# Need new headlight switch? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** toyota, camry\ **Created:** [June 13, 2022, 9:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-new-headlight-switch/184633 "2022-06-13T21:26:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![juvi159\_181146](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/aeb1de/32.png) [@juvi159\_181146](https://community.cartalk.com/u/juvi159_181146)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2022, 9:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-new-headlight-switch/184633/1 "2022-06-13T21:26:54Z")
2013 Toyota Camry approx 110k mi. (?Relevant?) Background: Lagging/jerking when accelerating from 1st to 2nd gear for a couple weeks First occurrence: Car drove fine for majority of the day. Towards end of the day yesterday car turned on fine then turned off when I turned the headlights on. Repeated process and same result. Took keys out and the right fog light was on although my headlights were off. After pumping the gas a bit the third try the car did not turn off when I turned the headlights on and I was able to drive it. Second occurrence: 30 mins later I was still driving and stopped, but not parked, and my car just completely turned off, started rolling backwards bc it was on a small incline. Brakes were applied and while holding the brakes I tried to turn my car on a few times. Turned car on reversed in a parking area, turned the car off and took keys out. There was a burning smell but no smoke, and my fog lights were now on for both headlight despite the headlights being off. Noticed fluid leaking from bottom when I got out and crouched. I want to say that was from me having the AC on high, but I don’t know. Mechanic update: Car started today and was taken to a mechanic. Technician did a diagnostic check on it and said +$500 for new headlight switch. I’m concerned because my main problem is the car turning off randomly. Is this not an alternator or transmission problem? ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-new-headlight-switch/184633/2 "2022-06-13T21:36:13Z")
There could be other problems lurking, but the symptoms suggest there’s probably some problem with the headlight control circuity, and that could well be a faulty headlight switch. Unless you can get the other drivability behavior to occur consistently enough to make it occur on demand so the shop can see it, your most $$$-friendly approach is probably to follow the shop’s recommendation to replace the headlight switch. If you feel the cost is too high – seems maybe a little on the pricy side, but still within reason — no harm done to check for quotes at other well-recommended shops in your area. > [@juvi159\_181146](#): > > There was a burning smell Probably a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher in the car until this is resolved. ---
**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:** [June 13, 2022, 9:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-new-headlight-switch/184633/3 "2022-06-13T21:44:58Z")
The cars BCM may be failing because the fog lights are controlled thru the BCM. > **[5 Common Symptoms of a Failing Body Control Module (BCM) - Module Experts](https://moduleexperts.com/5-common-symptoms-failing-body-control-module-bcm/)** > > If your BCM malfunctions, you will notice a negative effect on the operation of your vehicle. Watch out for these symptoms. The BCM is located behind the dash. So you would be able to smell a burning smell if the BCM were failing. Tester