2003 Hyundai Elantra side markers won't turn off

Tiny
HOCKEYMAN7LW
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
I went out to start my 2003 Hundai Elantra yesterday and the battery was dead. I did a double check to make sure I didn't leave anything on and ruled out human error. I jumped the car and it started right up. I drove it for about 30 minutes and heard clicking coming from under the dash on the drivers side. Every time I heard this clicking (it seemed to click then take a few seconds and click again) the clock and dash lights dimmed. We stopped the car, turned off the key and saw that the side markers were still on so I double checked that I turned the lights off and they were. We popped the hood and opened up the fuse panel and started wiggle testing wires. The weird thing was the lights would go on and off when the battery was moved (hood closed and doors closed along with physically moving it). Does anybody know if and what switch would possible control this or if it would be anything else. Fyi- I just brought the car home and put it in the garage and unhooked the battery so as to not kill the battery again. I plan on taking it to Advance to have the battery and alternator tested today after work.
Monday, March 21st, 2011 AT 2:34 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
See if the battery cables are tight recharge or replace battery before testing. The modules need 10 volts minimum to operate corretly.
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Monday, March 21st, 2011 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
HOCKEYMAN7LW
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I will double check the battery cables but question why the side markers would be on when the car is not running, no key in the ignition, and the headlights turned off?
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Monday, March 21st, 2011 AT 3:22 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I understand that and modules even a lighting control module will misbehave with a bad battery, or poor connections so lets start with these two?
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Monday, March 21st, 2011 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
HOCKEYMAN7LW
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you so much for the answers and that makes perfect sense, I always forget KISS. All connections are solid and charged the battery last night for about 2 hours. After charging I unhooked it. Took it to Advance to have it checked this afternoon and came back with the following - Battery test 13.31V, measured 734 CCA, Rated 700 CCA 64 degree temp. Starter 12.17V, 0.0A 875mS time. Charging system no load 14.36V and 14.2V loaded.

I brought it back home and everything was fine, turned off the lights and everything inside and shut the car down and went in the house. Looked outside and saw the side markers, tail lights, and inside dash lights on so I unhooked the battery again.
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 AT 12:19 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Does this have a remote starter? If yes try removing the fuse. If not a scan at Hyundai is needed to test modules.
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 AT 8:33 AM
Tiny
HOCKEYMAN7LW
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
There is no remote starter. So when I schedule a scan at Hyundai, what would I call it so I don't sound like a total tool? Thank you so much for taking the time, I appreciate it
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Just tell them what's going on and let them figure it out. Remember they are the pros and if they don't do it right, its on them. If you tell them what to do, its on you.
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 AT 10:27 AM

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