Headlights turn on by themselves

Hi,

This could be a few different things, but are you aware there was a recall on the wiring to the headlamps? I know it involved overheating issues at both the bulb and the power distribution box. It could even affect ABS. I'm not sure if it could somehow be related to the issue you experience, but it could. Even if the headlight switch is overheating, it can cause the lamps to turn off. If something has gone bad in the distribution box, it could allow power to turn them back on.

Because of the nature of this issue and the related problems, I would have a dealer inspect what is going on with the lights. It may be a recall/warranty issue.

Let me know.

Joe

Is it the daytime running lights or the regular headlights? If it is consistent, it has to be some form of a timer relay. Let me know if it is the DRL.

Joe

I have to be honest, it sounds like the headlamp switch needs replaced. Something internally is most likely shorting. The only way to be sure is to first check to see if there is a diagnostic trouble code related to the switch or follow a test procedure to check the switch. If you feel comfortable following a flow chart to check the switch operation, here are the directions. The attached 2 pics correlate with the directions.

2012 Dodge Charger RWD V8-5.7L
Headlamp Switch
Vehicle Sensors and Switches Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns Headlamp Switch Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Headlamp Switch
HEADLAMP SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEADLAMP SWITCH

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

pic 1

1. Remove the headlamp switch from the instrument panel. See: Headlamp Switch > Removal and Replacement > Headlamp Switch - Removal.
2. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector from the back of the headlamp switch.
3. Using an ohmmeter, test the resistance between the terminals of the switch as shown in the Headlamp Switch Tests table.

pic 2

4. If the switch fails any of the tests, replace the ineffective headlamp switch as required.

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Here are the directions for removal of the switch which is required to check it. The remaining pictures correlate with these directions.

2012 Dodge Charger RWD V8-5.7L
Headlamp Switch - Removal
Vehicle Sensors and Switches Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns Headlamp Switch Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Headlamp Switch - Removal
HEADLAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL
REMOVAL

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

pic 1

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Place the headlamp switch (1) rotary knob (4) in the OFF (O) position.
3. Push in on the rotary knob to engage the switch retainer (2) retractor mechanism.
4. Still holding the switch rotary knob depressed, rotate the knob clockwise toward the park lamps ON position to retract the two switch retainers. The retainers will be fully retracted before the rotary knob actually reaches the park lamps ON position.
5. With the switch rotary knob still in the retainer retractor position, pull the switch out of the cylinder-like mounting hole far enough to access and disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector from the connector receptacle (3) on the back of the switch housing.
6. Remove the headlamp switch from the instrument panel steering column opening cover.

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Here are a few links that you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

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As I mentioned, I suspect it is the switch. However, there have been cases that required the computer to be flashed (reprogrammed). I realize this seems complicated to check. It really isn't. Let me know if I can help.

Joe