My Headlights Won’t Turn Off. What Should I Do?

It’s frustrating. Right?

When your engine is turned off, but the headlights don’t turn off you need to get them fixed.

The good news is that you can fix this on your own.

In this article, we will share with you what to do when your headlights don’t turn off. Sometimes it’s something simple that you can fix on your own.

But before we share this tip, there is one thing you need to do immediately. Disconnect the battery before it’s drained by the headlights. 

Issues That Could Cause Headlights Not To Turn Off

Headlights Won't Turn Off

Understanding why your headlight isn’t turning off can be a complicated issue. This is because there are different headlight systems.

For instance, some cars design allows the headlights to turn off automatically. Some other cars are designed in a way that the headlights remains on for some time after the car is shut off. In other systems, you must switch off the lights before the engine goes off.

Other cars come with daytime running lights. If this system has any problem, then the headlight will remain on at all the time.

So, if you wish to fix this problem, you need first to understand the system that’s working on your car. This will help you differentiate when the headlights are running normally, or there is any defect.

When your headlights aren’t turning off, there are some of the causes that could be bringing issues. The following are the common issues that you need to first look at.

  •         A bad relay – the most common problem.
  •         Headlight switch
  •         Multifunction switch
  •         Light sensor
  •         Daytime running light module
  •         Grounded wire
  •         Relay

What To Do When Headlights Don’t Turn Off

What To Do When Headlights Don't Turn Off

If you notice that your headlights are not turning off, the first thing that you need to do is save your battery from draining. Then after doing that, you can fix the problem of the headlights not turning off.

The following are simple things that you need to do to ensure that your car is well protected.

I. Disconnect The Battery

Open the car hood to disconnect the battery. You simply need to remove the negative battery cable. This will prevent any electrical shock from happening.

Removing the negative cable will also help in preventing any shorting as you try to fix your headlights.

So, every time you notice that your headlights are not turning off and everything else seems okay, this should be the first thing to do. Protect the battery from draining.

Disconnecting the battery will also give you safety for working in your car.

II. Remove The Headlight Fuse

Once you are sure that the battery is well disconnected, the next thing to do is to remove the headlight fuse. This will help you work on the other headlight wiring without the worry of shorting anything once the battery is connected back.

 III. Remove The Headlight Relay

The next thing should be to locate and open the relay panel in your car headlights. The relay is found at the right-hand side of the primary fuse box and battery.

Check for a diagram printed on the inside. It will show the exact relay that needs to be replaced in case this is the problem.

Pull the bad relay out using your hand. Once you do this, your headlight will be disconnected from the lighting system.

If you find out the relay is the problem, plug a new one to the system.

Remember that removing a headlight relay is a bit complicated. It’s not as easy as removing the battery. This is because you have to locate the relay that needs to be replaced.

Finding and replacing the right relay prevents a power loss to the radio and computer. This is why it’s very important to study the relay diagram and locate the relay to remove.

If you are not careful, you will have to deal with the fallout later.

Tools Required To Change Your Relay

  • Screwdriver
  • Socket Set
  • Replacement headlight relay

Best And Popular Relay Kit For Replacing on Your Headlight System

  • H4 LED Headlight Wiring Light Relay Harness Kit
  • 1Set 2 Headlight Harness H4 Headlight Relay Harness 
  • Nilight 50003R Automotive Set 5-Pin 30/40A 12V SPDT
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Take Your Car To A Professional Mechanic If This Doesn’t Fix The Problem

In some cases the headlight system is not always the problem. Even after checking the system, you might not identify what’s causing the problem.

At this point, you will need to look at other things that are causing the problem.

And the best way to do this is to take your laptop to a professional. A qualified mechanic should be in a position to check your car and identify any problem that’s causing the headlights not to turn off. For more information about headlights visit Lightspick.com they discuss further on the headlight issues.

Parting Shot

When you notice that your headlights are not turning off, the first thing you need to do is disconnect the battery. This will help to ensure safety as you try to fix the headlight.

The next thing would check all the causes we have shared in this article and fix them. But in the case you can’t fix the issue on your own, get a professional to do it for you.

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