Why won't car won't stay in drive if head lights are on

Asked by eagle_92207 Mar 16, 2017 at 02:52 AM about the 2006 Kia Spectra SX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2006 Kia Spectra. i thought the transmission went out. but the car
works fine. until i turn the headlights on. if i put my car in drive and turn my
headlights on it will knock the car out of gear like its not even registering a
gear. the only gear that will work is reverse with the headlights on. i can drive
during the day perfectly. so what could possibly be wrong?

12 Answers

223,895

There may be a problem with the shift interlock system. I have never heard of a problem like this, so I would suggest getting the vehicle into a shop to be looked at before you get totally stuck somewhere.

4 people found this helpful.
70

Did you ever find an answer???? Mine is doing the exact same thing!!!!

7 people found this helpful.
20

I would like to have an answer to because mines doing the same thing is anybody out there to answer me or to give me an idea what that problem is

2 people found this helpful.
10

Check the multifunction switch. Could be shorting out and causing that problem.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Same here. Will post solution if I can figure this out :/

1 people found this helpful.
10

You might do well to replace the transmission module.

1 people found this helpful.
10

We have a 2011 Kia Soul left it in nc for the summer got back here and door wouldn’t unlock got a locksmith to come then won’t come out of park after a week of turning it on got it in reverse and neutral but won’t go into drive? How to fix can’t back up on a mountain

1 people found this helpful.
50

DRL RELAY IN THE UNDER HOOD FUSE PANEL... REMOVE IT AND THE CAR WILL STAY IN DRIVE WITH THE LIGHTS ON! HOPE THIS HELPS SOME1..

5 people found this helpful.
10

Hey Josh I pulled the Relay and did nothing but I noticed when I turn my DRL lights on it will only shift into Park and Reverse but if I turn it off it will go into Park-Reverse-Drive-3 Ect. Do I need to replace the Relay or the DRL Switch or what?

1 people found this helpful.

I took my DRL relay out and it DID fix the problem with shifting, however, now my entire dash has no lighting, which is kind of a problem at night. Any ideas, like AE7600, should I replace the DRL relay or what?

Your Answer:

Spectra

Looking for a Used Spectra in your area?

CarGurus has 4 nationwide Spectra listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Colabare
    Reputation
    990
  • #2
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    710
  • #3
    Tony_2015
    Reputation
    660
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Nissan Sentra
58 Great Deals out of 1,767 listings starting at $1,024
Used Toyota Corolla
115 Great Deals out of 1,977 listings starting at $2,795
Used Ford Focus
26 Great Deals out of 496 listings starting at $2,950

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.