Headlights won't come on.....
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Headlights won't come on.....
Hi,
I've got a '94 Explorer and have had intermittent problems with this over the past year. Recently (3 weeks ago) they wouldn't come on, but when I flicked my highbeams, the headlights came on.
Now, they won't come on at all. The high beams will come on when I hold back on the switch (turn signal) but they won't come on when I push it forward (to keep the high beams on).
I have an electronic rearview mirror that is in the circuit also, but not sure what it does.
I tried to get a headlight switch at the junkyard, but they were all the wrong style. Missing an additional connector and the pin out was incorrect.
It's getting too dark in the mornings and I need some help before I take it to the Ford house.
Thanks.
I've got a '94 Explorer and have had intermittent problems with this over the past year. Recently (3 weeks ago) they wouldn't come on, but when I flicked my highbeams, the headlights came on.
Now, they won't come on at all. The high beams will come on when I hold back on the switch (turn signal) but they won't come on when I push it forward (to keep the high beams on).
I have an electronic rearview mirror that is in the circuit also, but not sure what it does.
I tried to get a headlight switch at the junkyard, but they were all the wrong style. Missing an additional connector and the pin out was incorrect.
It's getting too dark in the mornings and I need some help before I take it to the Ford house.
Thanks.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Lake County, California
Buy a service CD on E-bay. You will find a step by step troubleshooting guide that will take you to the problem. My 95 had the left lower beam out. Turned out to be a cold solder joint in the LOM (lamp outage module). I was going to replace the LOM when I decided to open it up and see the insides and found the problem. Good luck.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
problem may not be in the dash switch, it may be in the multi-function switch in the steering column. These are known to go bad, some sooner than others. My 2000 went bad on the windshield circuit. Bought one from O'Reilly's Auto Parts that was a genuine Motorcraft part but cheaper than the dealer.
The electronic rearview mirror does the same as the day/night mirror with the manual lever except it does it automatically from the light from the car behind you to keep from being partially blinded from the reflection.
The electronic rearview mirror does the same as the day/night mirror with the manual lever except it does it automatically from the light from the car behind you to keep from being partially blinded from the reflection.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
I took it to a mechanic and the problem was the switch in the column. I was not real confident about tearing into the column so that's why I took it to him. The plug was also melted and bad. Cost for switch and plug as new parts were about $155. I got them at a junkyard for $65. $120 or so for labor. Ouch.
They're working now though.
They're working now though.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, Texas
<b>Please read my post below...However, with the problems that you all were having, did you see if there was power to the fuse box? (Please see below)...</b><br><br>
Low Beam lights now not working & high beam lights only work when pulling BACK on high beam lever do not work when push lever forward to remain on. Have smelled strange smell preceeding...not known if releated. Fuses are good (not blown) put a tester on fuse location #4 & #8 & #33 (both low beams and a high beam fuse locations). NONE of those three locations have current to the fuse box. Therefore, is it more likely that a wie burned through or a defective switch? (I wouldn't think that it is the switch since it does still operate parking lights and the fact that there is no power at the fuse box in those locations. It seems that it would be between the battery and the fuse box. Is there a fuse-link wire or inline fuse? Anbody know how to resolve this problem??? We did have excessive corrosion on the battery (not sure if that's a clue to anyone) Thanks, Steve</b>
Low Beam lights now not working & high beam lights only work when pulling BACK on high beam lever do not work when push lever forward to remain on. Have smelled strange smell preceeding...not known if releated. Fuses are good (not blown) put a tester on fuse location #4 & #8 & #33 (both low beams and a high beam fuse locations). NONE of those three locations have current to the fuse box. Therefore, is it more likely that a wie burned through or a defective switch? (I wouldn't think that it is the switch since it does still operate parking lights and the fact that there is no power at the fuse box in those locations. It seems that it would be between the battery and the fuse box. Is there a fuse-link wire or inline fuse? Anbody know how to resolve this problem??? We did have excessive corrosion on the battery (not sure if that's a clue to anyone) Thanks, Steve</b>
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, Texas
Nevermind! I have found the problem for sure now. It is the multi-fuction switch in the steering column. There is no power at the fuse box unless that is working and turned on. The lights came back on after wiggling and they have turned on and off when signaling. At least I know what to replace now!!!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Last I checked the MFS was about $60 at the dealer. You do need to take apart the steering column to get to the MFS. Also, be sure to disconnect the battery prior to working around the steering column. Accidently detonating your air bag will ruin your day.
Mason
Mason
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, Texas
It's really simple. Just a few screws to remove the plastic cover on the column and then a few screws to rmove the MFS. I think there were two plugs to unplug as well. Plug in the new one...re-screw plastic and you're all done! I would call around to different dealers if you live y several. The price varies from dealer to dealer by as much as $40...ridiculous I know. I paid about$40 total for mine.
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
My 91 has the same symptoms, I replaced the multifunction switch and the lights are still blinking. It's usually ok for about 1/2 hour and then the blinking starts. Pulling the turn signal lever back turns the highbeams on and the low beams still cycle on and off. Not knowing what else to try I'm going to replace the dash switch next. Is there a relay in the headlight circuit? Has anyone ever gotten a bad multifunction switch from Ford? any assistance is appreciated.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, Texas
I'm sorry...I can't find the part number. Just explain to them that it is a black "box" that holds the hazzards button and the turn signal arm. It has two female places for the two plugs that plug into it. For 91: Mine just quit and then it came back for a while then it quit, then it came back when I wiggled the arm, then it just stopped altogether. YES...the high beams would still work by pulling back on the turn signal arm when the low beams would not work. That's actually how I drove for a few times getting home from work. High until a car was coming and then I'd let go and have only the parking/running lights.
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Found the part number on the box, F2TZ13341B. It rained yesterday and the wipers quit on the Explorer. I swapped my old switch in and at least they are working again. Looks like a bad module from Ford. Hopefully this next one will be good and take care of the problems.
