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1998 Ford Explorer High Beam Problem
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1998 Ford Explorer High Beam Problem
Hello my 1998 Explorer's high beams are inop. Both low beams turn on ok. When the momentary switch is made for passing, the low beams stay on. When the switch is put into High Beams directly, the lamps turn off completely. The blue high beam indicator appears when I select high beams in either mode. Need help to pass state inspection. THanks
Last edited by hvanegas; Jun 5, 2006 at 09:36 PM. Reason: Describe truck
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From: West Haven
The multifuction light switch (wiper and lights combo) is most likely bad. I had the same problem (1998 xlt) basically where my high beams would come on sometimes but not at times. It's a common problem and the same multifunction switch was recalled by Ford for the 1999-2001 x's because of similiar type problems. Too bad they didn't recall the 1998's. I replaced mine and brought it at Autozone. Good luck.
Mickey
Mickey
Last edited by mic98xlt; Jun 5, 2006 at 10:57 PM.
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From: Webster, NY
(EDIT: the information below also is if you do not have the lights out module in the truck. Those are notorious for going bad as well but I do not have information on that. It also assumes you do not have the autolamps feature.)
If the blue light is coming on in the dash I am not sure that the switch is bad... I would suspect a bad relay or blown fuse. Looking at a preliminary copy of a 1997 EVTM for a Mountaineer (should be similar, but may not be the same) it appears that there are two contacts in the switch... one for the flash to pass and the other for the high beams in normal operation. This seems to indicate that in these cases both are working if they are illuminating the dash light.
In these trucks the high beam filaments of the bulbs are fed by separate power than the low beam filaments. Since you said that your low beams are working the main fuse in the power distribution box is fine. I would start by checking fuse 33 (15A) on the interior fuse panel and see if it is OK. If not you may want to replace it and see if it goes again... if it does you will need to track down the wiring.
If you decide that it is the multifunction switch that is bad (mine went bad as well, it was my wipers and turn signals that had issues) the replacement for that is easy to do as well.
Good luck.
-John B
If the blue light is coming on in the dash I am not sure that the switch is bad... I would suspect a bad relay or blown fuse. Looking at a preliminary copy of a 1997 EVTM for a Mountaineer (should be similar, but may not be the same) it appears that there are two contacts in the switch... one for the flash to pass and the other for the high beams in normal operation. This seems to indicate that in these cases both are working if they are illuminating the dash light.
In these trucks the high beam filaments of the bulbs are fed by separate power than the low beam filaments. Since you said that your low beams are working the main fuse in the power distribution box is fine. I would start by checking fuse 33 (15A) on the interior fuse panel and see if it is OK. If not you may want to replace it and see if it goes again... if it does you will need to track down the wiring.
If you decide that it is the multifunction switch that is bad (mine went bad as well, it was my wipers and turn signals that had issues) the replacement for that is easy to do as well.
Good luck.
-John B
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From: SoCal
Yeah, like John sez the only thing between fuse 33 & the high beams is a splice. One wire from the splice connects to the high beam indicator on the dash and the others connect to the headlights & DRL module if you have daytime running lights.
Looks like the problem is a bad connection in that splice.
Looks like the problem is a bad connection in that splice.
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From: Webster, NY
Originally Posted by 87 XLT
Looks like the problem is a bad connection in that splice.
Seeing that the EVTM seems to indicate that the DRL module is reponsible for lighting the lamp in the cluster does this mean that they all have a DRL module in them? Even if you do not have DRLs? Or is there a bypass installed instead?
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From: SoCal
OOPS, took another look at the wiring diagrams, & heres the correct info.
If not equipped with daytime running lights the splice between fuse 33 & the headlights is wired to the headlights & to the high beam indicator on the dash.
On trucks with DRL's the splice is wired to the high beams AND to the DRL module & the DRL module is wired to the high beam indicator on the dash.
Either way, it looks like a problem in the splice or as John sez, both high beam filaments might be burned out.
If not equipped with daytime running lights the splice between fuse 33 & the headlights is wired to the headlights & to the high beam indicator on the dash.
On trucks with DRL's the splice is wired to the high beams AND to the DRL module & the DRL module is wired to the high beam indicator on the dash.
Either way, it looks like a problem in the splice or as John sez, both high beam filaments might be burned out.
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Thanks
Found out by checking the bulbs that one filament of the double filament bulbs was burnt out. The other bulb appeared good but when I replaced with new bulbs they worked fine. Thanks for the help
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From: West Haven
Opps, sorry I forgot the golden rule of electrical problems. Always check the simpliest things first such as bulbs, wires, fuses,plugs and connections. This will save you from over analizing a simple problem. Glad you solved it, nice job!
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