sidelights permanently on?

[lukeking]

I've just noticed my side lights on permanently on. The green illumination on the side light control switch is also on even though the switch is positioned to auto. Anyone have any ideas before I take it to the dealer?

[trix]

most likely drl's (daytime running lights)

[lukeking]

thanks for that, does make sense reading the manual. looks like a factory setting which is puzzling on a UK car?

[trix]

are your dipped beams on as well? (the factory drl setting) if not then sounds like someone has tinkered with vagcom on the car which is good for you although your car (feb 2010) does not have to have drl's on legally (its a legal requirement for cars build from feb 2011) but don't bother trying to get VW to turn them off for you, plenty of people have asked already.
& its not really that puzzling, VW just haven't changed the light switch to remove the now obselete 'auto' option

[lukeking]

I've just checked and the dipped lights are on all the time, not the side lights as I initially thought. Is that a confirmation of the drl setting. why would that setting be on? Who would want to drive around with the lights on during the day
?

[Rob]

Mine are the same, you can get it changed with Vagcom so that the dipped lights are off and only come on when auto lights activate, and just the sidelights are on as DRL's

[trix]

why would that setting be on? Who would want to drive around with the lights on during the day
?

drl's are now a legal requirement as mentioned above, VW prepared the range by sending them out with drls set ahead of the required date.
not many people want to but not much choice with new cars now as drls are now a legal requirement & VW won't turn it off as rob mentions you would need to find someone with vagcom to do it for you.

NB: those with cars built feb 2011 & after must have them on otherwise their car will fail its mot at 3 years old.

[lukeking]

Thanks for clearing that up, didn't have a clue about the legals.