[woowoo2]

With any luck someone has seen this problem before.
2004 corolla CE 4cl/ base model
Headlights and tail lights are on all the time.

When the engine is running...
When the headlight switch is operated, dash lights work as they should, headlights will not shut off.

When the engine is off, and the key is removed, the headlight switch needs to be in the off position to shut off the headlights and tail lights.

I am guessing it may be the stalk switch?


I don't know the history of the car, just purchased it last week.
Thanks!

 

[Eliot Ness]

Sounds normal to me. I also have a 2004 CE and when the car is started the 'Daytime Running Lights' come on, which you might be confusing as headlights:

"Daytime running light system (for U.S.A.)
Daytime running light system can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. This system can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset. This system will make your headlights come on at a reduced brightness when:
 -The engine is running.
 -The parking brake is released.
 -The headlight/turn signal lever knob is in the “OFF” position"

​

You can check that they are the DRL by seeing if your tail lights are not on.

Also, if the headlights are on, turning the key off will not turn them off, you have to do that manually:

"Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer will remind you to turn the lightsoff when the driver’s door is opened if you
remove the key with the headlight switch on."

​

I have a sensor on my dash that turns my headlights on automatically when it senses a dark condition; when that happens I do not need to turn off the light switch when turning the car off.

 

[woowoo2]

Eliot,
Thanks for the reply.
It's not the DRL because the tail lights are also on all the time, even when the stalk switch is off.
And
The headlights do not dim/brighten when the stalk switch is operated.

I will check and see if there is a light sensor on the dash.

 

[Eliot Ness]

......I will check and see if there is a light sensor on the dash.

It is a small orange dome about the diameter of a dime located on the drivers side dash near the front windshield.

There are some relays that might be sticking or bad..... others members with more experience will chime in when they get the time.

Good Luck!

 

[hardtopte72]

If your twilight sensor is blocked by a paper or something else, the car will think it's dark and turn them on.

It's also possible the sensor is bad or its coating has become damaged, altering it's reading.

Can you take a video of the issue during the day in a well lit area? Specifically of the rear of the car while starting and for at least 10 seconds afterward.

 

[woowoo2]

Thanks for the input folks!
I have not had a lot of time to look at this, but I did notice that if you start the car (at night) the DRL will come on first, then about 10 seconds later the actual headlights and tail lights will come on.
This is with the stalk switch in the off position.
And, yes there is a light sensor on the dash and nothing is blocking it.

With any luck I will be able to look at this more, and in the daylight, this weekend.

 

[hardtopte72]

Thanks for the input folks!
I have not had a lot of time to look at this, but I did notice that if you start the car (at night) the DRL will come on first, then about 10 seconds later the actual headlights and tail lights will come on.
This is with the stalk switch in the off position.
And, yes there is a light sensor on the dash and nothing is blocking it.

With any luck I will be able to look at this more, and in the daylight, this weekend.

That's normal for nighttime. If it does that during they day, I would wager something is wrong with the light sensor.

 

[Manda79]

Sounds normal to me. I also have a 2004 CE and when the car is started the 'Daytime Running Lights' come on, which you might be confusing as headlights:

"Daytime running light system (for U.S.A.)​

Daytime running light system can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. This system can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset. This system will make your headlights come on at a reduced brightness when:​

-The engine is running.​

-The parking brake is released.​

-The headlight/turn signal lever knob is in the “OFF” position"​

​

​

You can check that they are the DRL by seeing if your tail lights are not on.

Also, if the headlights are on, turning the key off will not turn them off, you have to do that manually:

"Light reminder buzzer​

With any luck someone has seen this problem before.
2004 corolla CE 4cl/ base model
Headlights and tail lights are on all the time.

When the engine is running...
When the headlight switch is operated, dash lights work as they should, headlights will not shut off.

When the engine is off, and the key is removed, the headlight switch needs to be in the off position to shut off the headlights and tail lights.

I am guessing it may be the stalk switch?


I don't know the history of the car, just purchased it last week.
Thanks!

Did you ever find out what this was? Mine is doing same thing.