Car will not go when headlights are on?

KIMBERLY 87

MEMBER
2006 KIA SPECTRA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Okay, the car will crank and go but as long as I'm moving in drive none of the lights work. (Headlights, brake lights, taillights etc.) Now if I turn the headlights on before I put it in drive the car won't move, as if it is in neutral. Now reverse works with or without the lights. Can someone please help?

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
43,530 POSTS

That is a good one alright, is the check engine light on? We need to run the codes to confirm the problem, it sounds like it could be a BCM that is out. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) from Amazon from about $32.00.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Amazon CAN scanner Link.

https://amzn.to/3G7mpFP

Please let me know what you find out so we can help you fix it.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, January 12th, 2023 AT 10:25 AM

AL514

MECHANIC
4,215 POSTS

From some extra research on this issue because it's definitely the weird one for the month, one suggestion for a temporary fix was to remove the DRL Relay (daytime running lights). It might be something having to do with the headlight switch, brake lamp circuit because it's tied into the transmission control module, or some module needing an update or has failed. Do any lights work if turned on after you're in Drive? These cars have a lot of electrical issues. But try removing the relay to see if you can at least get your brake lights working. Because that's a safety issue there.

Image (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, January 12th, 2023 AT 11:07 AM

AL514

MECHANIC
4,215 POSTS

Hello, I was just curious, does your check engine light come on when you turn the key to the on position and then go off? Or are all the lights on the Instrument Cluster out as well? I'm still going over this one because it's such a strange case study and multiple people are working on it now.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, January 13th, 2023 AT 9:33 AM

KIMBERLY 87

MEMBER
9 POSTS

It's my daughter's car, and it broke down at her dad's. As soon as she answers me back, I'll let you know. Thank y'all so much.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, January 13th, 2023 AT 7:32 PM

AL514

MECHANIC
4,215 POSTS

Okay, sorry to hear that. If the vehicle ends up having any transmission diagnostic trouble codes stored these are known for issues on the short sections of the transmission wiring harness that go to the valve body. The solder joints crack and the connections fail. They can cause all kinds of electrical issues. How it might be related to the exterior lighting, I don't know, it can be some type of electrical load and multiple faults at once. But if they can get some type of scan for trouble codes on the vehicle, it might give some direction.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing