The dome light in a 1997 Toyota Camry provides interior lighting for the vehicle. The light is controlled by manual operation of an "On/Off/Door switch. When the switch is in the "Door" position, operation of the light is controlled by the opening and closing of the car doors. The light will be on when any door is open. Power to the switch comes through a 7.5-ampere dome-light fuse to a "hot" terminal. The "On" terminal is connected to a vehicle ground. The "Door" terminal is connected to an integration relay that senses door positions.
Put the dome light switch in the "On" and "Door" positions and see if the light operates in either position. If not, pry the dome light lens from the dome light housing using a flat-bladed screwdriver. Remove the bulb from the terminals. If necessary, use the screwdriver to pry out the bulb. Inspect the bulb visually to see if it is burnt or the filament is broken. If so, replace the bulb. If the bulb is OK, go to Step 2.
Use a circuit tester or voltmeter to check the voltage between the hot terminal and a ground (bare metal on the vehicle frame). If there is no voltage, go to Step 3. If voltage is present, disconnect the battery cable at the negative terminal using pliers. Then use a self-powered continuity tester to check for continuity between the hot terminal and the "On" terminal and between the hot terminal and the "Door" terminal. Replace the dome light switch if it fails this test. Otherwise, check for continuity between the "On" terminal and the ground connection to the vehicle.
Go to the fuse box located behind the lower part of the dashboard to the left of the steering column. Pry off the cover using a flat-bladed screwdriver. Locate the dome fuse. Remove it with your fingers and check to see if it is blown. If it is, install a new fuse. If the dome fuse is good, go to Step 4.
Check for voltage at the hot side of the fuse terminal before installing a new dome fuse. If there is voltage, install the new fuse, and check for broken or disconnected wiring between the fuse and the dome light switch. If there is no voltage, check the wiring between the fuse and the positive terminal of the battery. Repair any faults found. Install the dome fuse and reinstall the fuse box cover.
Install the dome light bulb and check the dome light for operation. If the light comes on manually but not with a door open, the problem is in the integration relay or door switches. At this point, you will probably require the services of an automotive electrical specialist.
