Scion tC parking lights malfunction, staying on and draining battery on Scion tC

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Scion tC owners report experiencing issues with parking lights malfunctioning and remaining illuminated, which can lead to battery drainage. These problems may stem from a malfunctioning parking light switch that keeps the lights on even when the vehicle is off. Additionally, some owners find that the auto on-off feature might be deactivated, causing the lights to stay on. A stuck turn signal relay is also a potential culprit for this issue. Other contributing factors could include problems with the running light switch, light sensor, grounded wire, or a bad relay. If the battery drains while parked, it may be due to a faulty battery or alternator that fails to recharge properly. In instances where the vehicle fails to start after being parked, it could be linked to a drained battery from the extended illumination of the parking lights. Furthermore, poor connections, particularly involving the battery positive for an amp, might lead to intermittent starting issues and loss of settings. To resolve these concerns, it is advisable for owners to systematically troubleshoot each potential cause to identify and fix the underlying problem.

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