1997 Toyota Avalon New to Avalon: Interior Ceiling Light

Tiny
MYTFEIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 14,900 MILES
Hi Everyone,

How do you turn on the inside ceiling light?

My brother gifted the Avalon to us.

He never had a need to turn it on, so is unaware how to do it.

When the car door opens, the light turns on.

If I turn the switch that's near the light, nothing happens. Is the switch broken?

pls advise, tx, Sandra
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 AT 9:57 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Sandra,

The dome light switch has 3 positions.
1. Door.
2. OFF
3. ON.

When switch is turned to ON, the light should come on anytime. Since the opening the door works the light, it is not a power supply problem. Either the switch is bad or the grounding circuit of the light is bad. You need to remove the light cover to check/test.
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 7:43 AM
Tiny
MYTFEIN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
HI khlow,

tx for your response.

I'm new to this forum, am I supposed to award you
points to close the question.

Based on what you described, the light DOES work.
I was hoping for a button on the dashboard that the
driver can press the activate that light.

Based on this design, the driver has to reach behind
to turn on the light. With this design it would not
be safe for the driver to do this while driving if he needs the light on for a quick moment.

I have a question on some other basic features, as i
do not have a manual. If you are familiar with this car and have a minute can you reply back when you are on line, so that I can post new questions.

Again, tx very much for your reply, sandra
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You're welcome.

I am not really familiar with the vehicle but I do have access to data so if you have any question, just ask and I will try my best.

It is ok about the rewarding. Actually I am still not sure what it is for.

Most vehicles have the dome light at center and is not convenient for the driver. Ony those with front reading lamps are more driver friendly.
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
MYTFEIN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi,

tx, I see that I have to retrained.

I think this car might have front reading lamps
or equivalent, in that if I pull down the driver and
or front passenger visor there is a light that I suppose
could be used for reading something quickly.

You see, I am coming from a 1992 buick le sabre that
only the front passenger visor had a light and next to the light was a mirror. I thought that the light was
for someone to be able to use the mirror (for makeup) did not think of that light as for reading.

Interesting. Tx, sandra

p.S. - There are 2 buttons above the AC BUTTON
one has picture of air circulating in the car
the other button has a picture of air coming from outside the car in.

Quest, pls:
when would one use the air cirulating in the car.
(we did not have this distinction on the le sabre.)

in the avalon, if I turn the dial from off to a numeric setting, I believe that the button with air from the outside by default lights up.

Tx for your help, sandra
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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When the A/C is use, it is best to use the recirculating function. External air would affect the cooling efficiency and if the setting is too cold, frosting of the cooling coil would occur. Icing would occur and restrict the air flow until very little air is coming out of the vents.

I usually use the fresh air functions for a few minutes to freshen up the air quality on long distance drives.

Different makes have different default setting for the recirculating/fresh air functions. Most vehicles would have the default recirculating air when the blower is used in A/C mode.
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 10:59 AM
Tiny
MYTFEIN
  • MEMBER
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Tx so much for explaining the A/C and the buttons.

I understand what you wrote.

Very interesting.

Tx again, s
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You're welcome.

Have a nice day.
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 5:30 PM

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