Headlights on 97 Explorer
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa
Headlights on 97 Explorer
I had the same problem, except both of my low beam headlights wouldn't work. However, the high beams would.
I replaced the multi-function switch (turn signal, wiper, high beam) on the left side of the steering column and WALA the problem was solved.
It only took 45 minutes (most of which was spent trying to get the darn thing unplugged) and only cost $62.
Hope this helps.
I replaced the multi-function switch (turn signal, wiper, high beam) on the left side of the steering column and WALA the problem was solved.
It only took 45 minutes (most of which was spent trying to get the darn thing unplugged) and only cost $62.
Hope this helps.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
If your 1997 has the Lamp Out Warning feature, the module is located behind the instrument panel console, kind of to the right of the accelerator. It will have a gray connector that's wide and flat, 10 terminal locations on the bottom row and 6 terminal locations on the row with the the connector retainer. Only 13 of the 16 terminal locations are populated.
-Rod
-Rod
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: 100 M East of SLC, Utah
Location of the module
Hi Rod
Since I posted the question I have looked on YouTube and the videos there show it in the console under the information panel on the right side. I found a picture of it online and your pin description is spot on.
Interesting but I also found a wiring diagram that show either with or without the lamp out module
Do you know of a way to skirt around the rt side low beam?
The diagram shows pin 1 and 11 for the rt head light and a test is to unplug the module and jump 1 to 11 and the rt side will come on with the head light switch turned on - of course all the rest of the lamps and bulbs that are associated with the module will be off.
Just a thought
Bill
Since I posted the question I have looked on YouTube and the videos there show it in the console under the information panel on the right side. I found a picture of it online and your pin description is spot on.
Interesting but I also found a wiring diagram that show either with or without the lamp out module
Do you know of a way to skirt around the rt side low beam?
The diagram shows pin 1 and 11 for the rt head light and a test is to unplug the module and jump 1 to 11 and the rt side will come on with the head light switch turned on - of course all the rest of the lamps and bulbs that are associated with the module will be off.
Just a thought
Bill
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Yep, to bypass it looks like you would jumper pin 1 to pin 11 (left hand headlamp), pin 12 to pin 13 (right hand headlamp), pin 5 to pin 6 (rear park lamps), and pin 14 to pin 15 (rear brake lamps).
The remaining 5 wires are power (pin 7), ground (pin 9), and the three "lamp out" warnings (pin 2 for headlamps, pin 3 for rear parking lamps, and pin 4 for brake lamp). It's unclear if the lamp out signals are normally floating or if the display is expecting power, logic level, or ground in a situation where the bulbs are working. So making the jumpers listed in the first paragraph should keep the lights working, but keeping the display happy may require further investigation.
Depending on your mechanical and soldering skills, you may be able to open up the lamp out module, find a bad solder joint or bad component, replace it, and have a working system again. If you opt to just bypass and remove the module and would otherwise plan to just throw it away, I'd be interested in taking a look at it to see if it's a simple repair if you'd be willing to go to the trouble of shipping it to me. I haven't had the opportunity to take one apart to see if I can determine the failure mode.
-Rod
The remaining 5 wires are power (pin 7), ground (pin 9), and the three "lamp out" warnings (pin 2 for headlamps, pin 3 for rear parking lamps, and pin 4 for brake lamp). It's unclear if the lamp out signals are normally floating or if the display is expecting power, logic level, or ground in a situation where the bulbs are working. So making the jumpers listed in the first paragraph should keep the lights working, but keeping the display happy may require further investigation.
Depending on your mechanical and soldering skills, you may be able to open up the lamp out module, find a bad solder joint or bad component, replace it, and have a working system again. If you opt to just bypass and remove the module and would otherwise plan to just throw it away, I'd be interested in taking a look at it to see if it's a simple repair if you'd be willing to go to the trouble of shipping it to me. I haven't had the opportunity to take one apart to see if I can determine the failure mode.
-Rod
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: 100 M East of SLC, Utah
Jumper
Rod-
Looks like I'll try the repair first and if that fails i'll go for one jumper only as in my case it is the low beam on the rt side
Thanks for the reply. This repair will have to wait until the wind and snow calms down. I am headed with camp trailer to warmer parts
The Explorer is a local runner and can wait
Sad story with this Explorer, over the years we have hit 3 deer that I know of. The front grill and head lamp and turn signal plastic/steel parts are held together with silicone , glue , plastic ties so the head lamps don't really function the best.
The head lamp alignment moves around a bit.
BC
Looks like I'll try the repair first and if that fails i'll go for one jumper only as in my case it is the low beam on the rt side
Thanks for the reply. This repair will have to wait until the wind and snow calms down. I am headed with camp trailer to warmer parts
The Explorer is a local runner and can wait
Sad story with this Explorer, over the years we have hit 3 deer that I know of. The front grill and head lamp and turn signal plastic/steel parts are held together with silicone , glue , plastic ties so the head lamps don't really function the best.
The head lamp alignment moves around a bit.
BC
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: 100 M East of SLC, Utah
Rod-
Forgot to add that yes if I do take the relay out I'll ship it to you.
There will come a time when duct tape and bailing wire will fail me and the whole Explorer will go.
BC
Forgot to add that yes if I do take the relay out I'll ship it to you.
There will come a time when duct tape and bailing wire will fail me and the whole Explorer will go.
BC
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Welcome to the forum. There have been a few different scenarios presented in this thread, so I'm not sure which one your symptoms match. is your Explorer also a 1997? Does it have the Lamp Out module?
-Rod
-Rod
New User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
power goes to switch-mfw-to fuse #4 #8 and #33 no power at any of the three fuses????????????????????
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