# 01 Subaru Forester headlights won't stay on

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/01-subaru-forester-headlights-wont-stay-on/30140>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** forester, subaru\
**Created:** [May 6, 2009, 8:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/01-subaru-forester-headlights-wont-stay-on/30140 "2009-05-06T20:54:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![liltruthie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ac91a4/32.png) [@liltruthie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/liltruthie)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2009, 8:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/01-subaru-forester-headlights-wont-stay-on/30140/1 "2009-05-06T20:54:13Z")

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Hello! When I use the turn signal (as everyone should!) my headlights go out. The “stick” is very sensitive and doesn’t keep the lights on. Mechanics are suggesting $250 to replace this (labor too?!). Surely someone has had this problem and fixed it for less. Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2009, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/01-subaru-forester-headlights-wont-stay-on/30140/2 "2009-05-06T22:22:01Z")

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The problem may be due to dirty contacts in the switch. You would have to take the switch apart to get at them.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2009, 10:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/01-subaru-forester-headlights-wont-stay-on/30140/3 "2009-05-06T22:58:07Z")

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It depends on what’s required to replace the multi-function switch. Some vehicles it just requires removing a plastic panel below the steering wheel. And on others, it requires removing the steering wheel which involves the air-bag. So the cost of this repair depends on the price of the part, and what’s involved to swap it out.

So ask if the $250.00 includes parts and labor.

Tester

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**Author:** ![liltruthie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ac91a4/32.png) [@liltruthie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/liltruthie)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/01-subaru-forester-headlights-wont-stay-on/30140/4 "2009-05-07T16:41:38Z")

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Thanks for your reply. I think it did include parts and labor.

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**Author:** ![liltruthie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ac91a4/32.png) [@liltruthie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/liltruthie)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2009, 4:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/01-subaru-forester-headlights-wont-stay-on/30140/5 "2009-05-07T16:42:04Z")

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I’ll ask if they can do that first. Thanks for your reply!