Headlamps won't turn off on 2004 Matrix XR

[Jaybeth]

Just bought a used 2004 Matrix-after 4 days of driving with no problems, the battery died. Thought we left the lights on but it turns out - THE LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF! We isolated this problem after we jump started the battery and got the car home and the battery died again. Took it to the dealer - they said it MAY be an Integrated Circuit Relay issue - repair cost estimate: about $370. Has anyone had this problem with their 2004 Matrix? Also, the gear box console light is out - they want $180 for a light bulb. Should I replace on my own? or just let it be "dark".?

[fishexpo101]

Does sound like a smoked relay, switch, or integration relay issue. If you just bought the car, dealership should be eating the diagnostic and repair charges as a sign of future business. If not, take the car elsewhere - as the repair estimate for the integration relay is "reasonable", but the gear box lamp is not, assuming this is talking about the light for the gear position indicator plate.

For that - you can DIY if you feel comfortable pulling trim panels off the car - basically work from the top down, pulling trim off until you expose the wire leading to the bulb under the indicator panel. I don't remember if it is a filament bulb or LED, but it is a little lamp in there.

Center finish panel subassembly (around radio), instrument cluster center console finish panel (around shifter), instrument panel lower box finish panel (around shifter base), this will expose shifter assembly, look on the left side of the shifter, right below the indicator strip - should see the wire, bulb holder, and tiny lamp that needs to be changed.