2007 Hatchback Headlights won't turn off draining battery

[GLMaddawg]

We have a 2007 Yaris Hatchback - the headlights will not turn off and they are draining the battery. I replaced the alternator yesterday because we thought that was the cause of the draining battery - that alternator was not charging the battery. The car would run when jumped, but the dash lights, radio, and power steering would cut in and out. The original alternator did test as bad/dead, so we installed the new one. It was after that we noticed the headlights were ON. When I went to turn them off, they were already in the off position. When I turned the switch to the "On" position, the lights switched like normal, but when I turn it back to "Off" it's as if I was turning them "On"!

A little more insight, this car was in a minor accident and we have recently replaced both headlight assemblies and all of the bulbs. We checked all of the wires and plugs and only had to repair one. All lights (high beam, low beam, turn signals, etc) seem to be working properly, except for staying ON as described above.

Looking for any insight on what might be causing this. Thank you in advance!

[NYC-SE]

Yaris headlights work on a switched ground system. That is when you turn the headlights "ON" you are connecting the circuit to ground. Somewhere in the circuit a wire is already touching ground causing your lights to stay lit. Double check your repair wiring.

[GLMaddawg]

Thank you. I will look at that and see if that is the issue. ...or maybe even recheck all of the wires to make sure something isn't loose or sliced and touching.

Thanks again.

[stykerdk]

Change the bulbs first, it could be short to ground inside a bulb.