Headlights stay on until car turned off and auto light sensor held to off position

[Johndel]

Hello,

Have a 1999 Explorer (4.0 4x4 SOHC). Have a headlight problem that is best described with two examples.

1. In order to get the headlights to turn off when the engine is running I have to manually and continually hold the autolight sensor (slide switch on bottom of rear view mirror) to the off position. This is an annoyance since I have to transit thru check points going to work where they want headlights turned off.

2. To turn off headlights when parking I have to first turn off the car and then hold the auto light sensor to off. Once it is tripped off the lights will remain off, as long as car is off. If I do it when car running the lights will turn off momentarily as explained above.

In both cases the headlight turn switch is in the off position. Once it gets slightly dark the auto sensor turns the lights if switch is off.

My quick diagnosis is that the auto switch will not remain in the off position so I am trying to locate a suitable replacement from a junk yard.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

[taz4x4150]

Check your owner manual, do you have "daytime running lights" ? If you, some models can be switched "off" by pushing the emergency brake down "one" click. But check the brake to make sure it isn't already down. GOOD LUCK

[Johndel]

Thanks, forgot to mention my vehicle does not have daytime running lights.

[Mark 2000 XLT]

Disconnect the wiring to the mirror till you can find another. Try this link to find one:
Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market About $50-$60 in my area.

[redcarwire]

are you sure that car part is gonna work? anyway, i had the same problem and that daytime running lights thing worked. thanks.