I searched the forums for an hour for an answer to this question, I couldn't find one.

I have a 2003.0 Premium package sedan.

Three times, my headlights have been set to auto but have failed to turn off.
It killed the battery twice.

All three times it has correlated with a change in the way my accessory power works. The auto headlight feature has only failed right after my other accessory power preferences seem to change on their own. This is what happens:

1. My radio stays on for a few seconds even after I have turned off and removed the key. (It normally doesn't)

2. The headlights stay on after turning off the car for about a 2 minutes instead of the normal 45 seconds.

These power settings (abnormalities) aren't normal for my car and when it happens I have learned that sooner or later my headlights will not turn off.

What am I doing wrong? What would cause this?

The other times I brought my car into the dealer and they reprogramed it, or reset it, for free but didn't know what caused it. I'm coming out of warranty now and I need to know what is happeneing.

Any ideas or soultions would be very appreciated. Thanks.

 

Do you have any aftermarket alarm systems installed? Is the drivers side door jamb sensor sticking/not operating smoothly?

 

No aftermarket alarm, and I believe the door sensor works properly. The interior lights operate properly when any door is opened and closed so I think the door sensor is fine.


I use power inverter connected to the center console outlet almost all the time. Does anyone think this could be related. If so, why would this only happen every few months?

 

I don't see how that could have affected it, but I know that the auto light feature is triggered by opening and closing the driver door. I had this same problem one night when I remote started the car at night and the headlights came on. I turned the car off with the remote start, and then went out to the bar. When I came back, the car was dead. I tested it the next day, and the drivers door needs to open and then close for the lights to go off.

 

khsonic

You know, I remember reaching into the car through an open window a few nights ago to turn off the lights manually before the auto timer triggered it with the car off. I'll bet that was what happened. I had done this before, but had forgotten about it. I'll bet that is what messed it up. Thanks for the help.