Headlights on when switch is off(only when engine running)

[RossMac]

Hello There,

i have a 406 53 plate 2.0 HDI and noticed a couple of days ago that my headlights were on when the switch was in the off positon (engine running).
what i can tell you so far, is that everything else is normal (ie) sidelights ok,headlights ok, full beam ok, fog lights ok ,indicators ok, but the most confusing thing is that when the engine isn't running but the key is in position 2 there is no fault and switch does what it is supposed to do, but when you start the engine the head lights come on with the switch in the off position which to me would indicate the switch isn't the problem?
any ideas or advice much appreciated

Ross

[steve_earwig]

Does this just happen at night or all the time?

[RossMac]

Hi there this happens all the time day or night. after a few miles on saturday it corrected itself again and was ok for the rest of the day ,but came back on sunday.

Ross

[mjb]

It's not the auto headlight feature (present on later models) is it?

[steve_earwig]

It should only do it at night, maybe the daylight sensor's on the fritz. Did you try turning it on/off? Hold the button on the end of the lighting/indicator stalk for a few seconds & listen for the bong!

[Doggy]

a few seconds

I've had shorter relationships.

Seriuosly it takes about a full 5 seconds - enough to make you think it isn't gonna.....

[RossMac]

Just to update you all.

I actually forgot that the car had the auto headlight facility now i know how my dad feels this is the sort of problems i usually end up helping him to fix, maybe I'm turning into my dad OH NO!!!!
I think that the photo cell where ever it is must be dirty making the system think that its dark.
Hopefully thats it now sorted now , thanks for all your help very much appreciated.

Ross

ps does anyone know where the sensor is, would like to check to see if it is dirty

[steve_earwig]

It's with the rain sensors on the windscreen in front of the rear view mirror. This should tell you how to get to it (good luck!)

[briangriffin]

I discovered that my 406 had auto headlights only after spending a very frustrating time trying to turn the lights off on the first night I had the Car. Prior to this discovery, I had convinced myself that I had bought a dud motor and was ready to take my anger out on the dealer. I've been a car owner for 30 years now and have managed quite well to turn the lights on and off when needed without resorting to useless gizmos.

[steve_earwig]

It's a point, mine are on but I often disagree and stick my lights on anyway. In the winter I have to drive with lights on anyway and they've caught me out a couple of times by going out without me noticing when it gets bright enough. Still, cars without any lights on at night is a common sight here