Do your car’s dashboard lights stay on when the car is off? Many car owners are reporting the problem, and it might be associated with the ignition switch problems but might occur due to other car issues such as a short in the lights control module.
Read on to learn why your car’s lights stay on even when you turn it off and the possible solutions to the issue.
Contents
A Faulty Battery
A faulty battery might make lights stay on when the ignition is switched off; the battery voltage is an essential aspect in modern-controlled vehicles.
The digital parts in the car communicate, and they do so using both high and low voltages. The Morse code in the digital control might start sending strange messages if the battery is faulty. Thus, you can run the crank test to ensure it is at 12.65 volts to ensure the issue is not the faulty battery.
Loose and Dirty Battery Cables
The dirty and faulty battery cables might cause flickering lights and dashboard lights which could remain on when the ignition is switched off.
When the battery terminals corrode, the battery acid might leak from the terminal posts; thus, it is better to care for the cables to prevent electric faults.
Problem with the Ignition Switch
The ignition system controls the system, determining when the lights stay on or off. A worn-out ignition might lead to unexpected broken internals, which can short circuit the electric system powering the lights.
Low Engine Oil Pressure
The engine oil warning lights will come on when the engine is low; a loss of the engine oil might impact the car’s electrical system leading to dashboard lights that persist after switching the car off. Thus, it is best to check the engine and ensure it is at the right level.
The anti-lock braking system
The anti-lock system faults lead to issues with the ABS. The faulty brake system might switch off the ABS features, impacting the controls on the dashboard.
Is This Problem Temporary?
Although the issue can be temporary, it is better to learn some DIY skills to help you resolve issues with the dashboard lights. You can turn off the engine and start the car again to determine if the issue is temporary.
If the problem is a temporary issue, the dashboard lights will go off after restarting the engine. If the problem dashboard lights do not correct themselves, you can disconnect the car’s battery and reconnect it.
The check engine light will show if the car needs attention, as it works with the car sensors, which send signals when something is faulty; the universal adaptor on the dashboard can diagnose issues, and you can plug it into the OBD2 code reader, which is a scanner which identifies auto problems.
Finally, you should know what all the signs on the dashboard mean to maintain the vehicle effectively. The dashboard colors range from yellow, orange, red, and green, and each color has a meaning; they notify issues with the brakes, lights, traction, low oil, engine temperature, and check engine. It is better to understand these lights and their contribution to the car’s wellness.
Can It Resolve By Itself?
Sometimes you might start driving, hoping the lights will correct themselves, which might be true for some cars. However, if the issue results from engine problems or battery issues, the dashboard lights will not correct themselves.
Get the Car to the Repair Shop
If you cannot repair the dashboard lights which don’t go off when the car is off, you can find an expert to diagnose the issues. ASE-auto certified mechanics can efficiently resolve dashboard lights problems. The mechanic will check dashboard lights, battery problems, and ignition system issues.
Final Thoughts
Mechanical and electric car problems can be devastating, especially if you doubt knowing how to deal with the issues yourself. Dashboard lights that stay on when the car is off might result from ignition system faults, low engine oil, and faulty batteries.
You should know the different dashboard lights and their meaning, making it easy to identify underlying car issues. You should check the battery if it is faulty and the wires to ensure they are not exposed, leading to short-circuiting.
Moreover, you should correct low oil levels, which impact the battery and dashboard lights. Finally, check the ignition system to ensure it is not predisposing the dashboard to problems.
