OK, need help from the car electrical gurus.....

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MOSFET - 08 Sep 2009 20:49 GMT

As many of my questions to this group often are, this doesn't exactly have
anything to do with car audio. HOWEVER, I happen to know many of you know
TONS about a car's electrical system. More than I do.

Here's my problem, my 1999 Subaru Forrester has a new problem where the
tail-lights and front running lights remain on even when switched off and
the key removed. I have to disconnect the battery (which I HATE doing as I
lose all my presets on my Alpine like crossover settings, EQ, station
presets, ect., though for some reason my Sirius presets remain, hmmm) every
time I turn the car off or I'll run the battery dead (I have 5 farads of
capacitance so when I disconnect the neg. terminal of my battery, it's funny
because the lights will stay on for several seconds, and then just
eventually dim out). Of course my wife is convinced I'm responsible because
of all the aftermarket gear and wiring I have added to the car. But it
started just out of the blue, I hadn't done anything to it recently.

Any ideas as to where to look first for a problem? I have a pretty good
multimeter so all ideas are welcome.

Thanks guys,
Nick aka MOSFET

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SevenTwigs - 09 Sep 2009 00:39 GMT

> As many of my questions to this group often are, this doesn't exactly have
> anything to do with car audio. HOWEVER, I happen to know many of you know
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> Thanks guys,
> Nick aka MOSFET

Check for a switch on your steering column, There should be one on
your forester. It is easily activated, it may have been bumped when
resetting the odometer.

If that's not it, a temporary solution would be to find the fuse for
those lights and pull it when you are done driving, that would be
safer and likely allow you to keep your radio settings.

good luck
CK

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e-nigma - 09 Sep 2009 11:47 GMT

> As many of my questions to this group often are, this doesn't exactly have
> anything to do with car audio. HOWEVER, I happen to know many of you know
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> Thanks guys,
> Nick aka MOSFET

There may be a relay that is stuck closed.
Look near the battery or the fuse box (there may be one under the hood and
inside the car) and see if you can find the relay that controls those lights

Good luck

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MOSFET - 10 Sep 2009 03:46 GMT

I'll check those out. Thank you for the help. I can always count on this
group!

Nick

>> As many of my questions to this group often are, this doesn't exactly
>> have
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
>
> Good luck

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Captain_Howdy - 09 Oct 2009 19:32 GMT

That's because Tina knows you're an idiot !!!

>As many of my questions to this group often are, this doesn't exactly have
>anything to do with car audio. HOWEVER, I happen to know many of you know
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>Thanks guys,
>Nick aka MOSFET

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MOSFET - 14 Oct 2009 02:34 GMT

LOL That made Tina laugh. Although I know you're an a.s and didn't mean it
in any cordial, joking, friendly way AT ALL, it was funny none the less.

MOSFET

> That's because Tina knows you're an idiot !!!
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> >Thanks guys,
> >Nick aka MOSFET

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MOSFET - 27 Oct 2009 00:23 GMT

It turns out the problem was simply the running lights were on and the
switch is somewhat hidden. They stay on even when the main headlight/fog
light switch is off or the car is turned off.

In other words, there was nothing wrong at all it turns out.

Thanks anyway,

MOSFET

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