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      04-05-2020, 07:51 PM   #1
pauli18c
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Headlights wont turn off when using switch

Kind of confused here, tried searching but cant seem to find anyone with the same issue. They're all related to auto mode.

2017 340i RWD, adaptive LED headlights

Anyways, I always use the switch for my headlights / DRLs and never use the auto mode.
For some reason, even in the off position, my headlights and tail lights are on now. The switch doesn't do anything anymore no matter what position it's in. I checked all the fuses and all seem to be good. Is there a relay somewhere that could be bad?

Anyone have any other suggestions or know what the problem may be?
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      04-05-2020, 08:00 PM   #2
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Did the switch go bad? Pull the switch out and look at the insides. Maybe it's worn and stuck in the auto position?

Dang it, I left my old switch at work when I replaced mine with a EU spec one. Can't show you pics

Basically take it out from the dash, disconnect the harness and pull the knob off and see if the knob connection is worn
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      04-06-2020, 06:42 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chowser51 View Post
Did the switch go bad? Pull the switch out and look at the insides. Maybe it's worn and stuck in the auto position?

Dang it, I left my old switch at work when I replaced mine with a EU spec one. Can't show you pics

Basically take it out from the dash, disconnect the harness and pull the knob off and see if the knob connection is worn
I'll give that a look later on today, although it hasn't been in auto mode for a long time to get stuck there in the first place
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      04-06-2020, 07:32 AM   #4
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It's possible that the fault is in the FEM. The switch has no direct connection to the lights, it just tells the FEM what to do with them.
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      04-06-2020, 08:33 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
It's possible that the fault is in the FEM. The switch has no direct connection to the lights, it just tells the FEM what to do with them.
Is there a way to self diagnose that or scan it?
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      04-06-2020, 09:30 AM   #6
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What happens when you unplug the switch assembly...
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      04-06-2020, 10:13 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by im_an_alien View Post
What happens when you unplug the switch assembly...
Haven't tried that yet. I'll give it a try later today
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      04-06-2020, 10:17 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pauli18c View Post
Is there a way to self diagnose that or scan it?
Probably, there isn't much that can happen that the car won't diagnose. IMO at the very least every BMW owner should have a OBD bluetooth adaptor and a diagnostic app. It will pay for itself the first time it avoids a trip to the dealer.
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      04-06-2020, 11:04 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by pauli18c View Post
Is there a way to self diagnose that or scan it?
Probably, there isn't much that can happen that the car won't diagnose. IMO at the very least every BMW owner should have a OBD bluetooth adaptor and a diagnostic app. It will pay for itself the first time it avoids a trip to the dealer.
What is the best Bmw diagnostic app? I have BimmerCode but that doesn't do diagnostics
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      04-06-2020, 11:23 AM   #10
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Before you go off on anything involved, try pulling the battery cables for 10 minutes (power cycle/reset every module). Or you could recode the FEM with bimmercode as that will reset it as well. Sounds like a glitch vs an actual problem, just my .02
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      04-06-2020, 12:06 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
Probably, there isn't much that can happen that the car won't diagnose. IMO at the very least every BMW owner should have a OBD bluetooth adaptor and a diagnostic app. It will pay for itself the first time it avoids a trip to the dealer.
What would you suggest for a bluetooth adapter? Been meaning to get one of them anyway
I have a Bimmergeeks cable already as well
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      04-06-2020, 02:26 PM   #12
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I don't have an app, for diagnosis and repair I use a Foxwell NT510, so I can't recommend an app from personal experience. There are plenty of them in Google apps, many are no charge but those are limited in what they can do. If you're going to get an adapter you might as well get one that works with Bimmercode. For that I have a Veepeak OBDCheck BLE. I got mine with a coupon through Bimmercode.
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      04-06-2020, 03:38 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
I don't have an app, for diagnosis and repair I use a Foxwell NT510, so I can't recommend an app from personal experience. There are plenty of them in Google apps, many are no charge but those are limited in what they can do. If you're going to get an adapter you might as well get one that works with Bimmercode. For that I have a Veepeak OBDCheck BLE. I got mine with a coupon through Bimmercode.
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check them out
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      04-06-2020, 03:40 PM   #14
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As for the light issue.

I unplugged the switch, hit the ignition on. Lights still turned on.

Left the ignition on, plugged the switch back in. Lights turned off.

Seems to be working as normal again. Strange, hopefully this helps someone else out at some point.
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      11-26-2021, 07:05 PM   #15
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Turnoff the daytime running lamps in setting amd it will make your lights go off when you put it in the off position.
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