On our 97 Aerostar, when you turn the key to accesory(clock, radio etc), the front headlights come on regardless of reason. When the key is in the "off" position, the lights turn off like normal.

Our 92 doesn't do this so that is why i am a bit concerned about it. Is this common or is there a problem?

 

Timothyap5vm,

No, that's not common, and yes it could be a problem. Is this new to you and or the vehicle? If the truck is new to you, it may be that the previous owner installed a DTR, or Daytime Running Lamp, module. '97s didn't come with DTR, at least not in the States, maybe in Canada, so that's why I say it's uncommon. If it's DTR, then you're golden and life is good! Heck, you'll even qualify for a discount on your car insurance! On the other hand, if the truck just started doing this, then you may have a roasted headlamp switch and/or plug... That's really, really common with the older A*s, not so much with the newer ones.

Riddle me those questions, Batman, and we'll take 'er from there...

DadVan

 

If it were the headlight switch then they would be on all the time. Unless someone rewired the lights using a relay and powered the relay through the ignition switch I would look for a DTL module.

 

To check if it is DTR - open your hood; if it is DTR (Factory installed) there will be a module on the driver's side directly in front of the starter relay. It will have one plug going into it....

Klaus Cook
Houston, Texas

 

Oh I know where the relay is.. Owning a 92, you would know where all of the glitches are in these great vans!!

The problem is when i want to turn only the radio on, the headlights come on and will not turn off until the key is turned into the "OFF" position.

I am guessing the problem has occurred on our new van and i will need to replace the relay.. Thanks guys!!

 

Why not just turn the key backward to the accessory position to turn the radio on?

Cheers,
Eric

 

Ok, ignore my previous post. I just re-read your original post and your concern is about the accessory position.

Since you are in Canada, I would suspect the Daytime Running Light module. I replaced the one in my van and it started acting up again in less than a year. It doesn't leave the lights on, so I just gave up on it. Occasionally the high beam indicator lights up when I turn the van off, but cycling the headlights on & off turns it off.

Ford did not have much luck with these units. My dad had a Taurus and the DRL module was replaced under warrantee. I still see numerous Tauruses (Tauri?) and Aerostars with very dim or no DRLs.

I think they overheat and cook themselves. The location between the battery and inner fender does not see much airflow. If I replace mine (I just got in the habit of turning the lights on whenever I drive the van), I think I'll extend the harness to move it somewhere where the airflow is better. Or I'll put in a 12V muffin fan wired to the ignition to blow air over the cooling fins.

One other thing you can try is pulling up on the park brake lever slightly. The switch which is supposed to turn on the brake light in the dash will also turn off the DRLs. This, of course assumes the switch is working - it isn't on my van and I have seen a few posts indicating this is another common Aerostar problem.

Good luck with your troubleshooting.

Cheers,
Eric