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Head light problem on 97 Explorer ltd

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Old Aug 12, 2004 | 05:42 PM
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Head light problem on 97 Explorer ltd

I have a 97 Limited and the right head light and fog light will not lit up. I checked and replaced the head light bulb but it still not work. All the connection are OK. What can be the problem?
Only the low beam is not working, high beam is still function.
 

Last edited by ptd0647; Aug 12, 2004 at 05:45 PM.
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Old Aug 12, 2004 | 07:57 PM
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Fuse checked?
 
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Old Aug 13, 2004 | 03:30 PM
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I think the Fog lamps and Headlights are on seperate relays and fuses, so you might have two seperate problems. The only thing that would connect the two is the Daylight Running Lights module or the right cable harness being severed. The L & R fog lights are on a common relay (near the air filter box) and fuse (in the power distibution box).

The right and left low beams are fused seperately, so check them. The highbeams are together on a third fuse.

Check for continuity on the fog light to make sure it is good.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2004 | 05:40 AM
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As performancecut asked, have you checked your fuses? The left headlamp low beam should be on fuse #4 in the panel, the right low beam and fog lights should be fuse #8, and the high beams (left and right) should be fuse #33.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 04:31 PM
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I had this problem with a 95 Limited. If you have the message center its a module under the center console on the right hand side. I had to take the module out take it apart and soldered all the conections I had no problems after that. I would first take the module out and wiggle the harness first. When I did this it made my headlight come on for a sec. then go out. I then knew for sure this was where the problem was. I'll looking for the scematics for this module and will post them when I find them. But I didn't have them when I made the repair this is why I soldered every conection instead of just the needed conector.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 07:58 AM
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Not what you think....

I had this same problem on my 97 and found the answer in this forum. Aftter checking all the bulbs, fuses and relays, I was still baffled.

The problem is your multi-function switch (the switch that controls turn signals and brights) on the left hand side of the steering column has gone bad. Apparently the headlight wiring passes through this switch.

It is fairly easy to fix. You need the part (about $60 from your Ford dealer) and about 10-15 minutes.

You will need to take off the **** for the steering wheel tilt adjustment first (you can use a wrench near the bottom of the ****, or simply grab the whole thing with some pliers and twitst). Then remove the steering column cover, both top and bottom (as I recall, this is held on with phillips screws, but it's been awhile, so forgive me if I'm wrong). The multi-funtion switch should be mounted to the steering column with 2 or 3 torx screws (I can't remember how many). Take it off and disconnect the 2 wiring harnesses. Be patient with the harnesses, they are a bit stubborn. Connect the harnesses to the new switch, re-assmble everything and you are good to go.

Side note, I HIGHLY recommend doing this repair in the daytime for visibility!
 
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 09:56 AM
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It's either your multifunction switch or your LOM (Lamp Out Module). If it's the LOM, it's located in the message center. Yank that up and you should see a little black box on the right side of the module. That's the LOM. You can open it up and solder that burnt solder or you can get a new LOM from the dealer.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 04:53 PM
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Thanks for all the info. I will go down the list to see which one has gone wrong.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 07:29 AM
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If you replace your multi-function switch be sure to disconnect the battery. Accidently setting off an air bag will ruin your day. It's a good idea to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the something electrical.

Mason
 
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 07:31 AM
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YES. YES. YES. Sorry! I forgot to mention that!
 
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by mason
If you replace your multi-function switch be sure to disconnect the battery. Accidently setting off an air bag will ruin your day. It's a good idea to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the something electrical.

Mason
Woa! No only disconnect the battery, but the most importantly, wait a few minutes afterwards there because the airbag system has a backup and it needs time for that to drain.
 
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