Parking lamp relay popping I believe

Hi,

Both the bolt and retainer need to be removed. As far as the noise, does it stop if you pull the parking light relay? Also, are you sure it isn't something shorting that causes the noise?

Next, you indicated replacing the multi-function switch. Was this the problem prior to replacement? Have you pulled the relay to check it? Here is a link that shows how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If it is making a loud enough noise to record, upload it so I can hear what it is doing. Also, explain what you mean by only one light at a time works on the exterior. Does it change from one to the next?

Let me know.

Joe

So when I say a noise I mean I can hear and feel a relay popping in the passenger side fuse box when I put my hand on it while turning the key to on. I haven’t been able to change out that relay as I can’t figure out a good way to get the retainer unhooked as it very oddly placed and seems to be very stiff and don’t want to risk snapping it. I didn’t have the issue prior to changing out the multi switch which I believe is what caused it. as I originally put in one that had a fog light switch but the vehicle doesn’t have fog lights. so I got the correct one and returned the old one as before with the original switch my high beams would stay on at night. when I say only one light works on the exterior the driver side bumper light or parking light is on but the passenger side isn’t never changes only that orientation but my signals work fine and they share the same bulb. I know exactly where and how to pull out the relay I need to change and I have the replacement relay already just have been having issues with actually getting to the backside of the fuse box.

Hi,

The idea that this happened when you replaced the switch leads me to believe the switch itself (the new one) is faulty or something happened to the wiring or connector when installed.

Have you re-checked the connections at the switch?

Joe

Yes, wiring has been all good .I believe I just shorted the relay and need to replace it.

Hi,

Do me a favor. Take a pic of what you are seeing that is causing problems for you and upload it for me to see. When I look at the manual, all it shows me is the fuse box and nothing as far as removal.

Let me know.

Joe

Okay, when I get the chance I’ll get a picture of both the lights dimming and the front lights not working probably and I’ll try and get a video of the relay popping.

Hi,

Excellent. It should help. I'll keep my eyes open for your reply.

Take care,

Joe

Sorry it has been a while since the last reply. here is some videos and pictures I have put together. got some new issues that have recently popped up as well. First video of the front of the car the passenger side turn signal and parking lamp is not as bright when the headlights are off but when they are on it doesn’t work at all the the right turn signal blinks fast. And in the last video sorry for the occasional bad footage but when I turn off the headlights the interior lights are fully lit but when they are turned on it they dim and the part of the relay box where the wires go into the white panel I need to get on the backside of that to replace the relay that is popping.

Hi,

Do all lights work on the right side signals? The double-time. flash is designed to indicate an open circuit. Have you gotten to the relay you originally asked about?

Let me know.

Joe

I have not gotten to relay yet as I’m still having trouble accessing it and currently if the main low beams are not on the right side signals do work, but when they are on only the rear right works at double speed.

Have you checked for ground problems? The added load from the headlamp may cause the right front to lose ground. Is that the one that is dimmer? It sounds like a ground issue.

Let me know.

Joe

Okay, I’ll have to check the grounds. last time I took a look at what I believe the blinker light grounds were they seemed to be covered is dust and dirt. maybe need cleaned off and reconnected.

I have just checked the grounds for those lights and cleaned scratched them up to provide a better ground and no difference.

I have also managed to get to the other relays and it has not changed anything I can still hear a relay popping even after changing them all out.

Hi,

When you say popping, do you mean the clicking sound when the signals turn on and off? In your video, that is the only thing I can hear.

Let me know.

Joe

Sorry I had not uploaded anything in regards to the relay sound but it sounds exactly like one of the glovebox relays activating but is audible and it sounds like a click.

That sounds like the flasher, so there is no concern. For the right side to be flashing double-time, there has to be an open circuit. Please double check to make sure you aren't missing a bulb that is out. I can't remember exactly, but this may have two bulbs working at the same time in the front. If one is bad, the other will work, but it will flash really fast. Check the taillight as well.

Joe

I’ll have to double check the twilight bulbs. I just recently replace the front signal bulbs and just ordered a new signal socket as the current one that is working with the headlights on has a damaged connected on the inside where it is pushed in. so I will try and fix that tomorrow and give an update after.

Hi,

If you found a damaged socket, there is a good chance that is the cause. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it takes care of the issue for you.

Let me know. I'm interested in knowing if that takes care of the issue.

Take care,

Joe

Okay, good news is replacing that socket with a new one fixed my issue with my turn signals and they are now working perfect. but I am still having the original issue of some sort of relay or something making a clicking or popping sound near the glove box which is causing interior lights to dim slightly.

Hi,

Does it dim if the engine is running? Does anything other that dims as well? Also, does it dim with the signals?

Joe

Currently only dims when headlights are on turn signals doesn't affect it and as far as I can see the only things that dim are the dash lights, the center console lights, such as the little A/C light. I’ve noticed that my shifter lights no longer work after this issue first started or they never worked. it’s just hard to see the letters at night.

Hi,

Do the lights respond at all when you adjust the dimmer?

I attached the wiring schematic below for the interior lights. I highlighted the dimmer, where it goes to the body control module, and so on. If the dimmer switch doesn't make any difference, it could be bad.

Also, you may want to check the ground in the left kick panel to make sure it isn't loose or corroded.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below

Note: I had to cut the schematic in half to make it readable. I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the next.

Yes, when using the dimmer switch the dash lights and everything so respond properly. I will work on checking grounds inside the car to see if they need replaced.

If the dimmer is working properly, then the ground would be the next thing to check. Let me know what you find or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

I will check it all out tomorrow. I appreciate you help through this whole thing. I’ll keep you posted.

No problem. I just hope that I was able to help.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe

Grounds that I’m aware of have been checked and still getting this result. I have included a video of the sound I am hearing turning on and off my headlights. it is also very hard to see but the center information display flickers as well there is definitely a short somewhere.

Hi,

Are the headlamps working properly? Years ago there was a recall on the HDM. It would overheat and you could lose low beams. Was that recall ever taken care of? I'm asking because it could be something related to that.

Also, there is a headlamp relay that you may be hearing. One is for the high beam and the other for the HDM module. HDM stands for headlamp driver module.

I attached a pic below and highlighted the relays. The only issue is, they are in the under hood fuse/relay box.

Try this. Pull one of the relays at a time to see if the noise stops. If it does, tell me which relay was removed to stop it.

The only other thing under the dash related is the body control module. Check to see if that is where the sound is coming from.

I attached the schematics below.

Let me know.

Joe

I have checked both those relays and nothing changed when taking them out still same sound. I will have to check if the BCM is doing it still and not sure if it can affect anything. but I am getting a code read for bad fan 2 relay or bad fan 2 assembly which does occasionally cause my car to overheat in certain scenarios.

If the fan relay is bad, could that sound be coming from that?

Joe

Possibly, but I believe I have replaced the fan relay when the code originally popped up and it made no different. I’ll try it again with it out, but I believe it’s either a bad fan or bad wiring that is causing the code.

That sounds like a plan. Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

It has been a bit since my last reply, but last night I changed out all my coolant radiator and fan assembly and to avail no difference even with the fan 2 control module code. I have check all the relays by taking them out one by one and no difference. same sounds happens when taking out the relays and trying to read codes. I am beginning to think it could be the fan connectors/wiring harness. so I’m currently searching for an option to order just trying to figure out where to get one.

Hi,

That is very possible. Have you inspected the connections for damage, corrosion, and to confirm they are tight?

Here is a link that you may find helpful. It discusses how to check connections and wiring.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.

Joe

I’ll have to try doing that. I work at my local Napa so I can usually get this stuff pretty easy, but I was recommended to try replace the temperature sensor. so that will be the last item I can change out and if it makes no difference wiring/connectors are the issue.

Sounds good. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe

Well, here I am again with probably a final update after lots of changes and replacements including sensors thermostats fans relays and even full flushes just in case. I have still had to no update on the situation regarding the p0481 code regard fan 2 relay issue. I am stuck between it being a possible PCM issue or just straight wiring I have bought a multimeter to check those before buying anything as they can be a bit pricey but if I see no answers I’ll have hit a brick wall and won’t know what to do to fix it still/ also have the weird electrical short issue with my lights but that’s not a big deal/

I don't recall seeing the code. Is this something you just found? I have diagnostics specific to this code. Take a look through them and let me know if they help.

See pics below.

Let me know.

Joe

Most of this I have seen and or tested already including all relays and fuses linked to the fans with no luck on what’s going on. I have sorted it down to most likely a short in the wiring harness as resistance in almost everything else has read correctly. so, I’m going to need to either splice new wires wherever the old ones are bad or find a whole new wiring harness to replace.