2002 jeep grand cherokee head lights come on by themselves with car off and light sitch in auto

Hello Joe

Not sure what you mean when you say "when I turn the lever loose"?

It sounds like the switch is faulty. If both headlights come on and then go off when you touch the lever, you know it isn't the bulbs, relays or fuses because they start off working.

@Larry Ng is the Fixya Expert on Jeeps. Hopefully he will come by tomorrow.

turn on what lights?
head lights. if yes, 1 click or 2.?
what rear lights there are many
tail/park
brake
backup?
car drives prefectly, (shoe drops)
all else works?

sounds like you blow the head gasket

I would want to know what the code is first. You may have to go to an independent garage for help. Auto parts stores can scan the ECM but not always the body computer.

The brake and turning lights are on a different switch than the tail lights. Check the fuse for the brake light circuit. Check to see if your front turning lights work. My guess is they won't work either.

I would suggest that you take a look here (I used this to correct brake-light issues on my '01):

http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/jeep-grand-cherokee/T63DRCOTUFKMHQ207

Many Grand Cherokees have had this type of issue. The thread is lengthy, but does cover just about every type of issue known with the tail/brake lights.

behind head light,, on passenger side, on fenders underside ,remove head light completely,, drill 2 inch hole into protective shield, this will expose switch

the nuetral safety and backup are one switch, it screws into the trans case, has three pins on it, replace it, real cheap about $12 from rockauto.com

You have a bad auto headlamp sensor. It is located in the defroster vent area at the base of the front windshiel. See this link for help in removal and repair. http://www.wjjeeps.com/lamps/headlamps.htm#SENSOR

this just happened to me. Turn your headlight switch from AUTO to OFF position.