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Topic: My Headlight Debacle (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic
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My Headlight Debacle
Yahoo Message Number: 136992
I've owned my first LD, a 2001 26RB for about 9 months now, and from the beginning I had problems with my headlights. On occasion, when I switched from my low-beams to high-beams, my lights would turn off completely. Running lights and side markers would still be lit and functional, but no headlights. Some (frantic, on some occasions!) switching between low- and high-beams quickly, or turning on my hazards would turn the lights back on, and they'd work great for days or even weeks.
 I was originally told by a Ford technician that it was the multi-function switch, mounted in the steering column. This switch controls the low- and high-beams, turn signals, wiper and washer functions, and hazards. I replaced the part, costing me about $100 (after shipping) on my own. It was simple enough to remove the ignition and steering shroud on the upper end of the steering column where the Multi-function switch is located, but it didn't solve the problem.
 After many more conversations with a different Ford technician, we finally concluded that it was the headlight switch itself. Some simple testing with a voltmeter confirmed it. This second technician provided me with wiring diagrams from the Ford Technician's manual (didn't know there was one...), and even dumbed them down for me to be able to interpret them!
 The headlight switch is $41 from Ford, and I'm so glad I won't need to drop it off for electrical diagnostics, which may have cost me quite a bit more.
 If anyone would like a copy of the headlight wiring diagram, I'm happy to forward it on. Both the non-marked one for people smart enough to read it, and the dumbed-down version for the rest of us :)