Why does my cargo light stay on?

Usually, a cargo light that won’t turn off is caused by a switched signal stuck in the “on” position, a wiring fault, or a control module issue. In many cases, a quick inspection of switches and connections fixes the problem.

Common causes

The following items cover the most frequent reasons a cargo light stays illuminated, from simple to more complex electrical faults.

• Stuck or dirty door/tailgate switch or a misaligned latch that keeps the circuit thinking a door is open.


• manual switch left in the ON position on models that offer a three-position control (Off, Door, On).


• Faulty or stuck relay or a malfunctioning body control module (BCM) that governs the cargo-light circuit.


• Wiring damage, chafing, or a poor ground causing a constant power path to the lamp.


• Aftermarket lighting or wiring installed wrongly that feeds power continuously into the cargo light.


• Moisture or corrosion in the light assembly or connectors leading to a short or stuck contact.

If any of these conditions are suspected, address them step by step—starting with the simplest switch check and moving toward wiring and module issues.

Diagnostic steps to identify the cause

To determine why your cargo light won't turn off, follow a structured set of checks that begin with the easiest possibilities and advance to electrical testing.

Preliminary checks

Begin with basic, non-invasive checks to rule out obvious causes before testing electrical circuits.

1. Confirm the switch position on the cargo light is OFF if your model has a manual control.


2. Close all doors and the tailgate; inspect latches and hinges for misalignment or dirt that could keep a door sensor engaged.


3. Look for any aftermarket wiring or recent modifications near the cargo area that could feed power to the light.


4. Check fuses and relays for the cargo-light circuit in the vehicle’s fuse/relay box; replace any blown fuses or suspect relays.


5. Inspect the light housing and connectors for moisture, corrosion, or damaged insulation.

Concluding: If the light continues to stay on after these checks, proceed with targeted electrical testing to locate the exact source of power.

Electrical testing and diagnostics

These tests help determine whether power is being delivered to the light when doors are closed and whether the switch or relay is functioning properly.

1. With the doors closed, verify whether power is present at the cargo-light harness using a test light or multimeter. If power is present, the issue is likely in the switch/relay or wiring onward from the switch.


2. Test the door/tailgate switches for proper operation; compare the circuit state with the door open and closed to ensure the switch changes correctly.


3. Inspect the relay (if equipped) by listening for a click or measuring coil continuity; replace if the coil is weak or the contacts are burned.


4. Check for shorts to ground or constant power in the wiring harness, especially near hinges and seals where movement can abrade insulation.


5. If an aftermarket module or additional lighting exists, disconnect it temporarily to see if the cargo light behaves normally.

Concluding: Should the diagnostic indicate a control-module (BCM) or wiring fault that isn’t easily repaired, professional service is recommended to avoid further electrical issues.

Fixes and preventive measures

After pinpointing the likely cause, these remedies address the most common fixes and help prevent recurrence.

• Set the cargo light switch to OFF if your model includes a manual Off/On control.


• Replace a faulty door/tailgate switch and ensure the latch properly engages the switch when the door is closed.


• Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors; reseat or replace corroded connectors and apply dielectric grease where appropriate.


• Replace a stuck or failed relay or control module if diagnostics point to the electrical control unit.


• Replace the cargo light fixture if the internal circuitry is faulty or moisture has damaged the unit.


• Reassess aftermarket wiring to ensure it isn’t feeding continuous power to the cargo light; revert to stock configuration if needed.

Concluding: Regular inspections and careful maintenance of door switches, harnesses, and connectors can reduce the likelihood of a cargo light staying on.

When to seek professional help

Some cargo-light issues involve the vehicle’s onboard computer or complex wiring that requires diagnostic tools and expertise.

• The light remains on after you’ve completed the basic checks and fixes.


• You observe signs of electrical damage, such as burning smell, melted insulation, or corrosion in the connectors.


• The problem affects other systems (e.g., interior lighting, dashboard indicators) or leads to repeated battery drain.


• You lack the tools or confidence to safely diagnose and repair vehicle electrical circuits.

Concluding: A dealership or qualified auto-electrician can diagnose BCM/relay faults and perform any necessary repairs with factory tooling and service information.

Summary

In most cases, a cargo light that stays on stems from a simple switch issue, a misaligned latch, or a wiring/relay fault. Start with basic checks—verify switch position, examine door latches, and inspect fuses—then move to electrical testing and targeted fixes. If the problem persists, professional diagnosis is advised to prevent battery drain and ensure safe, reliable operation.

Why is my tail light staying on when everything is off?

Your tail lights won't turn off when the car is off because of a faulty brake light switch, a broken brake pedal stopper, or an electrical/wiring issue. A common cause is the small rubber bumper on the brake pedal arm wearing out or breaking, which prevents the brake light switch from being activated correctly. Other issues could include a short circuit or a problem with the car's control modules.
 
This video shows how to identify and fix a common issue where brake lights stay on due to a broken brake pedal stopper: 59sFormula BeanYouTube · Sep 13, 2021
Common causes

• Faulty brake light switch: The switch, located near the brake pedal, may be stuck or malfunctioning, causing it to stay on continuously. 
• Broken brake pedal stopper: This is a small rubber or plastic piece on the brake pedal arm. When it breaks, the pedal no longer properly presses the brake light switch, which can cause the lights to stay on. 
• Electrical short or wiring issue: Damaged or corroded wiring can cause a short circuit that keeps the lights on. 
• Faulty trailer light plug: If you tow a trailer, a faulty plug can sometimes be the cause. 
• Malfunctioning multifunction switch or control module: Less common causes could be a failing multifunction switch or a problem with the car's main control modules (BCM or ECU). 

What to do

1. Inspect the brake pedal: Look for a small rubber or plastic piece on the brake pedal arm, especially at the top. If it's missing or broken, this is likely the issue. 
2. Try a temporary fix: If the stopper is broken, a temporary fix can be to create a new one using a small bolt, a piece of hard plastic, or even a wadded-up piece of paper held with tape, according to Reddit users, Reddit users, and Reddit users, and Reddit users. 
3. Consult a professional: If you can't find a broken stopper or the issue persists, it's best to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem, as it could be a more complex electrical issue. Ignoring the problem can drain your battery and could be a safety hazard. 

Why won't my trunk light turn off?

A trunk light won't turn off because the trunk latch switch is faulty, stuck, or misaligned, and is not registering that the trunk is closed. Other potential causes include debris or damage around the latch, a loose or corroded wire, or an electrical short circuit. To fix it, you can try cleaning and lubricating the latch, checking the wiring for damage, or replacing the switch. 
This video demonstrates how to manually activate the trunk light switch on a Honda Fit: 57sHawkin SaegerYouTube · Jun 13, 2024
Common causes

• Faulty trunk latch switch: This is the most common reason. The switch fails to signal the light to turn off even when the trunk is fully closed. 
• Debris or damage: Dirt, rust, or other obstructions can get lodged in the latch mechanism, preventing it from fully engaging the switch. 
• Wiring issues: A loose connection, corroded wire, or short in the wiring harness can cause the light to stay on. 

How to fix it

1. Inspect the latch: Check the trunk latch assembly for any visible debris or damage that might be preventing it from closing completely. 
2. Clean and lubricate: Use a cloth to clean the latch mechanism and the switch. Apply a small amount of lubricant to ensure smooth operation. 
3. Check the wiring: Inspect the wiring harnesses near the trunk for any signs of corrosion, cuts, or loose connections. 
4. Test the switch: If you have a multimeter, you can test the switch for continuity to see if it is working correctly. 
5. Replace the switch: If cleaning and checking the wiring don't work, the switch itself is likely the problem and will need to be replaced. 

This video shows how to diagnose a trunk light that won't work by checking the trunk latch assembly: 1mCar Repairs Made SimpleYouTube · May 14, 2023

Why do my lights stay on even when the switch is off?

Your light still glows when off because of residual current (also called ghosting), which can be caused by the light's own electronics, incompatible dimmer switches, or faulty wiring. LEDs have a small capacitor that stores energy, leading to a faint glow as this energy dissipates, and other issues like leakage current can cause a sustained dim light. 
This video explains why LED lights might glow or flash when they are turned off: 1mJohnAudioTechYouTube · May 14, 2017
Reasons for the glow

• Energy storage in the LED driver: Many LED bulbs have a built-in driver with a capacitor that stores a small amount of electricity. After the switch is turned off, the capacitor discharges, causing the bulb to glow for a short time until the energy is fully dissipated. 
• Leakage current: A tiny amount of current can remain in the circuit after the switch is turned off, often due to a faulty switch or wiring. This is especially common with switches that have a built-in light to help you find them in the dark. 
• Capacitive coupling: This occurs when a wire carrying electricity creates an electrical field in nearby wires, inducing a small current. The wiring in your walls can cause this effect, enough to power an LED even when it's supposed to be off. 
• Incompatible dimmers: If you are using an LED with a dimmer switch that is not compatible, the dimmer may not be able to completely cut off the power, resulting in a faint glow. 
• Faulty or incorrect wiring: Improper wiring, such as switching the neutral wire instead of the hot wire, can cause the light to remain partially energized, leading to a glow. 

How to fix it

• Use the right dimmer switch: Ensure your dimmer switch is rated for use with LED bulbs. 
• Install a bypass capacitor: A qualified electrician can install a bypass capacitor in parallel with the light fixture or switch to absorb leakage current. 
• Ensure proper wiring: A qualified electrician can check the wiring to make sure the neutral wire is properly bonded and that the switch is correctly installed on the hot wire. 
• Replace the bulb: Sometimes, the issue is a poorly designed bulb with a weak drain circuit. A different brand or quality of LED bulb may resolve the issue. 

Where is the cargo light switch on a Ford?

The cargo light switch on a Ford is typically located on the dashboard, often to the left of the steering wheel or to the right of the steering wheel near the headlight switch. The switch's exact position varies by model, but it is commonly found as a button or a dial with an icon resembling a truck bed or cargo light.
 
This video shows the location of the cargo light switch on a 2019 Ram 1500: 56sPYR Automotive YouTube · Oct 12, 2022

• Dashboard location: Look for a button or dial on the dashboard, often on the left side near the steering column or on the right side near the headlight switch. 
• Button icons: The button may be labeled with an icon of a truck bed or cargo light. 
• Auxiliary controls: On some models, the cargo light switch is part of a set of auxiliary light controls, such as on the Ford F-150, where it's located below the fog light controls. 
• On/Off operation: For many models, pressing the button once turns the light on, and pressing it again turns it off. However, some models may have a different function, like a simple on/off button that doesn't turn off when you press it again. 
• Other methods: If you cannot find a physical switch, check the vehicle's interior light controls for a dedicated button, or look for a control option in the vehicle's infotainment system or settings. 

This video shows how to turn interior lights on and off on a Ford F-150: 56sQuick TipsYouTube · Aug 26, 2025