Interior lights in my 98 grand cherokee won't turn. No open door signal and it's not the rear dome light switch turned on.

Interior lights and the power door locks are controlled by a electronic control module . Hooking up a factory or some other type professional scan tool an checking for codes an viewing input data to these control modules would be the first thing to do.
The interior lighting system consists of the following:

• lighting control module (LCM)
• driver door module (DDM)
• instrument panel
• dome/map combination
• courtesy/reading lamps
• orientation light
• door lamps
• footwell lamps
• luggage compartment lamp
• glove compartment lamp
• vanity mirrors
• door ajar switches
• viewing wiring diagrams an checking power and ground circuits for these modules would be the next step if no codes were found . Principles of Operation
  Lighting Control Module This vehicle uses a lighting control module (LCM). The LCM is a microprocessor-based module that controls several vehicle subsystems, responds to electrical input signals from various switches, sensors, and external modules and is located on the LH side of the instrument panel. LCM subsystem functions include:
  
  • headlamps with autolamps
  • turn signal lamps/hazard flasher lamps
  • cornering lamps
  • parking lamps
  • daytime running lamps
  • interior lamps
  • demand lamps
  • battery saver
  The LCM interfaces with the driver door module (DDM) via the standard corporate protocol (SCP) network for the illuminated entry feature.
  The interior lamp is illuminated by pressing the individual interior lamp switch. The interior lamp is also illuminated by door ajar switches located in the door latches, when any door is opened. A theater lighting feature gradually increases or decreases the light intensity when switched by opening or closing a door.
  The dome/map lamp combination are located on each side of the interior lamp. The map lamps are operated independently of the interior lamp by two switches located on the interior lamps.
  The interior lamps are illuminated by holding the panel dim switch in the UP position until the dome lamps turn on. The interior lamp also illuminates when a door is opened and actuates the door ajar warning lamp switch in the door latch.
  The front map lamps are powered by the demand lighting circuit and the interior lighting circuit.
  The rear passenger reading lamps are incorporated into the rear seat assist handle and are located over the rear door openings. These lamps are illuminated through power supplied by the LCM demand lighting circuit.
  Interior lamps (controlled by the LCM) are activated by using the dome lamp switch (instant ON/OFF response) or when a door is ajar. The following lamps illuminate for interior lighting:
  
  • instrument panel interior lamps
  • front map lamps
  • rear reading lamps
  • door lamps
  Demand lighting includes lamps that are illuminated by the customer by directly actuating a switch. The front dome/map lamps are located in the overhead console. Each lamp is controlled by its own switch.
  The following demand lamps are powered by the demand lighting output of the LCM:
  
  • glove compartment lamp
  • vanity mirror lamp
  • luggage compartment lamp
  Each lamp has a dedicated switch that closes to ground to illuminate the lamp.
  The front map lamps are powered by either the demand lighting circuit or the interior lighting circuit, depending upon the position of the switch associated with each lamp. When the customer turns the front map lamp switch ON, the front map lamp is illuminated through power supplied by the LCM demand lighting circuit. If the customer moves the map lamp switch to the OFF position, the power from the LCM demand lighting circuit is interrupted and the lamp is reconnected to the interior lighting circuit.
  The rear reading lamps are powered by either the interior lighting circuit or the demand lighting circuit.
  The luggage compartment lamp is controlled by the trunk ajar switch, and is powered by the demand lighting output from the LCM, and is mounted near the center of the upper rear panel.
  The glove compartment lamp system consists of a glove compartment lamp switch and wire and miniature bulb assembly. Opening the glove compartment door closes the switch which provides power to the glove compartment lamp switch and wire. The glove compartment lamp switch is grounded to the body sheet metal.
  The vanity mirror lamp system consists of a switch and bulb assembly in the RH inside visor and the LH inside visor. Lifting the vanity mirror cover closes the vanity mirror lamp switch and provides power to the lamps.
  The illuminated entry system is controlled by the LCM and provides interior lighting upon entry to the vehicle.
  Interior lamps will be illuminated for 25 (±1) seconds which includes a theater lighting ramp-up time (0.5 seconds). This time interval does not include the theater lighting ramp-down time. Interior lamps will be turned off before the 25 (±1)-second timeout if the ignition switch is turned to the RUN or ACC position.
  The illuminated entry system has the following additions to accommodate the remote entry system: pressing the unlock button on the remote transmitter will activate the illuminated entry system (with theater ramp-up). When the driver door module detects a button press, it sends a signal on the J1850 communication network activating the interior lamps. The lighting control module will turn off the lamps by sensing the all doors lock signal.
  The battery saver feature prevents excessive drain from loads inadvertently left on. When the ignition switch is turned OFF, power is interrupted to the interior lamps and headlamps (after a 10-minute timeout) and the demand lamps (after a 30-minute timeout).
  The battery saver has the following inputs:
  
  • luggage compartment door ajar switch
  • dome lamp switch
  • ignition switch status
  • illuminated entry signal
  • headlamp switch
  • driver/passenger door ajar entry switch
  • keyless entry remote transmitter
  • door unlock, luggage compartment door release

Bad headlight switch or door ajar switch.

name a lamp. there are many, why post with no lamp stated?
did you read the operators guide, on topic yet
open glove box see opr, guide, read interior lights page.
and read where each lamp switch is?
in all cars the door open switch turns them on
or the , dash command switch that does.
some have switches in the lamps domes.
if the manual switches area all off then it must be a door switch stuck
in that case, unplug them all one by one to find the curprit.

Sounds like a Body Control Module or a PCM issue. Allcomputer resources in Miami does a new one to your vin 200.00

on some vehicles there is a switch that disables lights some are on dash some are on the overhead light. if only one bulb ck bulb, if all lights could also be fuse

when the dimmer switch is turned all the way,the dome lights come on.
also check all the door switches

actually the problem is the switches for the doors and hatch get worn. the switch inside that sets the chime and dome lights. Open the door and look for the switch where the door meets the fender by the hinges. push each one in with your thumb. They should offer some resistance. and when you let go the button should come out back to original position. Check them all. even the hatch. look for any water or corrosion (green wires/ oxidized copper). Do one door at a time. I am thinking that seeing that it just started it is not a feature. But it may be a loose spring inside and eventually makes contact and shuts off.

If it has automatic or a domelight that stays on for a while after you shut the door is on a timer relay and that is probably getting bad. As far as the door ajar message there is a switch in the door jam, look and see if you see it. Take wd40 and try to soak the switch try to get it inside the switch.If its incorporated in the door latch spray back inside the door latch real good. Open and close the door several times and see if it works then.

check the rear glass and doors the button thing that tells the dome light to come on when u open it might be stuck in the outward position..that or check by your headlight switches usually u can turn it on manually over there