Solara headlights problem...

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

So I have an interesting problem on my Solara. It's year 2000, SE, I believe, 4 cyl., with 150K miles on it.

First off, this car, and Toyota in general amazes me with their durability. I mean these things last if you don't abuse them too much. However, I have had some environmental damage done to my car recently. It was slightly flooded to the point where the carpets got wet inside. I'm sure half the engine bay was covered in water for a good half hour. Maybe even up to the hood.

A little background though. This car has had some sensor issues in the past (still does). For example, the warning light signaling that my back lights are off turns on as soon as I hit the brakes, and it stays on even though my lights work. Sometimes the check engine will appear and disappear within a day or two. The washer fluid container is also signaling that it's empty when in fact it is always full.

So, on to the problem. After I turn off my car and wait for about 10-15 minutes, my front lights turn on. Seemingly regardless of time of day and I'm sure I don't have any light sensors because they never turn on by themselves at night.
What gives? It has been draining my batter overnight and causing problems. The lights will just turn on and I won't be able to turn them off.

I have disconnected the battery for 24 hours and it still does the same thing. Any ideas? I don't really want to get the whole thing fixed. The car is old and not worth doing major repairs on.

TL;DR Front lights will turn on after 10-15 minutes after I have turned off my car.

[Perkins]

have you tried to replace your headlamp switch ? Sounds like something funky is going on with the switch on the steering column

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

Originally Posted by Perkins

have you tried to replace your headlamp switch ? Sounds like something funky is going on with the switch on the steering column

Sorry, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Could you clarify that? Do you mean inside the car near the steering wheel or in the engine bay somewhere (fuse box maybe?).
Sorry, total noobie here :P

[Perkins]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fahrenheit

Sorry, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Could you clarify that? Do you mean inside the car near the steering wheel or in the engine bay somewhere (fuse box maybe?).
Sorry, total noobie here :P

Sorry, I was referring to the switch that you turn the headlights on with from inside the car. Its also the switch you use for your turn signals

Sent from my SCH-I535 using AutoGuide

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

Originally Posted by Perkins

Sorry, I was referring to the switch that you turn the headlights on with from inside the car. Its also the switch you use for your turn signals

Sent from my SCH-I535 using AutoGuide

Oh, I see. How would I go about replacing it? Just the whole thing, or would I have to dig in deep to replace something?

Do you think there's a short somewhere due to water getting in, or is it just electrical issues in general?

[Perkins]

sometimes the electrical switches just go bad. On freightliner trucks, its very common for the turn / wiper switch to go bad and while your driving down the road the wipers and headlights will randomly turn on then immediately turn off. Camrys, its not such a common problem to happen, but it is possible.

to remove the switch, you'll have to remove the steering wheel and airbag to gain access to the screws that hold the switch in place

[LE PEW]

Just a shot in the dark here but, I know my car has a timer that shuts off the headlights if they are accidentally left on after parking the car. Is there any chance that the same timer or relay that controls that function could be causing his issue???

Like I said, just a wild @ssed guess .....

[Perkins]

^^^ the above just reminded me of something. The Integration Relay. That could also be causing your troubles.

Do you happen to have an aftermarket Car starter ??