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Think I am going mental

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 8:03 pm
by Nictrix
Im not sure if I have a problem or not.
Something strange happens every now and again and I have no idea why.
This has happened at least 6 times in the last few months.

Went a drive today to Hartside Cafe, never been before so crossed it off the list.
Had something to eat, came out, jumped in the car and there was a bong.
Looked down and the side lights were switched on.
This sounds like its not a problem but bear with me.
I did not switch the lights on. The lights were last switched on over a week ago. The side lights are on all the time so there is never any need for me to ever just switch the side lights on.
I did not have the lights on for the journey and it did not bong before leaving the house for the journey.
I have been trying to monitor this as it is very puzzling.

So, to try and get to the bottom of this. Can this switch turn on its own if the car thinks it is a bit dark outside? (I know this sounds like a strange question but at the moment its the only answer that makes sense)
If it cant, I think my car may be haunted. :o

Any ideas?

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 8:27 pm
by Horizon
If the car has auto headlights, and the rotary headlight switch is in the far left position with an " A " symbol.
The headlights are operated by the photo sensor behind the interior mirror.
Turn the switch to the "0" off position , all lights should be off.
Also when the lights come on in auto a green neon light illuminates next to the rotary headlight switch.

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 8:37 pm
by X5Sport
Auto lights won't bring the sidelights on, only dipped beam.

Any chance of a knee being involved?

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:07 pm
by Horizon
[quote="X5Sport"]
Auto lights won't bring the sidelights on, only dipped beam.

Any chance of a knee being involved?
[/quote]
Daytime running lights, ? My 3 series E93's a 2007 and it has daytime running lights on all the time, and the headlights come on when it goes dark/ drive into a tunnel.
Has the switch physically moved to the sidelight position ?
The bong only sounds on mine when the sidelights are selected manually, and is a warning when about to leave the car. To
Recent a flat battery.
Do the side lights go out if you switch off the car, stay on for 60 secs ( guide me home function ) ?

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:55 pm
by Nictrix
The light switch is in the OFF position normally and has only been in the AUTO position a couple of times in the last year. The only time its not in the OFF position is when its dark and I switch the headlights ON fully.
The switch is physically moving to the sidelight position (I have not witnessed it actually moving) and unless there is some sort of motor in the switch that allows this (which I doubt there is) then I have spooks in my car.
I have had this running through my head for a while thinking of reasons for this as I really hardly ever have to use the lights at all and have no reason to switch them on most days. My knee doesnt really go anywhere near the switch either I dont think so rules that out too.
It also didnt bong when leaving the car but bonged 30 minutes later after opening the door and getting in.
The last time it did this I found the switch on and  it was exactly the same, didnt bong when leaving the car but bonged on entering it again.
My wife was nowhere near the switch either.
Maybe I am going a bit soft in the head :blink:
The knee thing however sounds like the most obvious and logical answer so will watch what I normally do to put an end to this.

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 6:58 am
by Glen
Nictrrix you dont need a exorcism  >:D it's definatley your left knee when you are getting in the car.
Exact same thing happens to me now and again, thought I was going nuts until I saw my knee catch it on entry

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 10:38 am
by mark hamster 28
+1 i also do this on many occasions  :'(

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 7:23 pm
by Nictrix
Thanks for this, I was out today and suggested this to my wife who watched me getting in and out and said I was nowhere near the switch. Probably as I am conscious of it at the time though. I will monitor it and see what I find out. :)

Re: Think I am going mental

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2017 4:28 pm
by kenniff
Your wife is messing with you?
:hypo: