What issue do you mean? The melting, the auto off/dim, they stay on all the time?

You may have had the wrong bulbs in the fixtures. That is a common reason for the DRL melting on 2006 models; the parts books erroneously cross ref a similar bulb; sure it "works" but it is hotter than spec.

There is a switch on the dome light to choose "on", "door" and "off". Sometimes the switch gets melted so that it doesn't work properly. Usually from people playing with it and forgetting what position they left it.



Why would you be tempted to go to a dealership if you are not under warranty?

 

The prior post, from 843de, suggested going to the dealer, for a BCM reflash.

 

As RJ RS SS 350 stated, the only remedy on this post was to take the car to the dealer, which I do not want to do. The problem I'm referring to is the problem in the original post stating that interior lights are staying on. My interior lights stay on all the time, regardless what the car is doing (parked or moving). That is why I had to disconnect the plug to the mirror and move the dome switch to the always off position, giving me no interior lights when I unlock doors, get into the car, etc. Because the lights never turn off, there is no functional "entry/exit lighting" as it is always on. Also, the dome light switch works fine in my car, the melting was strictly from the rear view mirror bulbs.

 

Seems you have a faulty door switch maybe two!

 

The wiring diagram shows 3 different selector switches two on the mirror and one on the dome.

I rarely subscribe to the "BCM needs a reflash" theories unless there is a TSB that says to, as in the case of 2008 cars and the RCDLR. Way more likely there is a mechanical fault, Computers rarely forget what they have been told to do. There are no related TSBs that I can find for 2006 models.

Door switches can stick. And that would explain why they don't dim out when the car is turned off.

They are technically "door open sensors" They tell the BCM to turn the lights on.

You did not say if there are any LEDs installed, so I am assuming none are.

 

Here is the schematic.

 

I agree that it looks like it may be a switch. Do these switches just pull out? I have an 06 and don't see anywhere to pry it apart. I saw one youtube video of a guy with a Chevy (I forget the model) that said you just yank them out but on their way out of the body the clips on them break off, so they are basically one time use. Does anyone know if this is true on the HHR? I have the switches ordered, they're supposed to be in by this coming weekend.

Thanks

 

You’ll know when you see them, I believe they are a one time use.

 

Ok, thanks. I'm hoping this is the fix