On my wifes 2000 GLE the trunk and dome light both turn themselves off after a few minutes if the trunk or door is left open. THis seems to be the case with most modern cars.

On my 2002 SE they each stay on until the trunk or door are closed. It doesn't matter how long.

I don't remember if mine was always like this but I've just recently noticed it.

Is there a timer unit that controls when the lights shut down that may have failed?

 

It depends on how it is programmed. The programming can be changed, but I think it takes a data tool to do it.

 

those functions are controlled by the SECU module. I don't know if those functions are programmable. You could try disconnecting the battery for maybe 10 minutes to reset the SECU and see if that makes a difference.

 

As far as I know it doesn't. After my wife drained the battery several times by leaving it on by accident for various reasons I keep it so the dome light doesn't come on when you open the door.

 

On my 2000 SE, the trunk and dome light will turn off if they're left open too long.

I would hope that Nissan did not take that battery-saving feature out for your 2002.

 

The battery saving feature is supposed to be there in the 2002. This is from the 2002 FSM:

INTERIOR LAMP TIMER OPERATION
When interior lamp switch is in the “DOOR” position, the smart entrance control unit keeps the interior lamp illuminated for about 30 seconds when:

* unlock signal is supplied from driver’s door unlock sensor while all doors are closed and key is out of ignition key cylinder

* unlock signal is supplied from keyfob or door key cylinder while driver’s door is locked and all doors are closed

* key is removed from ignition key cylinder while all doors are closed

* driver’s door is opened and then closed while key is out of the iginition key cylinder. (However, if the driver’s door is closed with the key inserted in the ignition key cylinder after the driver’s door is opened with the key removed, the timer is operated.)

- - -

Out of curiosity, if you do not have the key in the ignition switch, does the door chime ding when the door is opened?

 

It goes off if the door is closed like it should.

If I leave the door open or partially open the light stays on. I had my hands full the other day and only closed the door one click with the intention of coming right back to it. A few hours later I go into the garage and the light is still on. I closed the door and it went off. Same thing with the trunk.

It doesn't beep when I open the door unless the key is in.

 

It sounds like...

1. This can option can be modified/changed with a Consult programmer.

2. Or...the SECU is bad.

Hopefully it is #1 and not #2.