Why won't HID lights go on when the engine is off?
 

Is it a feature or are my HID lights going south?

E.g. if I turn on the lights when the engine if off, the HID won't shine. Only when I start the engine, I could get the HID up.:confused:

you should be able to get the hid's on when the engine is off...but the key has to be turned to the position right before the position where you are actually starting the car - that should do the trick...if not your screwed JK you should be fine :)

Nope, even if I get it to the start position, they won't go on.

wierd....that should have worked

WORD...hmm...

Well, I scheduled a service visit. What bugs is why do they come on when the engine is running? Could this be a battery issue? E.g. it doesn't give out sufficient power to start them up?

On my 99 with just halogens, the actual headlamps will not turn on without the car running. The parking lights and the daytime running lights work, but the actual head light will not work...I am 100% positive this is how it is designed. Both my BMW and my Mercedes do the same (they have Xenons).

Same with my 02TT....if it's not running, the headlights don't light up. Most likely a battery fail safe issue.

yeah thats what i was thinking after you said it wouldnt even light up even when the keys in the proper position for them to light up :confused: i would have said schedule a service visit but you beat me to it :) good luck with that bro!

Well, it sounds like I need to cancel my service appointment. Yet another problem solved by this forum!