Why are the lights still on after locking the Focus?
2 Answers
It is normal for the lights to remain on after locking the Focus. This is the car's delayed lighting function. Here are the specific details about delayed lighting: 1. Function: The delayed headlight shutdown, also known as the 'follow me home' feature, essentially keeps the headlights on for a period after the engine is turned off, providing external lighting for the owner after exiting the vehicle. 2. Duration: If you wish to use the delayed lighting function, you can choose between 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or 120 seconds. If you do not need this function, you can turn it off. Please note that to use this feature, the car lights must be in AUTO mode.
I've encountered this issue several times with my Focus as well, and it's usually not a major problem—often caused by settings or minor glitches. For example, the Focus features automatic headlights where the light sensor activates the lights when it detects dim environments, with delayed shutoff. Alternatively, if your doors aren't fully closed after locking, the lights may stay on as a reminder. Last time my lights remained on after locking, it turned out the hood switch was loose, which drained the battery. Some models also come with a 'follow-me-home' lighting mode; if not disabled in settings, the lights delay turning off after locking to assist with finding keys or walking home at night. I recommend first checking if all doors are properly closed, then verifying the light switch is in 'auto' mode inside the car, or consulting the manual for delay settings. If the issue persists, using a multimeter to test the circuit is advisable to prevent short circuits blowing fuses—this relates to vehicle safety, and ignoring it could lead to startup difficulties the next day.