my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019) dashboard lights won't turn off

Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

526 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix dashboard lights that stay on in Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems to avoid shock or short-circuiting.

Symptoms

•Dashboard lights remain on after engine shutdown
•Battery drain observed when the vehicle is not in use
•Warning lights (e.g., check engine, ABS) may be illuminated
•Possible flickering of lights when the ignition is turned on
•Inconsistent operation of other electrical components

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the vehicle's ignition switch for proper operation and wear.
2
Check the battery and charging system to ensure proper voltage levels.
3
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to identify any electronic malfunctions.
4
Examine the fuse box for blown fuses that may affect dashboard light behavior.
5
Inspect the body control module (BCM) for software updates or fault codes.
6
Verify if any doors or trunks are not closing properly, which may keep the lights on.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•OBD-II scanner
•Multimeter
•Screwdriver set
•Battery tester

Parts Required

•Ignition switch (if found faulty)
•Replacement battery (if necessary)
•Body control module (if faulty and unable to update)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the vehicle's ignition switch for proper operation and wear.
2
Check the battery and charging system to ensure proper voltage levels.
3
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to identify any electronic malfunctions.
4
Examine the fuse box for blown fuses that may affect dashboard light behavior.
5
Inspect the body control module (BCM) for software updates or fault codes.
6
Verify if any doors or trunks are not closing properly, which may keep the lights on.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shock.

2. Inspect and Replace Ignition Switch

Tools Required: Screwdriver set, multimeter
Sub-steps:
1. Remove the plastic cover surrounding the ignition switch using a screwdriver.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness from the ignition switch.
3. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the ignition switch.
4. If faulty, replace the ignition switch with a new part.
5. Reconnect the wiring harness and replace the plastic cover.

3. Check Battery and Charging System

Tools Required: Multimeter, battery tester
Sub-steps:
1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage; it should be around 12.6 volts when fully charged.
3. Start the engine and check the voltage again; it should be between 13.7 to 14.7 volts.
4. If the battery or alternator is faulty, replace them as needed.

4. Inspect the Body Control Module (BCM)

Tools Required: OBD-II scanner
Sub-steps:
1. Connect the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
2. Retrieve any stored fault codes related to the BCM.
3. If updates are available, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to update the BCM software.
4. Clear any fault codes and monitor the dashboard lights after completing the updates.