

But if you aren’t an experienced DIY enthusiast or auto electrician, then it’s best left to the experts to check exactly which component is faulty. If you can read a wiring diagram and have access to test light and multimeter, you can check the continuity of the various circuits and components. These sources include the parking brake, the headlight switch, one or more diodes as well as indicator lights on your dashboard. The relay connected to the daylight running module picks up input from a variety of sources within your vehicle. Faulty Daytime Running Light Moduleįor vehicles fitted with a daytime running light module, the checks needed to test this as a potential problem are a little more complex.

If the headlights switch off, then you can purchase a replacement relay to solve your problem. The relay is a magnetic switch that can burn out.Īs there are similar relays used for various systems in the electrical circuit, you can try another relay that is identical to the headlight one and test the headlights. Related to the headlight switch is the relay. If the heat melts the insulating cover around the wires or the plastic inside the switch mechanism, then the wires may make contact, completing the circuit and causing your headlights to remain on. Your headlight switch may also have shorted out, resulting in a build-up of heat. It is also possible to remove the module completely so that the feature is permanently disabled. If the lights remain on with the parking brake engaged, then you can try replacing that module to resolve the problem. If your vehicle is fitted with daytime running lights, then the module that controls the system can be deactivated by setting your parking brake. Some modern vehicles have light systems designed to remain on for a short period after you have turned the ignition off. If the lights switch off before you turn off the ignition key, then your problem is the module that delays the lights turning off.

Try switching the headlights off before switching the ignition off. Let’s look at each one of the possible causes: 1. The problem is then to isolate either the switch or the wiring. If your headlights are on and won’t switch off, then it is clear that the battery, fuse, and bulbs are functioning fine. Typically, there are 5 components in a car’s lighting circuit. Troubleshooting Common Malfunctioning Headlight Problems Once removed, make sure that the cable cannot accidentally contact the negative battery terminal to avoid the current from flowing again. Bear in mind that if you disconnect the battery, it may clear settings in your car’s electronic control unit which will require some time to reset once you reconnect the battery. Loosen the nut holding the clamp tight and pull the clamp off the battery. There is also a (-) sign next to the battery terminal in case you’re in any doubt. Locate the negative battery terminal it’s the black one. If that doesn’t work or you can’t find the correct fuse or relay, then disconnect the battery cable at the battery terminal. They handle much higher electrical loads than the switches, so removing the relay breaks the circuit between the battery and the headlights in the same way that removing the fuse does. The relays are the larger, rectangular boxes next to the fuses in the fuse box. Remove the Headlight RelayĪlternatively, you can remove the headlight relay, if it is more accessible than the fuse. Locate the headlights fuse and remove it carefully. The fuse box cover has a diagram that indicates which fuse relates to each part of the electrical system. You’ll find the fuse under the dashboard or in a fuse box under the hood. The simplest solution is to remove the headlight fuse until you have time to fix the problem. They will drain your battery and you’ll have the additional headache of a dead battery to deal with in the morning.
#BEFORE YOU TURN OFF THE LIGHTS HOW TO#
How to Deal with Headlights that Won’t Turn Offįirstly, don’t leave your car with the headlights on overnight. When your car’s lights won’t turn off, the trouble-shooting process is pretty much the same as it has been for many years. Despite the many advances in motor vehicle technology, the basic lighting set up in your car has remained largely unchanged.
