Why wont my parking lights turn off in my car?

The parking lights won’t turn off most often because of a stuck switch, a faulty relay, or a misconfigured lighting setting. They can also stem from door or hood sensors or a daytime running/automatic lighting system fault.

Understanding how parking lights should behave

In most cars, exterior parking lights are controlled by the headlight switch and by relays in the lighting circuit. When the ignition is off and the doors are secured, these lights should normally switch off. Modern vehicles with automatic headlights or daytime running lights (DRLs) can complicate this behavior, since those systems are designed to stay on for a short period or operate differently depending on settings and sensor inputs.

Common causes

Below are the most frequent reasons why parking lights might stay on after you’ve tried turning them off.

• The headlight switch is left in the parking/ON position or the switch is not returning completely to OFF.


• A faulty ignition switch or a stuck relay keeps power fed to the lighting circuit even with the key removed.


• A parking light or lighting relay has stuck closed, keeping the circuit energized.


• Daytime running lights (DRLs) or automatic headlights are misconfigured, malfunctioning, or wired in a way that makes the lights stay on after shutdown.


• A door, hood, or trunk sensor is faulty or not fully closed, signaling the car to keep exterior lights on in some models.


• Wiring damage or a short in the parking-light circuit causes continuous power delivery.


• Aftermarket devices (alarm systems, remote starters, or DIY wiring) interfere with the lighting circuit.

These are the typical culprits across many vehicle makes and models. If none of these conditions clearly apply, a professional diagnostic can pinpoint the exact cause in your car’s electrical system.

What to do next

Here are practical steps you can take to diagnose and possibly fix the issue yourself, while knowing when it’s time to seek professional help.

1. Check the headlight switch position. Make sure it is fully OFF. If it feels sticky or doesn’t return smoothly, the switch or its wiring may be failing.


2. Inspect DRL/auto headlight settings. If your car has automatic headlights or DRLs, try setting everything to manual/off (per your manual) and observe whether the lights go out when you switch off the ignition.


3. Ensure all doors are fully closed. Confirm that door, hood, or trunk sensors aren’t stuck or misaligned, which can keep exterior lights energized in some models.


4. Check fuses and relays related to the lighting circuit. Look up the owner’s manual to locate the parking light and headlight relays, test for continuity, and replace any blown fuses or a stuck relay with a known-good part.


5. Look for aftermarket devices. If you recently installed an alarm, remote starter, or other electronics, consider whether they could be energizing the lighting circuit and test by temporarily disconnecting or isolating those systems (if you’re comfortable doing so).


6. If you’re comfortable with basic diagnostics, perform a gentle parasitic draw check. With the car off and key out, measure current flow from the battery’s positive post to identify an abnormal draw (a trained tech can interpret the reading and trace the source).


7. When the problem persists, schedule a professional inspection. A dealer or qualified automotive electrician can scan the body control module or lighting control module, test for software glitches, and replace faulty components as needed.

Following these steps can resolve many common causes. If none of the steps fix the issue, don’t ignore it—continuous battery drain or electrical faults can lead to bigger problems.

When to seek professional help

If you notice the parking lights stay on despite basic troubleshooting, or if you see signs of a faulty ignition switch, a stuck relay, or suspicious aftermarket wiring, it’s wise to consult a mechanic. Electrical diagnostics often require specialized tools, a wiring diagram specific to your vehicle, and safe handling of high-current circuits.

Preventive tips

Preventing parking lights from sticking on involves routine checks and mindful use of the lighting system.

• Regularly verify that the headlight switch returns to OFF when you turn off the car.


• Keep DRL and automatic-light settings aligned with your preference, and review them after any service or software update.


• Inspect door and hood latches to ensure sensors aren’t falsely signaling that a door is ajar.


• Avoid DIY wiring changes to the lighting circuit unless you’re skilled; use qualified installers for any aftermarket additions.

Seasoned drivers and technicians emphasize that addressing electrical issues early can prevent battery drain, inconvenient starts, and potential safety risks.

Summary

Parking lights that won’t turn off are usually caused by a simple switch issue, a stuck relay, or a misconfigured lighting system. They can also result from faulty sensors or aftermarket wiring. Start with the basics: check the switch, confirm DRL/auto settings, inspect door/hood sensors, and inspect fuses and relays. If the problem persists, seek professional diagnosis to protect your battery and ensure safe operation of your vehicle’s lighting system.

What to do when your inside car lights won't turn off?

If your car's interior lights won't turn off, first check the light switch, the headlight dimmer knob, and if all doors are fully closed. If that doesn't work, a stuck door jamb switch, a faulty light timer, or a blown fuse are the next likely culprits. For a temporary fix, you can remove the dome light bulb, but a persistent issue may require professional repair for problems with wiring, relays, or the body control module (BCM). 
Quick checks to perform

• Check the light switch: Find the switch on the overhead light and ensure it's in the "off" position, not "on" or "door". Some vehicles have a separate control for the main dome light or a three-way switch. 
• Check the headlight dimmer: The knob that controls the brightness of the dashboard lights may have a position that turns on the interior lights. Try turning it. 
• Ensure all doors are closed: Open each door and the trunk to check that they are fully shut. A door or trunk that isn't properly closed will trigger the lights. 

This video demonstrates how to check and adjust the light switch: 48scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 13, 2024
Troubleshooting common issues

• Stuck door jamb switch: Dirt, moisture, or damage can cause the small switch in the door frame (door jamb) to stick, making the car think a door is open. Try pressing each switch in and around the door frames, and you can also spray them with electrical contact cleaner or silicone lubricant.
• Blown or loose fuse: A fuse can become loose, or a vehicle may have been recently detailed and a fuse was accidentally dislodged. Check your car's fuse box to make sure the fuse for the interior lights is properly seated. 

This video shows how to diagnose and fix a faulty door switch: 57s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 4, 2021
When to seek professional help

• Faulty light timer or relay: Modern cars use a timer to turn off the lights after a certain period. If this timer malfunctions, it can keep the lights on. Similarly, a broken relay could be the cause, and it will need replacement. 
• Electrical system problems: More complex issues can stem from a faulty wiring harness, especially after engine bay work, or problems with the body control module (BCM). 
• Overhead console issues: In some cases, the entire overhead light assembly may be faulty and require replacement. 

This video demonstrates a professional approach to fixing light timer issues: 1mDIY with Michael BordersYouTube · Feb 15, 2021

Why is my car parking light not turning off?

Inspect the light switch. Occasionally, the light switch might be unintentionally left in the ``on'' position, causing the lights to remain illuminated even when the vehicle is turned off. Ensure that the switch is set to the ``off'' or ``auto'' position, and check if the lights turn off.

What would cause my parking lights to stay on?

Common Reasons for a Persistent Parking Brake Light

• Faulty parking brake switch.
• Brake handle not fully lowered.
• Parking brake not disengaging.
• Low brake fluid level.
• Bad brake fluid level sensor.
• Faulty wiring or electrical issues.
• Malfunction in the anti-lock brake system.
• Disengage the Parking Brake Properly.

Will parking lights drain the battery?

Yes, parking lights can drain your battery, especially if left on for extended periods, but a healthy battery can typically handle overnight use. The actual impact depends on the battery's age and condition, its capacity, and the current the lights draw. Modern cars sometimes have automatic shut-off features or other systems that consume power even when the car is "off" and might cause a battery drain. 
Factors that influence battery drain

• Battery condition: An older battery with reduced capacity will be drained faster than a new one. 
• Battery capacity: A larger capacity battery can power the lights for a longer time. 
• Power consumption: Newer LED parking lights use less power than older incandescent bulbs, but the total drain still adds up over time. 
• Other systems: Some cars have additional functions like "parking ventilation" or "welcome systems" that can draw power when the car is off, which may lead to a drain over time. 
• Car's charging system: If the car's alternator is working properly, it will recharge the battery while the engine is running, but it won't recharge it when the engine is off. 

This video explains how LED lights can drain your car battery: 1mledlightplanetYouTube · Jan 4, 2022
How to prevent battery drain

• Turn off lights: The simplest solution is to make it a habit to turn off all lights before leaving the car. 
• Check battery health: Have your battery professionally checked regularly to ensure it's in good condition. 
• Consider your battery's age: If your battery is old, be more cautious about leaving any lights on for long periods. 
• Turn off extra features: If your car has a parking ventilation system, or other features that run after the car is off, consider turning them off if you're leaving the car for a while.