headlights won't go off

[exwane]

I have a 96 grand am, and my headlights won't go off. It is not the DRL's, it is the regular headlights and they stay on day and night as long as the key is on. Any ideas how to fix this or disable the automatic headlight control?

[Chameleon-kat]

I would guess problem might be with sensor for DRL's . Covered, dirty, or just not working right. Mine doesn't always work correctly either. If you have stock radio, does the lighted dial sometimes show bright (daylight setting), and sometimes less bright (night setting) during the day? I think that would point to sensor (or DRL circutry) also.

[exwane]

can anyone tell me where the sensors are? I think they may just be dirty, because it works properly sometimes(rarely) when the sun is very bright.

[Overtime]

Looking in my Haynes manual, all I can find is a wiring diagram. I'll check tomorrow, but if you'd like to get out and look before then, the colors on the wires are Yellow/Black and Light Green/Black (I'm assuming it means black stripe).

[Chameleon-kat]

I believe the sensor is on top of the dash (somewhere), I have yet to find it, but I suspect it might be sorta inside the defrost vents.

[Shadivak]

Same problem on my Grand Am. I replaced the DRL sensor, which is in the defrost vent on the passenger side. Still, headlights are always on. Anyone know how to fix this annoying ass problem?

[e2helper]

Are your headlights ALWAYS on or just when ignition is on?

[Shadivak]

Whenever ignition is on, whether the car is in drive or park or not started. Only clicking parking brake once turns them off, but I don't like driving like that and would like to fix this damn problem.

[mikewohlford]

I dont know if the 1996 GAs are equipped with this, but I will ask anyways. Try checking the stick to either the left or right of the steering wheel. My 2003 grand am stick (the opposite of the turn signal stick) has 3 options. 1) Auto (sensor) 2) Always on, and 3) no idea. (i assume that this one just turns on the dash lights) Try checking that. Your car may has a switch that slides back and forth. Mine turns. Good luck.

Michael W.

[e2helper]

Shadivak, based on your description, even though you already replaced the DRL sensor I would have to say your vehicle thinks it is dark outside. I would have to guess that you have a wiring problem with circuits that go to the DRL sensor or the module that controls that function. Sorry, I don't remember too much about the module other than I think it is attached to the driver dash close-out panel