all my lights come on when I turn the ignition

2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
112,000 MILES
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BLACKFORD83
My instrument lights, headlights and brake lights come on when trying to start my car. I do not have auto lamps. the battery is draining while turned off. is it a bad relay in the lights control module or a faulty headlight switch?

The first couple times i noticed this the battery still had enough juice to start but now the battery is dead when I turn the key making me think a relay is stuck somewhere and draining the battery while the car is turned off.
Dec 27, 2011 at 12:38 AM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Before you start thinking that way you need to have the battery tested make sure the battery cables are clean and tight.ALSo have the alternator tested.
Dec 27, 2011 at 12:42 AM
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BLACKFORD83
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i would understand having the alternator checked if it was consecutive times that the problem occured, but the first couple of times that this happened it was over the course of two weeks and the problem was intermittent. so i think the battery was being charged properly by the alternator.
Dec 27, 2011 at 12:48 AM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Lets check all that just to be sure i have learned to never assume anything when fixing something.If all that checks out you will have to perform a parsitic draw test.
Dec 27, 2011 at 12:55 AM
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