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98 ford headlight issues

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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 09:18 PM
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98 ford headlight issues

My 98 explorer is having headlight issues. When you turn the switch to turn the headlights on nothing happens just the daytime running lights stay on. When you turn on the high beams nothing happens unless you pull and hold the lever towards you. It seems to dime the day time running lights and some times the high beam light will come on and dim as well. Any suggestion much appreciated.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 02:09 AM
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Just to let you know it does not have a LOM, which I see is usually the problem. That is why It is confusing me. as I have no low beam or high beam.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 06:38 AM
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Is "LOM" Lamp On Module, aka "automatic headlamps"? The wiring diagram for the '98 suggests that the DRL module runs in parallel with the high beam wiring (if I recall correctly from last night) and should not have an impact on the low beams. The circuit described in this post assumed you did not have the auto headlamps. I'll have to pull up the diagram tonight if someone else doesn't respond to you question before.

-Rod
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 10:39 AM
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It is wierd as I do not have low beams or high beams. I am thinking maybe the dashboard switch.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 12:58 PM
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Yeah, the dash switch sends voltage to the dimmer switch which controls low & high beams. I think you're right about the dash switch being the culprit.

The reason your "flash to pass" is still working is it bypases the dash switch. Flash to pass uses the same fuse as the dash switch, so the fuse is OK.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 01:48 PM
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See the information that I had in the other thread you posted about this in. It's pretty common for the connectors to overheat and melt at headlight switches (in the dash). If that's the case here you'll need a new connector/pigtail as well as the switch assembly.

-Rod
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 02:04 PM
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Thanks so far for all the help. I guess I will take the dash apart this weekend and see what I can see. How would I get a new connector what would be the proper way to splice the new connector in to the old wires. Just a simple splice.

Thank you
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 03:01 PM
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JUst a quick question would a dash switch from all 95 t0 2001 explorer's work. There is a AWD 98 explorer at the junck yard just wondering if this would work.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 10:01 PM
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Your best option for a pigtail harness might be to get one, in good shape, from a salvage yard. Splice it with hook splices, soldered and insulated with heat shrink sleeving.

I'm not sure on the compatibility between various model years. Obviously you'd want one from a vehicle with auto headlamps. You might also be able to pull one from a Ford Ranger of similar model year as well.

-Rod
 
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