See, this is part of my problem. I found, and can test the wire that signals the three passenger doors, but I can't isolate the wire that signals the drivers door. Latch open/latch closed, nothing changes at the BCM plug. I'm not calling that gospel though. I don't know enough about electrical to say that the drivers door works exactly the same as the passenger doors. It could signal in a different way. I'm stumped there.
So..... I thought I would take a less technical approach. What I've learned so far is, an "open" circuit = "closed" door. So, I should be able to disconnect the actuator, thereby opening the circuit and telling the BCM that the door is shut. So that's what I did. I pulled back the rubber boot thing in the door jamb, and disconnected that big plug. Didn't want to pull the door panel again. As expected, DIC shows the door as shut, no chime with key in ignition, typical closed door scenario.
Lights stay on.... Till the 10 minute(?) timeout. Same as before.
Is this a valid test? If not, what am I missing. Why am I wrong? I have all but ruled out an actuator unless someone can explain how that could still be the problem. Not trying to sound like a jerk. I legitimately want to learn.
FWIW, the problem has gone from intermittent to constant. Does this mean it could be the BCM? Maybe a headlight switch? I could grab a BCM and a headlight switch from the local pick a part for less than $40 if either of them are a remote possibility.
Also, I did inspect the wires at the bend when I had the boot pulled back. All looked factory fresh.
Any other things I can test or look at? Any suggestions?
