2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. Headlights.
Asked by calmm1978 Nov 01, 2023 at 08:27 AM about the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix SE
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. Had our first hard freeze with snow last night. After
scraping got in and started it, the headlights came on despite the switch
being in the off position. While driving tried turning swithc on and off but the
headlights would not turn off. Once parked and vehicle off they seemed to be
off. Could the temperature caused this or is it a bigger problem? Just bought
the car 10/22/23.
3 Answers
The frost could have confused the light sensor and it defrosted during the drive. I have had a similar problem with my Silverado and frosted over windows only instead of exterior lights it dims the interior center dash and radio lights thinking it’s dark outside, once the glass is cleared and I start driving they turn on to normal.
It's normal. Even if the switch is off the headlights will come on and you can't turn them if the light sensor on the top center of the dash detects darkness. The headlights on my 2000 Grand Prix (same car) always come on when I start it in the garage. After a few minutes of being out of the garage they go off. I also believe you have daytime running lights. They look like the headlights are on but they're actually not. The high beams are on but at a lower intensity. To prevent the headlights from coming on immediately when you start the engine, set the emergency brake. To release the emergency brake push down on the emergency brake pedal a second time. Also, the sensor on the top center of the dash might be dirty. Clean it with glass cleaner and a paper towel. Hope that helps! Jim
