Am I imagining things or are my headlights supposed to turn off when I power off the vehicle?

I recall that being a great feature when I bought the truck since I’ve left my headlights on a few times on other vehicles and drained the battery down to a point where it needed a jump.

 

Coming from an 04 g35 with auto lights, I don't risk it so I turn them off. Also don't like that it doesn't alert me when I leave them on and turn off the car like my G35 did.

 

On my 2002 4.7L, the headlamps will turn off automatically when the key is turned off/removed as soon as the driver door is opened. The door opening kills the headlamp switch automatically.

Side Unrelated Note: Your daytime running lights will not ignite until your parking brake is released when first starting your truck.

 

Not sure on the 02 but my 04 you have to turn the key off, then open the door. Any other way and they stay on.

 

When the key is turned off after driving, opening the driver's door turns off my lights. If I climb out the passenger door instead they don't automatically turn off.

 

Sounds like I have an issue with the door switch. I know the light on the door itself won’t come on when open yet the dome light comes on...go figure.

 

Want to disable your DRLs without any work? Just drive with the parking brake on!

 

Might have a bad switch/ground at the switch. Try tightening the bolt on the door switch and/or swap switches on the doors to see if the other side works. If both sides are bad it won’t make a difference.

They cost about $14 each at the Stealer or you can source them through Wells (OEM maker).

 

Must be a poor/loose ground, I just went outside to try it again but it worked this time. The light on the door is still off though.

 

Stuck pressure door jamb switch? PHM's suggestion? Does your ignition beep if the key is in it and driver's door is open?

 

Yes it does beep as you state.

 

Quick and dirty trick would be to swap the switch from the passenger side to see if that works.

 

Could be a bad bulb, as well.

I bought new switches and replaced them as the old driver side was worn out. A year later, the brand new pass side went bad and I swapped the old one back in. The switch is grounded on the door by that metal ring on the back side.

 

Every so often mine used to do this, I got used to turning them off. I'm sure I have an issue with the door sensor because when I put the map lights to be activated by open door, if I hit a hard bump they flash.