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Summary
  • Issues in the ignition switch or electrical system can make your instrument panel lights stay on after removing the key.
  • That said, not all instrument panel lights turn off when you remove the key. Some lights, like the door ajar light and headlight activation light, can remain on if the door or headlight is open.
  • Instrument panel lights are meant to warn you when there’s a malfunctioning component.

Not all of your vehicle’sinstrument panel lights should illuminate after you remove your key from the ignition.

The instrument panel lights will warn you when your vehicle has issues, but they only do this when the engine is on. So, if your dash lights stay on when the car is off, don’t ignore them.

Instrument panel lights, like the door ajar indicator and the handbrake light, can illuminate even when the keys aren’t inserted into the ignition. Let’s explore the possible reasons why the other dash lights can illuminate even after the key is removed.

Why Do Car Dashboard Lights Stay On When the Car Is Off?

These might be the reasons why your dash lights remain lit even when your car is off.

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Faulty Ignition Switch

The ignition switch completes a circuit when you turn the key and activate the vehicle’s electrical system.

A faulty ignition switch might not properly return to the “off” position. As a result, the electrical system doesn’t deactivate when you turn the vehicle off and remove the key.

This issue might also keep key electronics, like the radio and lights, turned on, which will drain the car battery.

Short Circuit

Alternatively, a short circuit in a component like the body control module (BCM) might be to blame. The BCM controls several vehicle electronics like the lights, windows, and locks.

Short circuits occur when current flows on a different unintended path, which could lead to some devices staying on.

Stuck Relay

Lights on the instrument panel can be controlled by a relay, which is a switch that controls the flow of power to certain components.

Relays can get stuck in the closed position, rendering the circuit complete and conducting electricity all the time.

Blown Fuse

A blown fuse can interact with a relay in a way that causes the dashboard lights to stay on. The fuse that sends power to the relay might be blown. In this case, it would get stuck in the closed position, keeping the dashboard lights on.

Some Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check your vehicle’s headlights, doors, hood, and trunk. The door ajar light and headlight warning light will illuminate if these are open.
  • Try restarting your vehicle.

What Do Different Dashboard Lights Indicate When They Illuminate?

Here are the most common dashboard warning lights and what they mean:

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Check Engine Light

illuminated Check Engine Light
“The check engine light is a warning light—red, yellow, or orange—in the shape of an engine that illuminates when your vehicle has issues related to the engine or emissions system.

The check engine light is a warning light in red, yellow, or orange that’s shaped like an engine. When this light illuminates, your vehicle can have a wide range of issues related to your engine or emissions system.

Given the number of possible issues, this light is fairly ambiguous and requires an OBD scanner for diagnosis. While you can still drive when this light is illuminated, it’s best to determine and address what triggered this light as soon as possible.

Battery Light

illuminated Battery warning Light
The battery warning light is a battery-shaped light that means there’s a problem with your battery, alternator, or other electrical components.

This battery-shaped light means there’s a problem with your battery, alternator, or other electrical components. If it’s lit, it might mean your battery is flat or it isn’t charging.

Your vehicle can function when this light is on but don’t put off addressing it to avoid issues on the road.

Coolant Temperature Light

illuminated Coolant Temperature Light
The coolant temperature light looks like a thermometer floating on water that lets you know when the coolant is too hot.

This light looks like a thermometer floating on water. It lets you know when the coolant is too hot, which might mean that your engine is creating too much heat or your cooling system can’t cool itself down.

A broken water pump, low coolant levels, and other cooling system issues can activate the coolant temperature light. These can cause serious engine issues if ignored.

Transmission Temperature

illuminated Transmission Temperature Light
The transmission temperature light looks like a thermometer inside a gear that illuminates when internal transmission components are becoming too hot.

This light looks like a thermometer inside a gear. It illuminates when internal transmission components are becoming too hot because of heavy towing, low transmission fluid levels, or excessive wear on transmission components.

Oil Pressure Warning

illuminated Oil Pressure Warning light
The oil pressure warning light, which looks like an oil can with a drop of oil pouring out, illuminates when your vehicle needs more oil in the engine.

An oil pressure warning light looks like an oil can with a drop of oil pouring out. It illuminates when your vehicle needs more oil in the engine. Alternatively, it could mean there’s a leak in the engine or worn parts like a blown piston ring or broken oil pump.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System

illuminated Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System light, resembling two-thirds of a circle with an exclamation point and tread-like lines at the bottom, indicates severely underinflated or overinflated tires.

This light resembles two-thirds of a circle with an exclamation point in the center. The small lines across the bottom mimic the tread of an automobile tire. You might be driving with severely underinflated or overinflated tires if this light is on.

Brake System

illuminated Brake System Warning Light
The brake system light usually illuminates when you engage your hand brake. It can also activate when there are issues with your brake system.

This light usually illuminates when you engage your hand brake. It can also activate when there are issues with your brake system, like worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels, or a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Traction or Stability Control Light

illuminated Traction Control Light
The Traction Control Light, shaped like a vehicle with two squiggly lines beneath it, signals that your vehicle may be slipping and the system is working to maintain traction.

This light is shaped like a vehicle’s front with two squiggly lines underneath. It shows what these systems are trying to avoid, which is your vehicle slipping and sliding all over the road.

This light only turns on when the traction control and stability control systems activate, which is when your vehicle loses grip.

Airbag Warning Light

illuminated Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light, showing a side view of an airbag deploying in front of a seated driver, illuminates when there’s an issue with the airbag system.

This light looks like the side view of the airbag activating with the seated driver. It illuminates when there’s a problem with the vehicle’s airbags.

About The Author
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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