There's also usually a timer involved. The lights stay on for a short period (typically a few minutes) after the door is closed to allow you time to get out and get settled. After the timer runs out, the lights automatically turn off, regardless of the door's position.
If your lights aren't turning off, the problem is likely one of these:
* Faulty door jamb switch: This is the most common cause. The switch may be worn out, misaligned, or broken.
* Bad interior light switch: While less common, the switch itself could be malfunctioning.
* Wiring problem: A break or short in the wiring between the door jamb switch, the interior light, and the timer circuit could also be at fault.
* Timer malfunction: The timer might be faulty and not turning off the lights after the set time.
To fix the problem, you'll likely need to diagnose the faulty component using a multimeter or by replacing parts systematically until the issue is resolved.