2002 F-150 XLT 4WD Super Cab

I am going nuts!! The truck is sitting in the driveway, unattended. There is no key in the ignition. The headlight switch is in the "off" position. Problem: Several times during the day or night, the headlights and exterior lighting, comes on for several minutes, and goes off. There is no moisture on the inside of the truck. The windshield does not leak, and everything around the GEM is dry. Can a problem with the switch, cause this? Everything else in the truck works fine. ARRUUUGGGHHH!!! Thank you!!

 

If you have "Autolamps" then your autolamp sensor could be grounding/shorting out and powering up the headlight and parklight relays, regardless of switch position. Ever spilled soda/beer on the dash? Know where autolamp sensor is? Check the oval shaped dash pad, lamp sensor is mounted to it.

 

Thank you so much. I haven't had the truck too long, and bought it used. I haven't really had it long enough to spill beer all over the dash yet. Hahahaha. Your advise sounds good to me. The sensor was what I suspected, but didn't think it could power up the headlights with the switch in the off position. I will check around the oval area in the dash on the passenger side. Hopefully, it's easy to spot. I never use the "auto" feature on the switch. Can I just clip a wire at the switch to abandon the sensor? Thank you so much!

 

do you have remote start on the truck, maybe there is some thing wrong there.

 

No remote start. Thank you.

 

noonespecialer..........Thank you so much for sharing your infinite wisdom. I pulled the sensor from under the dash. It looked like it had a fraternity party on it. There was corrosion from coffee, beer, coke, and fruit juice. There was corrosion between all the electronic contacts, and the eye looked like the bottom of a garbage disposal. I may have to replace it. We'll see once it dries out. Hahaha I very carefully washed the circuit board, and removed all the corrosion with an x-acto knife. Thanks again bro!

 

the crow & I are glad to help

hope that does it for you

 

No prob. I dunno what that sensor costs at the parts store, but its $3.95 at picknpull.

By the way, you don't need to jump anything, just leave it unplugged if you dont use "auto." if the capacitor inside that sensor can't charge up, then your lights cant randomly power up when the sensor shorts out.

 

Thanks again! You were the only one with an accurate fix. The auto headlight sensor is a dealer item only. I checked Checker, Auto Zone, and Napa. Nada. The Ford dealer wants 67.96 for it. I never use the auto function, so I will just leave it unhooked until I run across a good one, cheap. The headlights haven't come on since I pulled the sensor. Thanks again!!!!!

 

one member said to check a salvage yard or Ebay