2012 170 TDi Elegance

As soon as I switch the ignition on, the headlights and tail lights come on. The headlight switch position makes no difference, (Off, Auto, Sidelights, Headlights), nor do the fog lights work, (no tell-tale on the dash and lights do not come on). Engine on or off makes no difference. Dip / main selection via the stalk works as normal.

I am thinking that the switch is faulty and the car is defaulting to a safe mode. Is there such a thing?
However, the car has a panoramic sun roof which has had a minor leak in the past, (but not now, as far as I can tell), so could something else be at fault?

The dealer wants £100 to run diagnostics, so if anyone can offer advice, (knowledge, please, not just guesses), I would be grateful.

Thanks

 

Simon

When you say Headlights do you mean Mainbeam or Dipped Beam?

When it is dark(ish) my lights come on, usually with a message

"Turn Your Lights On" referring to the light switch.

I had a similar problem some time ago, turning on the ignition also turned on the side and headlights, couldn't switch them off by the switch.

i bought a new switch, problem soon returned, opened up the original switch and a track on the circuit board at the back of the switch had burned out, so using fine wire wire I soldered in a bridging piece, not had any subsequent problems   ---   if you follow this route you will need torx bits!

Hi

 

I suggest you try a new switch.  Should be less than the cost of diagnostics.

Gumdrop - headlights come in with dipped beam.  Stalk allows switching from dip to main, flashing main, as usual

 

Frenchtone - thanks for the suggestion, will give it a try

 

Austin 7 - both about the same price

 

I took the switch out and switched on the ignition; dipped headlights and tail lights came on.  Implies a broken circuit in the switch, (as per Frenchtone), as the switch is not interrupting the fed to turn them off when switched to off?

Edited 4 December, 20223 yr by Simon D