Why do the taillights remain on after the engine is turned off?
2 Answers
If the taillights remain on after the engine is turned off, it may be because the car is not locked, the brake switch is faulty, or due to other reasons. Car not locked: If the car is not locked, the vehicle is in standby mode, which is normal. Wait for a while, and it should turn off. Brake light switch failure: If the brake switch is faulty, it can also cause the taillights to remain on after the engine is turned off. It is recommended that the owner replace the brake light switch. Other situations: If only one taillight is on, there is no need to panic. This is actually the vehicle's parking light function, designed to warn passing vehicles at night. Generally, this hidden feature is activated after parking and turning off the engine by turning the turn signal to the side where the light should be on. If the turn signal lever is accidentally bumped after turning off the engine, this function may be unintentionally activated.
I remember one time the taillights stayed on after turning off the engine. My mechanic friend told me it was due to the vehicle's delayed shut-off feature—some cars call it 'follow-me-home lights,' designed to illuminate your path when exiting the car, which is especially handy in dark garages at night. The default setting keeps the lights on for a few seconds up to a minute. However, if the lights remain on indefinitely, there might be an issue, such as a stuck switch or aged wiring causing a short circuit. I once encountered a stuck relay in an old car that drained the battery, but fixing it promptly saved me trouble. I recommend checking the manual to confirm the feature's settings or visiting a professional shop for inspection. Don’t let such minor issues damage your car battery—keeping lights on after shutdown drains power and could affect engine startup.
