General Frontlights stay on

[Dirkh]

I've got a strange problem with my Multipla JTD 2001. My frontlights stays on, even when I turn the switch. When I turn the switch, the dashboard lights en rearend lights go out. When I turn of the key and the switch, the frontlights keep burning.
I did take off the battery for a copple of minutes, but that don't help.
Now I have to take out two fuses to turn off the lights, that's not the most easy way everytime I will drive the car.
Does somebody have a idea what to do?

 

[Greyhound_Shrops]

Hello,

I have a thought, presuming you are referring to the sidelights and when you remove the key from the ignition. I would also hazard a guess that you have owned Japanese cars in the past. Read on to see what I mean.

On the majority of Fiats, all external lights (headlights, rear lights, foglights) go off when the igniton is turned off (no lights on the instrument panel). The Multipla is no exception.

Question: When you remove the key from the ignition, does this involve you pressing a button by the side of the key and turning it a bit first?

On a lot of cars, particularly Japanese, there is a requirement to press a button, by the keyhole, to release the key from the ignition.

On the majority of Fiats (certainly Multiplas) there is also a small (black) button by the keyhole (round the edge of the lock barrel in fact). HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT TO RELEASE THE KEY. It is, in fact, it allows an extra turn past the off position to switch on parking lights (front sidelights and rear lights).

I suggest you first replace your fuses. Then put the key in the ignition and start your engine. Then, holding ONLY the blue part of your key, turn it off again. Touching nothing but the blue bit (ie - fingers nowhere near the keyhole), pull the key out of the ignition.

If I am correct, your lights should be off. If I am wrong, your lights will still be on and you may need the expertise of an auto electrician.

Unless anyone has any other suggestions.

Good Luck

Ian

 

[booklady]

crikey, I have had my multi for nearly 9 years and have never seen that button, will have to take a look when my husband gets home from work!

 

[wolfgang]

Hi funny you should mention about the headlights,my brother has one of these and he phoned me up (he's in the I-O-M)his HEADLIGHTS stay on when the ignition is switched off no other lights ie side front or back lights stay on, only the head lights.He too has to take the fuses out.Occasionally when he has put them back in the lights are off(only until they are swiched back on again). My thoughts are that a relay maybe arcing closed or somehow has become weak and isnt opening.However he doesnt know where the relays are for the headlights,so if someone out there knows I or has any other ideas it would be good to hear them

 

[booklady]

I think you may find the answer in the second post?