Lately I've spotted alot of newer Dodge/Chrysler products do this. When they have their signal light on, the headlight on the corresponding side turns off, so it looks like they have a burnt out headlight. When they turn and their signal light turns off, the headlight comes back on. I've seen it on Rams, 300's, and I'm sure other products.

Whats the point of this? I dont imagine its a defect. I would think QC would catch a simple wiring problem like that.

 

I've never noticed that but I have noticed more than a handful of late model Mercedes who's tail lamps never turn off - as in their owner has been away from the car for at least an hour or two, the headlights are off, the car is parked and locked, but the tail lights stay on.

Maybe it's a 'feature' built in to keep people from not seeing the car in a dark parking lot as they're backing up?

 

My 68 Firebird did that. When you got out of the car, you had to pull up on the brake pedal to make sure it wasn't "drooping" and hitting the switch. Killed the battery many of times before we figured that one out.

 

I'm doubting it's pedal sag, especially on a car with electronic brakes.

Probably either electrical problems which we all know are far from uncommon on DC products, or it really is supposed to be a feature. The battery would not be an much of an issue of concern if the tail lamps were LED and while I don't remember if they were or were not, most high end late model cars are using them these days.

 

I've noticed the same thing on several new Dodge/ Chryslers and was also wondering if it was suppose to be like that.

 

I noticed the same thing, and dismissed it as a very strange style.

Don't ask why.

 

Looks like it's a Canada-only thing by the responses. (And it makes sense because DCX doesn't put DRL's on cars in the U.S.)

I'm guessing it's similar to the 2000-2002 or so GMC Jimmy and Olds Bravada design that shut down both DRL's (headlamp brights) when the turnsignal came on... I'm assuming it's so you can see the turnsignal better.

Rather lame, IMO. If it was THAT bad, they should have designed the setup better.

Sounds like DCX is doing the same thing, but only shutting down the headlamp for the side of the car that the turn signal is activated for. Which is even more lame than the old GMC/Olds setup.

 

The Mercedes lights being on is so that they dont get hit. they are on, asked a guy I know about it when only the right side were on when he parked it, he told me its a parking feature..

 

 

On a Mini if you turn the turn signal on after you turn the ignition off, the two signal lights on that side of the car stay on. The idea is that if you park the car on a dark narrow street, you can leave the two signal lights on to help people see your car. Since you are only running two signal lights, your battery won't go dead overnight.

Sounds like the Mercedes had the same thing. I bet it's a common feature for European cars.

 

And why do Chrysler minivans make a winding noise when they come to a stop?

 

From the mouth of my tech-
"Its a Chrysler...if they can put a battery in the fender, they can do anything to totaly mind f*ck you."

 

I've noticed that on the minivans and the cars based off the Cirrus as well. It's like a wind up toy. Weird stuff.

 

It is odd, and it seems to affect nearly every Chrysler product save the LXs and the trucks, which all have the new 5 speed AT.

Its the transmission shifting back into first gear, IIRC... It isn't a defect...I've heard it on brand new minivans on the lot. Disconcerting, eh??

 

That whirring noise you hear in Chrysler transmissions is normal.
It's just the servos in the valve body.