Why do the headlights on my Corolla have to be turned on before I can start the car?

Asked by llawlor Sep 26, 2012 at 01:44 PM about the 1997 Toyota Corolla DX

Question type: General

the headlights must be turned on before the car will start. Is this a safety feature? Is it a factory feature?  If the healights are not turned on the car will not start and the horn will honk

3 Answers

NO, that is not a factory feature I can tell you that much... the way you phrased your question this time I get. Other that that, sorry I can't be of more help except to state the obvious: something is wrong

1 people found this helpful.

Since I don't have a life anyway, I spent the last hour looking at various websites, on-line manuals, and Q&A forums like this one (CarGurus is the superior Q&A site hands down). I found nothing. The only other option is there are a few on-line places that have mechanics, Toyota factory trained I talked to online, and they say they know but want $25 to answer.

1 people found this helpful.
115

It sounds like an alarm hooked up wrong. Its a good theft deterrent for you but if you just can't live with it then look for a toggle switch close to steering wheel up inside the interior panel or in engine compartment on firewall on passenger side of car. There will be a couple of wires that travel onto starter. Mine has two 15 amp fuses in place.

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