Headlights switch
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Headlights switch
all of a sudden my low beam headlights will not come on; (but the high beams come on using the turn signal switch / high beams position).
I read the Owner's Handbook and there is no Fuse, but it says there is a circuit breaker built-in the headlights switch itself, but that if I wait enough, the breaker will reset itself sooner or later.
it happened for the last two nights and all of a sudden they are working again, but I think I should replace the breaker??
or should I replace the complete switch?
I read the Owner's Handbook and there is no Fuse, but it says there is a circuit breaker built-in the headlights switch itself, but that if I wait enough, the breaker will reset itself sooner or later.
it happened for the last two nights and all of a sudden they are working again, but I think I should replace the breaker??
or should I replace the complete switch?
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 11
From: Longmont, CO
Buy a new headlight switch. (Replacing only that circuit breaker(if you can) wouldn't be worth the effort). A new Motorcraft switch is $20 more than an aftermarket POS and the no brainer choice. I just bought one last week for $55 from the dealer. The defunct headlight switch I pulled out was an aftermarket POS with only 2yrs/3mo and 17k miles of use.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
The entire headlight switch should be replaced and it's fairly simple to do. (My headlight switch failed while driving at night while in the middle of nowhere in Texas) However, there's also a good chance that that the wiring connector that snaps to the headlight switch will show signs of excessive heat.
There are people on this site who have converted their Aerostars to relays to keep all the current (and heat) out of the headlight switch. I briefly considered it when the headlight switch failed on my Aero, but I just popped in a new one (despite showing signs of it being hot) and went on my merry way until the van was retired.
There are people on this site who have converted their Aerostars to relays to keep all the current (and heat) out of the headlight switch. I briefly considered it when the headlight switch failed on my Aero, but I just popped in a new one (despite showing signs of it being hot) and went on my merry way until the van was retired.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
thanks guys, I will replace it and check the wiring.
here's what I found:
1997 Ford Aerostar Headlight Switch Automatic Headlights at AM Autoparts
here's what I found:
1997 Ford Aerostar Headlight Switch Automatic Headlights at AM Autoparts
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 226
Likes: 12
From: St Louis, MO
Jose, I followed the link and it says it describes it as a "1997 Ford Aerostar Headlight Switch Automatic Headlights" My question is: what's automatic about it? Do you have a light sensor to turn the lights on a dusk? I've got that feature on other cars I own but didn't know it was an option on the Aerostar.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,010
Likes: 203
From: SoCal
Definitely install relays on the head lights. They will save the switch, connectors, wiring, and your multi-function turn signal switch. I'm sure there are many articles about this procedure on this board. But basically, intercept the wires going to the head light bulbs with relays, feed the relays with heavy gauge wires directly from the battery. You can also replace the wires that continue on to the bulbs.
There are pre-fabricated kits for this that use one of the connectors that go to the bulbs, and complete the connections to the bulbs with its own harness, so you don't have to cut or solder anything.
There are pre-fabricated kits for this that use one of the connectors that go to the bulbs, and complete the connections to the bulbs with its own harness, so you don't have to cut or solder anything.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
Installing relays also increases your light output. I have used prefabbed assemblies, they are less costly than building your own unless you happen to already have much of the materials you will need.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
DFord,
I think they are referring to Daylight lights, i.e., they come on when you put the transmission in Drive. Mine does not have that, it was an option for the XLT.
if you read the description, then it says "NOT FOR AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS",
however I do not see the shaft for the ****.
I'm going to contact them to clarify. But the price with free shipping is great !
I think they are referring to Daylight lights, i.e., they come on when you put the transmission in Drive. Mine does not have that, it was an option for the XLT.
if you read the description, then it says "NOT FOR AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS",
however I do not see the shaft for the ****.
I'm going to contact them to clarify. But the price with free shipping is great !
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
xlt4wd90 and KhanTyranitar
I have relays installed for the headlights, bought the harness complete with relays from AMAZON, made by PUTCO. Yes it does increase light power.
I have relays installed for the headlights, bought the harness complete with relays from AMAZON, made by PUTCO. Yes it does increase light power.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
xlt4wd90 no wiring problems that I know of, only what I reported in the first post, the low beams would not come on when I pulled the switch's ****, then it sort of fixed itself, has not happened again. I am still going to replace the switch.
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