How to turn off interior lights?

[esqueue]

I have an odd issue with my 2017 MKZ. If I turn on my interior lights with the car not running and open the door, it seems that the ONLY way to turn them off is to get in the car, close the doors, turn on the ignition then hit the button to turn them off. I haven't tried sitting in the car and waiting the extended time but that's an odd issue. 

Is this an issue for anyone else? I wonder if I should flash my BCM to an updated calibration as I'm sure that this has been remedied in newer models. Maybe there is an off button like the older MKZ vehicles that I can't find. 

Edited February 26, 2021 by esqueue

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, esqueue said:

I have an odd issue with my 2017 MKZ. If I turn on my interior lights with the car not running and open the door, it seems that the ONLY way to turn them off is to get in the car, close the doors, turn on the ignition then hit the button to turn them off. I haven't tried sitting in the car and waiting the extended time but that's an odd issue. 

Is this an issue for anyone else? I wonder if I should flash my BCM to an updated calibration as I'm sure that this has been remedied in newer models. Maybe there is an off button like the older MKZ vehicles that I can't find. 

 

Hi esqueue. Your vehicle has a courtesy light feature that keeps the interior lights on for a configurable period of time after the vehicle is turned off, the drivers door opened and then closed.  While it is difficult to determine and diagnose from your explanation, that sounds like what you are describing.

 

If you check your Owners Manual, you can find the description of this feature and set the courtesy lights for a preferable time period.

 

If this is not the issue, then it may take a service visit to correct it.

 

However, I have a feeling this is it.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

[esqueue]

I will have to take it to the dealership but don't know if the issue was correct on the BCM. The curtesy lights turns off after your car is armed if I don't manually turn on the lights. If I manually turn on the lights and do any action which will cause the curtesy lights to activate, there is no way to disable the lights after the car is armed.

In other words, once the curtesy lights is on, the button no longer functions unless I close the door and turn on the ignition to disable the courtesy light timer. I then can hit the switch to turn it off. I should be able to hit the light on/off button once to disable manual mode. I understand that the light will still be on but after arming my vehicle, or sitting my programed time, the light should turn off. 

[bbf2530]

10 hours ago, esqueue said:

I will have to take it to the dealership but don't know if the issue was correct on the BCM. The curtesy lights turns off after your car is armed if I don't manually turn on the lights. If I manually turn on the lights and do any action which will cause the curtesy lights to activate, there is no way to disable the lights after the car is armed.

In other words, once the curtesy lights is on, the button no longer functions unless I close the door and turn on the ignition to disable the courtesy light timer. I then can hit the switch to turn it off. I should be able to hit the light on/off button once to disable manual mode. I understand that the light will still be on but after arming my vehicle, or sitting my programed time, the light should turn off. 

 

Hi esqueue. Yes, if you feel things are not working properly, then you will need to set up a service appointment.

 

EDIT- If your MKZ is out of warranty, you can always try the old disconnect-the-battery-to-reset-things trick. Although I discourage it for in-warranty vehicles (it is often only a temporary band-aid), it is worth a try if out of warranty.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited February 26, 2021 by bbf2530