Headlights

Tiny
MICHAEL LAMB
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,000 MILES
My car was parked in the driveway suddenly the headlights went on, I got in the car and tried to turn them off (the were not on when last I left the car) turning the light switch on & off several times had no effect. I finally disconnected the battery to turn the lights off, so that I did not kill the battery. Whats wrong?
Saturday, November 15th, 2008 AT 6:57 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello

It could be your light switch, your ambient light sensor, integration relay. . .. . .hard to say.

I am sending you the test for the sensor and how to adjust. Try that and see what happens.

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM INSPECTION


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_1_34.gif



INSPECT AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL
AUTO ON:

Turn the ignition switch ON .
Turn the light control switch to AUTO.
Gradually cover the top of the sensor.
Make sure that the lights should turn ON the accessory lights and headlights.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_2_41.gif



INSPECT AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL
AUTO OFF:

Gradually expose the sensor.
Make sure that the lights should turn OFF the headlights and accessory lights.
3. INSPECT LIGHTS-OFF CONDITION

Turn the ignition switch ON .
Gradually cover the top of the sensor. Lights auto ON :
Make sure that the lights will go out when the light control switch is OFF , the area surrounding the sensor gets bright or open the driver's door while the ignition switch is OFF .
4. INSPECT LIGHTS-ON CONDITION

Open the driver's door while the ignition switch is OFF .
Turn the light control switch to AUTO leaving the door open and cover the top of the sensor, make sure that the lights go on when the ignition switch is turned ON .
5. ADJUST AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL SENSOR

Adjustment of the light control is performed by turning the sensitivity knob on the sensor.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_3_30.gif



This will be determined at what light condition the automatic control will take place.
If response is too quick. turn the knob counterclockwise.
If response is too slow, turn the knob clockwise.
6. INSPECT SENSOR CIRCUIT


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_4_20.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_5_14.jpg



Connector Disconnected
Disconnect the connector from the sensor and inspect the connector on the wire harness side, as shown in the chart.

If the circuit is as specified, perform the following inspection.

If the circuit is not as specified, inspect the circuit connected to other parts.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_6_8.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_7_10.jpg



Connector Connected
Connect the wire harness side connector to the sensor and inspect wire harness side connector from the back side. as shown.

If the circuit is as specified, try replacing the sensor with new one.

If the circuit is not as specified, inspect the circuit connected to other parts.

Read this guide on using a test light, it will help you do this

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

See the wiring diagrams attached below
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Saturday, November 15th, 2008 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
MICHELEGMEREK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 18,000 MILES
Headlights stay on after turned off. Changed switch, fixed for 1 day. Lights staying on
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 6:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PCMENTOR29
  • MEMBER
  • 177 POSTS
1996 Avalon: When I leave the switch on AUTO the lights stay on after engine shut off but they go off when I open the driver door. There may be a relay that is not functioning. Search a wiring diagram for such a relay and switch for one from junkyard.
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 6:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TUFGUY17
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
How do I replace the bulb in the parking light front passenger side
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 6:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sorry, my software doesnt give specific directions on that procedure, they kind of expect us to figure things out sometimes. Regardless of how poorly they design it. Lol
Sometimes access is gotten from under the vehicle or by removing the inner fender liner. Yours is in the bumper so if there arent any external screws it will be accessed from under most likely
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 6:13 PM (Merged)

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