Why Does the Dashboard Stay Lit?
2 Answers
The dashboard staying lit may be caused by a malfunction in the dashboard itself, foreign objects stuck in the ignition keyhole, or a short circuit in the wiring harness. Below is a detailed explanation of the causes and solutions for this issue: Dashboard Malfunction: Internal wiring or components of the dashboard may be faulty, causing it to remain lit even after the key is turned off, continuously consuming power. Solution: Visit a repair facility to have the dashboard inspected and repaired. Foreign Objects in the Ignition Keyhole: Foreign objects stuck in the ignition keyhole may cause the vehicle to default to the power not being turned off. Solution: Check the ignition keyhole for any foreign objects. Wiring Harness Short Circuit: A short circuit in the dashboard's power supply wiring may cause it to remain unaffected by the key. Solution: Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the wiring.
I once encountered a situation where the dashboard lights stayed on while driving. One night after parking at home, the lights still didn't turn off, which scared me into thinking I had forgotten to turn something off. Later, I found out it was caused by a loose battery contact wire leading to continuous discharge, or possibly the charging system wasn't properly shut off. Other reasons could include low generator voltage, stuck sensors like the oil light or brake warning light actually malfunctioning; or the door not being locked properly or the key still in the ACC position not removed. It's crucial to address this immediately, otherwise the battery could drain in just one day making the car unable to start, which is even more dangerous in winter. My approach is to first check if the key is removed and if the doors are closed, then wait five minutes to see if the lights go off; if they're still on, I call the 4S store for advice or drive directly to the shop. Don't wait too long to avoid damaging the wiring or causing a breakdown. Developing a habit of checking the car after parking can prevent such issues.
