89 240 light mystery

[hertfordnc]

There are multiple parts to this mystery, perhaps they are related;

1. When I turn the lights on the parking lights will not go off unless I shut off the car. It's as if they are getting power though a relay and remain energized until the key is turned.

2. The engine sputters when I cycle the head light switch, as if the switch is creating a short or putting a heavy load on the electrical system.

3. the light failure warning light comes on when I apply the brake but all the brake lights work perfectly.

[billofdurham]

1. The day running lights come on as soon as the ignition is switched on and remain on until it is switched off.

2. Does this happen when the engine is ticking over only, or does it happen even when you are driving?

3. It could be that one bulb is getting ready to die. I have seen this happen before and the bulb has gone some days later. The other explanations could be dirty contacts in the bulb holder - clean them with wire wool and lubricate with a dielectric grease; different makes of bulb or one bulb replaced on its own. The bulb failure system is very sensitive and it is policy to change bulbs in pairs, or threes in the case of brake lights.

Bill.

[hertfordnc]

re: 1, OK, just so we're clear, I can understand the lights being on all the time but that's not exactly what we have here. If i start the car with the lights off, they stay off. If i turn the lights on they will not go off when I cycle the switch off. once turned on they will not go off until the key is turned off.

2. I think it happens any time the engine is running. It's as if the light relay is pulling power from the ignition circuit while the switch is in transition.


3. I'll probably live with it until I have occasion to change some bulbs.

THanks

[billofdurham]

I would definitely be checking the light switch for burnt contacts as most of your problems seem to revolve around its use.

Bill.

[wojeepster]

Did you check the third brake light?