Headlights will not turn off!

[Baddog]

So last night I went and play in some snow. Got stuck and had to be pulled out by a search and rescue crew. Took damn near 5 hours. When I got home and turned my car off. My headlights stayed on. Regardless if the stalk switch is turned on or off.

The switch works to shut the corner lights off but not the actual headlights. I have to pull the battery so the car doesn't die.

What could this be?

[Huffer]

I'd check the stalk switch first, then check your ignition switch.

Does everything else in the car switch off once the key is removed?

[Baddog]

Yes everything else turns off. Even the corner lights will turn off when I use the stock. Just not the headlights themselves. Where is the switch in the stalk?

[Huffer]

The switch is part of the stalk - when you rotate the tip, it tells the side lights etc to turn on. It's a sliding switch, basically.

If you take your steering column apart, you should be able to trace the wiring to see if that's the issue. Honestly, I'm terrible with electrical so I usually point people to an auto electrician.

[Yamazaki]

There's also a switch on top of the column. That'll keep the lights on even if the stalk switch has them off. I know some people will hit that when they're cleaning or something and not even be aware of it, then not know why the lights won't turn off.

[Huffer]

That's the P light switch. And it only turns on the park or side lights. Not the headlights.

[d1giPhux]

Did any damage happen at the time of the incident? Not sure if this is even a possibility, but sometimes losing ground cables does weird weird stuff..

I would check your relays, as relays can also cause these types of weird problems. Its a possibility they just went bad while you were out having fun and has nothing to do with the incident you had. Weird stuff happens in the cold.. :smt021

[harrymaneuvers]

Our cars headlights are a reverse ground (?) system... so my money is on a loose cable that is grounding out...

[Baddog]

Yeah my HID kit froze up or something. Removed them and put normal halogens in and all is well.

[d1giPhux]

Sounds like the HID system didn't ground out properly or something. Weird.. we'll glad you got it fixed!

[Baddog]

Yeah it is awkward. Had no problems for a long time. Doesnt help I dont have a fender liner on my driver side which is where the relay and ballast were sittign.

[Huffer]

It would really have helped to know that you had a non-stock lighting system in there from the get go...

[d1giPhux]

Haha right. And the fact that your fender lining was missing :P

[Baddog]

Almost feels like I dont even have headlights now.

[d1giPhux]

Yeah but think of it this way.. people on the road wont hate you anymore! :lol:

Nothing I hate more then when people have HID systems in reflector style housings / housings not made for HID systems.. hurts my eyes!

[02_Legacy]

Yeah but think of it this way.. people on the road wont hate you anymore! :lol:

Nothing I hate more then when people have HID systems in reflector style housings / housings not made for HID systems.. hurts my eyes!

I second this and I say having HID's in halogen reflectors it is pure rice... no exceptions

[Baddog]

Yeah shitty thing. I cannot see the road lines. Or anything at all now. So glad that other people can see (which I was never high beamed) but now....I cannot see. My eyes are far from good.

[d1giPhux]

Can you just replace the ballasts / bulbs with some new ones? It was probably just something grounding out incorrectly.

[Huffer]

Projector retrofit. Probably similar cost, better results.

[slaytalera]

What huffer said, heck you can even see the glare in your avatar

[Baddog]

I hear its almost pointless to retrofit USDM ones. So I will have to wait for the JDM ones to drop in price again. Pretty spendy especially when I am fixing 2 "reliable" subarus all the time lol.

And to be fair. Maybe its just my eyes. But almost ALL lights glare to me. Even stock halogens on other cars. Even newer projectors. I guess my eyes are just THAT bad.

[Huffer]

It's not pointless. Think about it. You get a genuine projector lense with a high low function for less than $200. It's the best upgrade because it's LHD, and it's proven.

[Baddog]

Which projectors fit into the USDM lights? And wouldn't I lose the option of the high beam? At least a functional high beam?

Any DIY's or are they THAT simple? Besides I dont have many tools to work with plastic which is my main concern. If I can be into it no more then $300 (cost of projectors and an HID kit) I will be happy. Plus USDM lights are a plenty so I can go to the junkyard and pull some and have no down time.

[Huffer]

theretrofitsource.com

There's a whole thread on it in the electrical section, which I started and am slowing saving my way towards.
You won't need an HID kit if you have good projectors.

[Baddog]

Seems as they come with hids. The price is good too.

[Huffer]

Seems as they come with hids. The price is good too.

You make your own kits up. They don't come with HIDs if you don't want them to. There's a lot of info on that site, and their staff are apparently very helpful so give them a call.

[chuckthefuk]

If you choose the retro-fit method. USDM housings with glass projectors custom fitted, then I really recommend getting a BI-Xenon H.I.D kit. Its a standard HID bulb but its mounted and controlled by a motor. Low beams = nuetral position / High beams = bulb is adjusted up via motor to act as the High Beam.

This is the same concept as the luxury oem brands. Have you ever seen a lexus turn on? The lights move up/down then level them self. Its a form of calibrating the lights.. The units you will buy wont calibrate when they turn on but they will move when Hi/Low switch is activated.

-Chuck

[Baddog]

And if I dont want 2 piece lights? I have the one piece.

Don't like 2 piece lights for many reasons.

And I will get them with the HID kit.

[Huffer]

And if I dont want 2 piece lights? I have the one piece.

Don't like 2 piece lights for many reasons.

And I will get them with the HID kit.

Still doable in the one piece headlights.

[Baddog]

Heresmymind just told me that I can't use the one piece....."They have to be 100% clear to work".

That I do NOT understand.

[chuckthefuk]

1 piece
Even after a polish
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/20358020036_large-2.jpg

2 piece
http://monsterautoparts.com/SUBARU/LEGACY/_LEGACY%20IMAGES/9221-0001L.jpg

2 piece looks like its less obstructed.. less lines and whatnot

[Baddog]

Yeah I will just blind other people. I have to be able to see. Switching over to another set of headlights...especially 2 piece (which I find ugly).

Thanks for the info.

[StatGSR]

You can always sand and polish down the diffusers on the inside of the lens of the old one piece headlights. It would be a lot of work, but would still be doable. Thats the only reason why the one pieces would not be recommended for a retrofit..

[Baddog]

Thanks I may just look for some projectors to hold me over for sometime and then do a retrofit. My buddy has a set of TSX projectors.

"Heresmymind" told me he was spoon feeding me information by telling me "you need 2 piece or JDM projectors" supposedly.

[Huffer]

Those diffusers are also why installing HIDs are a bad move.
Cheapest option for you now is to buy a set of 2 piece lights with the plugs attached, bake them, install the projectors, seal them back up, install.

[Baddog]

I am going to watch for a set of JDM projectors. I cannot stand the 2 piece headlights. The gaps in them bug me.

Going to keep an eye out.

[Huffer]

If you can handle the RHD aiming, then with your budget of $300 you should be able to snipe a set of JDMs for $200.