Technical Headlights on permanently

[solo3583]

Our 2004 Idea was fine until a few months ago when suddenly we found that we cannot turn off the headlights unless we take the key out of the ignition. In other words headlights are on (dipped) whether the switch is in the sidelights or headlights position whilst the engine is running. A bit like a Volvo!
An even wierder thing is that when the switch is in sidelight position, if you indicate left the headlights go off! Very unsettling if you're driving at night, so we keep the switch in headlight position permanently.
Is this a faulty circuit board or is it the switch? Or what?

 

[Chris@souls]

I'd imagine its the switch.

Does it also have a button under the ignition barrel to release the key?

 

[solo3583]

Thanks. No it doesn't have the button.

 

[Jannik]

Fiat stopped using the ignition-button system.

I suspect there is some fault in the electric system after someone has mounted a "driving lights relay".

But i haven't seen this fault on anything else than AUDI cars with LED hedlights

 

[jay66uk]

On the Dynamic and Eleganza (with the trip computer) I believe you can programme up things like this. Has someone been fiddling with the settings??

 

[T14086]

as chris says its the switch...your local dealer will have a service news to confirm this.

 

[solo3583]

Well you're all wrong I'm afraid! As I had begun to suspect, this fault was connected with the starter motor problem I also posted earlier. That wasn't the caused by the starter motor either, but the body computer. Replacing the computer has cured both problems - at vast expense, though it has to be said that FIAT UK agreed to pay 50% of the cost as a goodwill gesture since the car is only just out of warranty and has only done 40k miles. Thanks for your suggestions anyway.

 

[BIG E]

Well you're all wrong I'm afraid! As I had begun to suspect, this fault was connected with the starter motor problem I also posted earlier. That wasn't the caused by the starter motor either, but the body computer. Replacing the computer has cured both problems - at vast expense, though it has to be said that FIAT UK agreed to pay 50% of the cost as a goodwill gesture since the car is only just out of warranty and has only done 40k miles. Thanks for your suggestions anyway.

I have the same problem and Fiat dealer says it is the switch at fault. Can anyone comment on this or tell me cost involved please?