Chrysler Repair: Headlights flashing - Chrysler T&C 2001, front doors, hazard lights

Question
QUESTION: My headlights on my 2001 Chrysler T&C are flashing on and off as if the hazard lights were on (they're not.) The van is off, the key is out of the ignition, the headlight switch is in the off position ... ??? I'm concerned about leaving it like this overnight. Will it drain the battery? Any ideas?

Thanks, Angela

ANSWER: Hi Angela,
It appears to me that the vehicle theft alarm system has for some reason been triggered as that is what is supposed to happen (except the horn should also be sounding in unison; maybe your horn doesn't work?). Do you believe that you have such an anti-theft system? There would be a small red warning light on the dash when it has been armed that comes "On" were that the case.
I would try locking then unlocking either or both front doors using the door key, which is the normal way to cancel an alarmed status. Let me know if that doesn't work and we'll try something else. I wouldn't leave it flashing all night as that will wear out your battery for tomorrow.
There is supposed to be a time limit on this alarmed status so it may have stopped on it own after about 20 minutes. If that is the case, that would corroborate that was the cause and now you know how to stop it in the future. You might want to check to see if your horn is working.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: To continue: The horn is working (it honks when I lock the vehicle)but is not sounding with the flashing lights. I locked/unlocked both front doors manually, to no avail. I don't see a red warning light on the dash, either. As far as a time limit, the lights have been flashing for about 4 hours. I have started the car a few times just in case it was draining the battery. ?? (Thank you for responding so quickly!) Look forward to hearing from you, Roland.

Angela

Answer
Hi Angela,
The strange thing is that when the hazards are activated, it is not supposed to flash the headlights, but rather all four corners of the van parking lamps. So that is why I thought of the theft system. I really don't know why just the headlamps are flashing, never experienced that. I suspect that there is something the matter with either the body control module (wherein there is circuitry that controls the low beam headlamp relay) or the hazard/turn signal system. In any case, I believe that the headlamps filaments that are flashing are for the low beams, rather than the high beams, correct? (try turning on the head lamps and see what it looks like when you select either the high or low beam setting).
In any case, if you want to stop the flashing for now and save the battery any further drain, open the hood and look for a rectangular box next to the battery. Remove its lid and you should find that one of headlamp relays is clicking in synchrony with the flashing of the headlamps. Pull that relay out of its socket and that will stop the flashing for now. Then tomorrow the reason for the activation of the relay will be a subject for consideration.
Tell me if anything other than the high (or low?) beam filaments are also flashing anywhere else on the van. Also tell me whether when you manually tried the door locks, did you use the door key or the pushbuttons? Use the key, if you didn't heretofor.
Then we can think about some other things to try.
Roland
PS: Rather than continuing to take questions waiting for your response, I will make myself "maxed out". Please email me directly to rfinston@hotmail.com