Which switch are you turning on? The slider switch has "O" and "--" settings. When the switch is in the "--" position, the light should come on when you open the door and then go out about 8 seconds after you close the door. In the "O" position, the lights won't come on when the door is opened. If you are turning the light on with the push button switch, the light will stay on for a long time whether the doors are closed or not. Eventually the light will turn off to keep from running down the battery.