WTF??? my dash lights stay on after i remove the key

[JPz92x240]

my 92' 240sx just started acting up ,when i remove the key my lights stay on.
engine light stays on
seat belt,oil light ect. everything right from the engine light
is that normal???
if i turn the engine on n then turn it completely off everything goes off.
when i listen to radio without the motor on the lights will stay on when i take the ket out ???:confused:

[BigVinnie]

One of 2 things.
Your ignition switch needs replacement.
Or you need a new relay.

[JPz92x240]

ill lookin into that ,thanx
it bothers me thought it almost seems normal for that to happen,like just now i moved the car and then turn'd it off, no prob with the lights they went right off.
i went back n tured on the radio again on and off and took the key out no prob this time??? its selective

[meme]

usually something like this is a wire grounding out. check your wiring at the altenator or trans harness area.

[g6civcx]

I would suspect the ignition switch. Try jiggling the key before removing it. Sometimes the contacts don't release and it thinks the key is still in.

[SpankNut]

I know this post is old but... i'm having the same problems. The bottom right LEDs on the dash stay on after i turn off the car and take the keys out. even the chimes turn on when i open the door. Would that be what BigVinnie suggested? "Your ignition switch needs replacement. Or you need a new relay." Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

[g6civcx]

I would suspect an ignition above all else. I have seen a car where you can remove the key completely and the engine will still run and drive like normal.

Unplug the ignition harness and check continuity with a multimeter. When you crank the key, there should be continuity between certain pins. When you shut it off, there should not be any continuity. Consult the FSM for the specific pins.

[240trainee]

Your not on coilovers are you?

I had this problem, and it was that I had started rubbing through my fender harness. Just another option, if you happened to be slammed.

['90RPS13]

haha, dont feel bad, by running lights come on when I press the brake. regardless of keys in it or not.

[SpankNut]

I would suspect an ignition above all else. I have seen a car where you can remove the key completely and the engine will still run and drive like normal.

Unplug the ignition harness and check continuity with a multimeter. When you crank the key, there should be continuity between certain pins. When you shut it off, there should not be any continuity. Consult the FSM for the specific pins.

Well that's what i thought, but when i turn the key to off, and take the key out. the engine turns off along with all the accesory. There's nothing on except for the 3-4 leds.


I had this problem, and it was that I had started rubbing through my fender harness. Just another option, if you happened to be slammed.

I'll check my fender area. What wheel is the harness at?

[oscar]

i messed with my light bulb. replaced the burnt one and moved something because they dont do that no more. but hey my dash lights and tusrn signels turn on when i press the brakes aswell

[g6civcx]

Then I suspect the front left fender harness. Put your fingers between the tyre and the top of the fender. If you can't fit 2+ fingers, chances are you have rubbing.

Take the wheel off and peek in the fender liner. See if the tyre ate through the wiring harness.

[Duzzes_Wild]

mine did this after i cleaned up some of the wireing, so i went back around and checked that all the connector's were tight a few were loose, try it again-problem solved for me, i hope your as fortunate as i was

['90RPS13]

haha, Posi to you for same issue oscar! haha.

[SpankNut]

Thanks All! Gonna go do all that now!

[Silvie]

I do not mean to bring this post back to life as it is way old. However, b.c there are many threads out there regarding this issue that fail to list a definite solution, I will provide one.

Replace ECU

[bigsparky]

Hey I know this thread is old...but I found that on NIssan Sentras (and i am sure it applys to most) the Combination Switch has a LOT to do with the systems in each circuit acting up...we had our minds ripped out and stomped on by th4e removal of a Viper...it cost me a gob but Robert fixed it(he lives in Fontana & does mobile repair)ok...but what I learned was you cannot OVER ground a system...but you must stick CLOSE to the original OHM settings that each component is set at..!!! 88 Chevy Astro & up has spark plug wires thsat the brain will malfunction if it doesnt have FACTORY wires on the engine and I know this stands with most GM cars and maybe trucks...some do work most will give you fits...ok..?? word to the wise...I just put the factory OEM combo sw back on my car...it performs flawlessly...I am so happy I kept the part in my trunk...I went thru 3 replacement parts and the last one is being returned to Summit (they did NOT do it..it is where they got the part from...??? I dont know where) but please do not blame them..Summit are fantastic people...!!! lata...Sparky