Why do the headlights on my Corolla have to be turned on before I can start the car?

Asked by llawlor Sep 26, 2012 at 01:44 PM about the 1997 Toyota Corolla DX

Question type: General

the headlights must be turned on before the car will start. Is this a safety feature? Is it a factory feature?  If the healights are not turned on the car will not start and the horn will honk

3 Answers

NO, that is not a factory feature I can tell you that much... the way you phrased your question this time I get. Other that that, sorry I can't be of more help except to state the obvious: something is wrong

1 people found this helpful.

Since I don't have a life anyway, I spent the last hour looking at various websites, on-line manuals, and Q&A forums like this one (CarGurus is the superior Q&A site hands down). I found nothing. The only other option is there are a few on-line places that have mechanics, Toyota factory trained I talked to online, and they say they know but want $25 to answer.

1 people found this helpful.
115

It sounds like an alarm hooked up wrong. Its a good theft deterrent for you but if you just can't live with it then look for a toggle switch close to steering wheel up inside the interior panel or in engine compartment on firewall on passenger side of car. There will be a couple of wires that travel onto starter. Mine has two 15 amp fuses in place.

Your Answer:

Corolla

Looking for a Used Corolla in your area?

CarGurus has 2,300 nationwide Corolla listings starting at $103.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Jeff Polhemus
    Reputation
    3,360
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,270
  • #3
    hashimmir
    Reputation
    2,500
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
46 Great Deals out of 1,149 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Civic
198 Great Deals out of 4,034 listings starting at $440
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 973 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota RAV4
124 Great Deals out of 3,046 listings starting at $4,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
44 Great Deals out of 742 listings starting at $9,975
Used Honda CR-V
183 Great Deals out of 4,989 listings starting at $440
Used Hyundai Elantra
157 Great Deals out of 3,058 listings starting at $1,995
Used Nissan Sentra
64 Great Deals out of 1,894 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
26 Great Deals out of 542 listings starting at $9,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.