Drivers side exterior lights always on

[hummitz]

I was drving to work yesterday and a big truck with a chrome grill pulled up behind me and I could see my drivers side rear lights were on but the switch was off. Nothing lit up on the passenger side. When I got to work I noticed the drivers side front fender light (side marker) was also on - switch still off. When I turn on the lights (switch) the passenger side lights all come on - rear taililghts and side markers. Everything turns off when I turn the car off. I have a 2003 C4S and have daytime running lights.

Any suggestions on where to start my troubleshooting?

Thanks in advance!

[Loren]

Most likely a headlight switch. Try wiggling it and see if there is any change.

[hummitz]

I tried that last night and got fairly rammy with it and nothing... not even a flicker. My original thought was to start with replacing the switch and see what happens?

[Loren]

That would be the most logical cause.

[hummitz]

No luck. Replaced the headlight switch last night and same problem... drivers side lights all lit up! I'm not too sure where to go from here. Any suggestions?

Thanks again.

[fpb111]

With DRLs maybe a relay or something is hung up. Did the dealer set the DRLs, or was it one of the "pull this relay short it with a jumper wire" DRL hacks?

Due to a German requirement German cars have a "Parking Light" position that enables you to activate the left or right side parking lights.

On older Porsche all you had to do was push the turn signal stalk to the desired side to have lights on that side stay on after you parked. You did not have to leave the keys in the car to have this work.

Our 996s have the same feature but you have to perform some additional gymnastics, look in your manual. My point is maybe that feature has a stuck relay? Try turning your passenger side park lights on to see if both stay on or it changes sides. That may give more clues as to where to look. Turn signal switch? Ign switch? Relay?

Edited May 17, 2012 by fpb111

[hummitz]

The car is a canadian car so DRLs were installed out of the gate.

Great suggestion on the side park lights. Unfortunately(?) they are working as they should. The right side comes on when the switch is turned and keys are out of the ignition - as does the left side. Everything seems to be working as it should other than the left (drivers) side lights being on when the car is running (with switch off). I may have to track down a wiring diagram and trace out where this problem could come from.

[wvicary]

Remove the DRL module to see if that corrects the issue.

[hummitz]

Sounds like a logical next step. Is there a DIY on this? I have no idea where to start.

[wvicary]

It's a double relay located in the main relay box under the left side of the dash.

[hummitz]

Pulled the relay and no drivers side lights on! (no DRL's either... obviously). So next step is to replace the relay.

Thanks for the help!

[sexirob]

I know this is an old thread but I am currently having the same issue. My drivers side rear tail light and side marker and rear license plate lights stay on when driving?

Of course when the car is off all lights turn off.

 

Hummitz, did you ever figure out what the issue was?

I know you said you were going to replace the fuse, was that the issue?

Thank You,

Robert

[fpb111]

The "fuse" he replaced was the DRL RELAY.