Help again... auto lights work- but stay on

[RKelly2233]

03 V6 XLT- 180K right now... Suddenly my auto lights- which I always have set on auto mode- stay on when shut off the car for at least 4 minutes. Havent been able to stand the 10 degree weather to see if it stays on longer. Usaully they are off within 30 seconds. I have projector fog lights, but they are direct replacement so im pretty sure that doesnt have anything to do with it. As silly as it sounds- anyone think it might be the battery dying? I had a 2 different grand am gt's do the same thing intentionally- when they battery was on its wawy out the auto lights would stay on and kill the rest of the battery. Battery is 3 years old... and 80K miles on it and has taken a beating. In case it matters- i have the keypad disconnected until I can trust that my x girlfriend wont steal anything anymore..

 

[BigRondo]

I know that if the battery is weak or dying it will play havoc on the computer controlled components. Can't say for sure if that is your problem. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in.

 

[OneLever]

Not sure how it is on a 2003, but the autolamps on my 1997 have a slide adjustment switch. You can adjust how long the lights stay on by moving that switch from between immediate shut off to almost five minutes. I'd make sure that switch wasn't accidentally moved.

 

[BigRondo]

I know my '02 has no adjustment. Can't say about the OP's '03.

 

[RKelly2233]

Anyone happen to know the actual amount of time they are supposed to stay on? I can remember it being only 30 seconds or so. There are no adjustable times for the 02+ explorers- and i didnt know that older models had those adjustments. Had them in a 00 Lincoln LS but havent seen em in a newer explorer. I was thinkin maybe it had something to do with the cold maybe? Really started to notice it in december, and it has only been getting colder (-5 yesterday) so i wont be able to tell for a while...

 

[Robsbrd99]

I think it would be one of two things. A bad headlight switch or the sensor that makes the Auto headlights go on and off has gone bad.

 

[RKelly2233]

I timed it... with a stop watch. It stays on for 3 minutes exactly... then shuts off like its supposed too. Think its the battery saver doin that though?? Maybe I should try manually leaving my lights on and see if it shuts off. Just dont wanna ruin whats left of a battery right before I sell it... Although I dont wanna send it off as a problematic car- id feel bad... Especially cause the truck im gettin probably will be a lemmon (Aviator)... Any suggestions???

 

[OneLever]

You said you thought the battery might be bad. It can be tested at local auto parts stores for free if you want. Also, wouldn't hurt to skim through the owner's manual or call the dealership for information on the autolamps. I would not pay them to do anything to it. But this is one of those issues that might be a simple fix over the phone.

 

[BigRondo]

My autolights stay on for 20-30 seconds after I shut off the Ex.

Have you checked for broken wire(s) in the boot?

I had similar electrical issues with my 02 xlt. The dome lights would stay on until the battery saver feature turned them off, the driver side puddle light didn't work, the keypad on the door would set off the alarm when I pressed it, the door ajar light would flash and beep at highway speeds, the radio would shut off as soon as I turned the key off, etc.

A lot of electrical issues can be traced back to broken/damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver's door. I found a broken wire and repaired it and all is back to normal!

Here is the thread for removing the door panel: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=303524

Here is a great thread for checking for broken/damaged wires, thanks to synyster for this awesome write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=270081


Hope this helps out! :biggthump