Why Are My Car Interior Lights Staying On? - Troubleshooting Guide

Are your car's interior lights still on even after you have switched off the engine, exited your car and locked the doors?

Though this may be annoying or concerning, there are a number of reasons that can cause this to occur. Let's delve into the possible reasons that this can occur and present you with a step-by-step plan to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

 

Faulty Door Switches

One of the most common cause of car interior lights staying on is malfunctioning switches.

These switches are usually located around your car's door frame and are used to detect when your door is open or closed.

When these switches become faulty they send the wrong signal to the receiver in the circuit, which then causes the to stay on. 

Inspect each door switch to make they are not damaged or displaced. In the case of a faulty switch, they may need replacing.

 

 

 

Misadjusted Interior Light Controls

It may be worth checking the lights controls, as it is also commonplace to accidently have the controls set to keep the lights on continuosly.

Check the settings on your interior lights panel, as the placement is different between car models. Get familiar with the settings and make sure they are set correctly to switch off when the your turn off your engine and lock your car.

Faulty Light Timer

If your car is equipped with a light timer, this could also be the cause. Light timers automatically turn off the lights after a certain period of time.

If this has malfunctioned, it can cause the lights to stay on. Your vehicle's manual should give you insight to locate your light timer and inspect it to see if it needs replacing.

Ideally, you want to get a professional mechanic or someone with the relevant knowledge to inspect it for you.

 

 

 

 

Electrical System Issues

A less common cause for interior lights staying on is when a car has an electrical problem. 

This is a much more complex matter, that can include issues with wiring, relays or even a faulty body control module (BCM).

These problems can affect your car in many ways, one of which could be your lighting functions.

If you think you may have an electrical issue you will need to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic.

 

 

Aftermarket Modifications

Sometimes modifications or additions to your car's electrical system can cause issues. Installation of electrical accessories or upgraded stereo systems could also be the reason why your interior lights are staying on.

Incorrect wiring or non compatible models can interfere with the car's electrical system and trigger this problem.

Review any recent mods and make sure they are properly installed and that they are compatible with your car.

 

Conclusion

You should now have more understanding and be able to troubleshoot, if your interior car lights refuse to turn off.

So you can start by checking the door switches, adjusting the interior light controls and inspecting the light timer.

If the problem persists, consider seeking professional help to correctly diagnose and fix any electrical issues.

Resolving this problem will save you from unnecessary battery drain and also ensure the your car's interior lighting system functions perfectly.