Headlight / Electrical Problems
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Headlight / Electrical Problems
Good day to everyone, I have a 96 Explorer EB (6 cyl. w/4wd). I have begun to experience some problems with my headlights and a few other areas which might be related.
The lights - Started a few years ago that the fog lights would not operate (changed the bulbs so it's not that). Then I lost the front right main headlight in low beam. In high beam, the fog lights work, as do both the headlights, but then I am blinding everyone. Recently, the headlights do not operate at all, and I am only able to use the fog lights, not very safe.
Other issues - Seem to have lost a couple of lights on the radio. The number 4 & 5 pre-sets do not light up. In addition, on the climate control panel, I have lost a similar 2 lights in the middle.
Now, I'm not too certain if these are related, but driving is a little dangerous without the headlights, so any help with a diagnosis and fix would be appreciated.
The lights - Started a few years ago that the fog lights would not operate (changed the bulbs so it's not that). Then I lost the front right main headlight in low beam. In high beam, the fog lights work, as do both the headlights, but then I am blinding everyone. Recently, the headlights do not operate at all, and I am only able to use the fog lights, not very safe.
Other issues - Seem to have lost a couple of lights on the radio. The number 4 & 5 pre-sets do not light up. In addition, on the climate control panel, I have lost a similar 2 lights in the middle.
Now, I'm not too certain if these are related, but driving is a little dangerous without the headlights, so any help with a diagnosis and fix would be appreciated.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Hard to say without looking at a wiring diagram, but my guess on the headlights & fogs would be a bad multifunction switch. Take a look at www.helminc.com & order the XLNT "electrical & vacuum trouble shooting manual" It will tell you how to test the multifunction switch.
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Bear with me, is the multifunction switch the one on the steering colum or the dash? Something about working around the air bag kind of creeps me out.
And what of the other problems with lights? The buttons still work (i.e. my pre-set chanel 4 operates and the same with the thermostat) but the things aren't lit any longer. Let me know if you have any ideas. I hoped I wasn't going to have to throw any more money at this than for the parts, so I hesitate to buy a manual on my 8 year old.
Thanks,
Sanford
And what of the other problems with lights? The buttons still work (i.e. my pre-set chanel 4 operates and the same with the thermostat) but the things aren't lit any longer. Let me know if you have any ideas. I hoped I wasn't going to have to throw any more money at this than for the parts, so I hesitate to buy a manual on my 8 year old.
Thanks,
Sanford
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The headlight/fog light problem seems like it's the multifunction switch...a.k.a., the turn signal stalk. Removal is easy.
Go to this thread b/c I posted this morning how to R&R the multifunction switch.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=200160
There's nothing to worry about the airbag as long as you disconnect the positive side of the battery and let the backup power to drain for a few minutes so disconnect the battery and wait a few minutes or gather your tools or grab a beer or something so the backup power can be drained and start.
As to your radio illumination, there're no bulbs to replace so you're SOL.
The climate control system has 3 or 4 bulbs in there, I don't remember. You can replace those. And here's how to replace the bulbs...straight from the Ford shop manual:
I hope this helps. 
Go to this thread b/c I posted this morning how to R&R the multifunction switch.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=200160
There's nothing to worry about the airbag as long as you disconnect the positive side of the battery and let the backup power to drain for a few minutes so disconnect the battery and wait a few minutes or gather your tools or grab a beer or something so the backup power can be drained and start.
As to your radio illumination, there're no bulbs to replace so you're SOL.
The climate control system has 3 or 4 bulbs in there, I don't remember. You can replace those. And here's how to replace the bulbs...straight from the Ford shop manual:
Control Assembly Illumination Lamps
The following service procedure is to be used only for replacement of the vacuum fluorescent lamps. The procedure does not apply to the backlighting lamps or the function indicators.
If any of the function indicators are inoperative, the control assembly must be replaced.
Removal and Installation
1. CAUTION: Care should be exercised not to excessively flex the ribbon cable between the switch board assembly and the circuit board.
CAUTION: Do not touch the components or traces on the circuit board, as damage to the circuit and/or components may result.
Remove control assembly from vehicle.
2. Place control assembly on a clean cardboard surface.
3. Use a screwdriver to release bezel and pivot it to an open position.
4. To remove the large vacuum fluorescent display lamp and socket assembly, carefully start rotation counterclockwise with pliers, taking care not to touch any other components with pliers. Continue rotation by hand about 45 degrees to stop, and pull lamp socket assembly straight out from button housing.
5. Pull old lamp from socket and install new lamp in socket. Replace lamp with type 161 only.
6. To remove general illumination lamps, unscrew them with a screwdriver. Use replacement lamp 2043 only.
7. Install the (vacuum fluorescent display) lamp and socket assembly into the button housing and rotate it clockwise approximately 45 degrees until it locks in position.
8. Note: Do not use pliers to install the socket assembly.
9. Note: The control assembly may be equipped with a spare F614 lamp assembly. It will be located on the front panel.
Install bezel onto the housing.
The following service procedure is to be used only for replacement of the vacuum fluorescent lamps. The procedure does not apply to the backlighting lamps or the function indicators.
If any of the function indicators are inoperative, the control assembly must be replaced.
Removal and Installation
1. CAUTION: Care should be exercised not to excessively flex the ribbon cable between the switch board assembly and the circuit board.
CAUTION: Do not touch the components or traces on the circuit board, as damage to the circuit and/or components may result.
Remove control assembly from vehicle.
2. Place control assembly on a clean cardboard surface.
3. Use a screwdriver to release bezel and pivot it to an open position.
4. To remove the large vacuum fluorescent display lamp and socket assembly, carefully start rotation counterclockwise with pliers, taking care not to touch any other components with pliers. Continue rotation by hand about 45 degrees to stop, and pull lamp socket assembly straight out from button housing.
5. Pull old lamp from socket and install new lamp in socket. Replace lamp with type 161 only.
6. To remove general illumination lamps, unscrew them with a screwdriver. Use replacement lamp 2043 only.
7. Install the (vacuum fluorescent display) lamp and socket assembly into the button housing and rotate it clockwise approximately 45 degrees until it locks in position.
8. Note: Do not use pliers to install the socket assembly.
- Screw the specified general illumination replacement lamp into position.
- To remove the blower Hi-Lo lamp, pull it out of its clip and cut the wires close to its base.
- Splice the wires on replacement lamp F614 onto cut wires. Wrap splices with electrical tape and attach lamp to its clip.
9. Note: The control assembly may be equipped with a spare F614 lamp assembly. It will be located on the front panel.
Install bezel onto the housing.
Last edited by 96explorereddieb; Feb 3, 2004 at 12:34 PM.
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From: SoCal
Heres an example of how simple it can sometimes be to fix an electrical problem. When the left turn signals on my 95 Taurus were flashing at double speed, but the emergency flashers were working normally, I took a look at the wiring diagram in my "electrical & vacuum troubleshooting manual" & I could see that the only difference between the 2 circuits was the electrical paths they took thru the multifunction switch/MFS. Replaced the switch & problem solved. The turn signal lever is attached to the MFS switch, on the Taurus it is very easy to remove the switch & I did'nt have to mess with the air bag. Your Haynes manual will tell you how to do it. As for the dash lights, sounds like the bulbs need replacing. BTW, the manual is only 30 bucks.
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Right on, but could this be the LOM as well? Just hate to throw parts (which FOMOCO does not take back) at the problem. It all started with the right front going out, then degenerated from there.
The stereo should come out anyway, it's trash compared with the Alpine I took out of my last vehicle.
The stereo should come out anyway, it's trash compared with the Alpine I took out of my last vehicle.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 426
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From: Raleigh, NC
Well...you can check. Take it out and see if there're any broken solder points. If there is, then solder it back up and it'll be fine again. But when the LOM is dead, it's usually the driver's headlight and foglight would go dead and not all the lights but the fogs.
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From: SoCal
I always buy my parts from Napa & since I only replace parts that I have tested & KNOW are bad I dont need to worry about returning them. Why would you buy the high buck gold plated FOMOCO parts.
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Billy, thanks - that sounds good to me.
Regarding Napa, for some things I agree, but when it is a Ford only part like the Multi-function switch as I have read, what choice do I have? If Napa sells the MFS, let me know, I want to do this tonight if I can. Leaving the house at 5:00am with only fog lights kind of stinks.
Plus, don't put too much faith in Napa, I bought an IAC there they swore would work in my vehicle, and I had to yank it out to prove to them that the wiring harness was different. I think it all depends on the folks that work at your local shop.
Regarding Napa, for some things I agree, but when it is a Ford only part like the Multi-function switch as I have read, what choice do I have? If Napa sells the MFS, let me know, I want to do this tonight if I can. Leaving the house at 5:00am with only fog lights kind of stinks.
Plus, don't put too much faith in Napa, I bought an IAC there they swore would work in my vehicle, and I had to yank it out to prove to them that the wiring harness was different. I think it all depends on the folks that work at your local shop.
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From: SoCal
I paid about 50 bucks at Napa for the Taurus MFS about 3 years ago. So they will probably have one for yours also. Took me a 1/2 hour to install it. I've had good luck with Napa parts, which is why I dont see any reason to spend the extra bucks on FOMOCO parts. As you say it probably depends on the guy behind the counter whether you get the right parts or not.
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Well, it was the combination Multifunction & Lamp Out Module. At least I didn't pay someone else to do it. Both jobs were fairly easy to fix.
I do wonder, why have an 800 number on the LOM when it's a 10-10 Cheap Phone service instead of to report what a piece of garbage the part is. Oh well, what can we do?
Thanks for everyone's help - it was nice to be able to fix the problem with no muss, no fuss.
I do wonder, why have an 800 number on the LOM when it's a 10-10 Cheap Phone service instead of to report what a piece of garbage the part is. Oh well, what can we do?
Thanks for everyone's help - it was nice to be able to fix the problem with no muss, no fuss.