Why do my lights turn on when it gets cold outside?
690

Asked by Keith Jan 22, 2014 at 04:02 PM about the 2003 Toyota Matrix XR

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When the temperature gets below 20 degrees at night, my headlights turn on which in turn
drains my battery all night. I have tried attaching a battery charger, but when it gets down
below 10 degrees, that even isn't enough.

I know that I can just remove the battery, but I don't really want to do that every single
night during the cold winters. Any ideas as to why my car would be doing this and is there
something that I can do to keeping it from doing this?

4 Answers
44,655

tuff4x4 answered 10 years ago

The 03 matrix had issues with the head light switches shorting out in cold weather draining the battery with the lights usually come on.

14 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
50

chellek39 answered 10 years ago

Mine has been doing the same thing (that's why I'm here obviously!). I have no idea why but my temporary "solution" has been to turn my brights "on" when I get home at night. I don't understand why, but if I turn my bright switch on, the lights shut off/don't come on in the middle of the night.

5 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Sksmm answered 5 years ago

Well it’s in the negatives here in Michigan. My Toyota thinks it needs to somehow turn its lights on in the middle of the night n draining the battery. Looks like I’m not the only one with this problem. Guess I’ll start with a headlight switch

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Why do my lights turn on when it gets cold outside? 4 Answers

    When the temperature gets below 20 degrees at night, my headlights turn on which in turn drains my battery all night. I have tried attaching a battery charger, but when it gets down below 10 degrees...

    2003 Toyota Matrix XR

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why is my car grinding while I drive? 3 Answers

    My car sounds like I have metal to metal contact. It sounds a lot like braking with worn out brake pads. I get this grinding noise when the car is in motion. The noise starts at first when I brake b...

    2003 Toyota Matrix XR

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why is my heat only luke warm? 1 Answer

    04 Toyota Matrix XR My air nor my heat was working at one point. No clicking or anything like that. We have gone through lots of different tests for the usual suspects with ac/heat issues. Topped of...

    2004 Toyota Matrix XR

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • dashboard lights are all on 1 Answer

    two times this week my dashboard lights have all come on. The first time, we unhooked the battery and hooked it back up and the lights went out. Now it's done it again.

    2010 Toyota Matrix Base

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why does it feel like my car is grinding when my car slows down? 2 Answers

    My car feel like it is grinding when I slow down and then while it runs at slow speeds. I do not hear a grinding noise, I feel it in the pedals and in the cabin. My first thought was the brakes pads...

    2003 Toyota Matrix XR

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Matrix

Looking for a Used Matrix in your area?

CarGurus has 422 nationwide Matrix listings starting at $2,500.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Toyota Matrix

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Toyota Matrix Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Sam Samir
    Reputation
    310
  • #2
    dynasg2009
    Reputation
    300
  • #3
    Cyndy Crane
    Reputation
    280
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
1,556 Great Deals out of 24,231 listings starting at $1,322
Used Pontiac Vibe
11 Great Deals out of 213 listings starting at $2,991
Used Toyota RAV4
1,952 Great Deals out of 28,859 listings starting at $2,950
Used Toyota Yaris
61 Great Deals out of 700 listings starting at $2,120
Used Honda Civic
1,333 Great Deals out of 29,658 listings starting at $1,571
Used Toyota Camry
2,110 Great Deals out of 37,893 listings starting at $700
Used Toyota Prius
488 Great Deals out of 6,678 listings starting at $2,500
Used Mazda MAZDA3
517 Great Deals out of 11,983 listings starting at $2,200
Used Honda Accord
1,466 Great Deals out of 29,736 listings starting at $1,075
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,111 Great Deals out of 18,823 listings starting at $3,352
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,791 Great Deals out of 30,153 listings starting at $1,815

Used Cars for Sale

2013 Toyota Matrix For Sale
13 listings starting at $7,495
2012 Toyota Matrix For Sale
9 listings starting at $5,777
2011 Toyota Matrix For Sale
10 listings starting at $3,999
2010 Toyota Matrix For Sale
5 Great Deals out of 64 listings starting at $4,495

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.