Engine running Key out

Hi, Firstly thanks for all the info on the Forum. I have a 96 300 tdi Defender pick up and with a lot of help from the search function its getting better quickly. I have a strange electrical problem, there are similar things on search but not the same.

When you turn the ignition off and remove the key, whilst the Head lights are on the engine keeps running. Turn the lights off and the engine stops. It performs normally with the headlamp switch off.

About a month ago it developed running lights all by itself. I don't think its possessed but any help would be appreciated.

Check your earths, sounds like a classic backfeeding earth problem. No idea where they are on a Defender but undo them, clean them up and bolt back down.

Flysub said:

When you turn the ignition off and remove the key, whilst the Head lights are on the engine keeps running. Turn the lights off and the engine stops. It performs normally with the headlamp switch off.

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Had a similar problem on a Ford once, turned out to be a faulty relay, i think it was a lighting relay,

main dealer didn,t belive me until I handed them the ignition key and pointed out the vechicle sitting outside ticking over

Sure your ignition barrel's not just knackered? I can take my key out and open the back door then get back in and put the key back in the ignition all with the engine running

But seriously, it's probably an earth fault.

Many thanks gents for the speedy replies. Back to the Haynes Manual to find the Earths.