Newbie with an electrical challenge on a '94.

jscotty467 · 05-29-2009, 10:33 PM

Another newbie checking in. I am new to forums and new to Explorers. Recently aquired a '94 XLT with 157K on it and a few problems. Currently I am trying to correct a headlamp issue that I believe is related to the multi function switch but thought I would see if anyone out there has run into this problem. Headlights on, high beam indicator always lit. When the switch stalk is pushed away (high beam?) the lights dim to almost nill. When the stalk is pulled towards driver (low beam?) the lamps are bright, flash to pass function is minimal. I have had a hard time finding a decent schematic. The vehicle does not have auto headlamps or DRL (as best I can tell). The one schematic I do have shows the dimmer switch as a standalone switch but I am pretty sure that it is integrated into the multifunction switch...any suggestions are welcome.

*BrianDye* · 05-29-2009, 10:38 PM

Well, the multifunction switch, when its normal, thats your brights, but if you push it towards the dash thats your brights, and they stay on, if you pull it towards you it wont stay locked in that position, thats just to flash your brights.

Not sure why they would go dim, you might have a messed up harness going to/coming out of the multifunction switch.

And no, 1st gens dont have DRL or automatic lights, just the pull switch, pull to the first position is parking lights, then pull it again, as far as it can go is headlights; then you twist it to adjust the dash light brightness.

Hope that helps a little?
You might want to just try replacing the MF (multifunction) switch, from what ive read, these are very common to go bad, and mess up like that, my 92 is still fine though, but the 95 I just picked up needs one I think.

*Sams01XplrSprt* · 05-29-2009, 10:44 PM

welcome

*BrianDye* · 05-29-2009, 10:46 PM

Ah yes, welcome to the site btw :p

jscotty467 · 05-29-2009, 11:00 PM

Thanks for the welcome...unfortunately these switches are a little more pricey than the ones for the 2nd generation. I would imagine used ones will be hard to find, not to mention I am not a big fan of used electrical components.

fixxxer · 05-29-2009, 11:25 PM

The 1st Gen Limited's do have DRL's and auto-head lamps, although the XLT model, the most common model, does not.

lifeguard379 · 05-30-2009, 12:12 AM

how is the alternator? is it the current draw? what dose the volt meater say?

jscotty467 · 05-30-2009, 12:22 AM

Alternator seems fine. Voltmeter shows steady at 12-13 volts. Battery connections are good. Headlights do not dim down when load changes (compressor or blower operation). Low beams seem excessively bright, highbeams very dim, high beam indicator always on. The more I think about it the more I think it is the MFS.

jlsparky7 · 05-30-2009, 12:27 AM

Welcome

*BrianDye* · 05-30-2009, 12:33 AM

Maybe...as dumb as this sounds...it could be the bulbs....try buying a cheapo at Kmart or something, and see how it works theyre like 5$ for a shit brand.

You have the 9004 style.

I didnt know the limiteds had that?
XLTs dont have the DRL or anything do they? The eddie bauer would if they did...

**BrooklynBay** · 06-01-2009, 12:00 AM

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the stock 91-94 section.

explorer/ranger · 01-05-2011, 08:39 PM

sorry I know this is an old forum but was wondering what you did to fix this problem? I have a 93 that is doing the exact same thing you described with the dimmer switch and pushing it for brights and they get really dim and when pulled toward you it seems like maybe brights are on and like yours the bright warning lamp stuck on any info on what you did would be great, thanks

05-29-2009, 10:33 PM	#1
jscotty467 Wannabe Elite Explorer Orlando, Fl 94 XLT Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Newbie with an electrical challenge on a '94. Another newbie checking in. I am new to forums and new to Explorers. Recently aquired a '94 XLT with 157K on it and a few problems. Currently I am trying to correct a headlamp issue that I believe is related to the multi function switch but thought I would see if anyone out there has run into this problem. Headlights on, high beam indicator always lit. When the switch stalk is pushed away (high beam?) the lights dim to almost nill. When the stalk is pulled towards driver (low beam?) the lamps are bright, flash to pass function is minimal. I have had a hard time finding a decent schematic. The vehicle does not have auto headlamps or DRL (as best I can tell). The one schematic I do have shows the dimmer switch as a standalone switch but I am pretty sure that it is integrated into the multifunction switch...any suggestions are welcome.

05-29-2009, 10:38 PM	#2
BrianDye Elite Explorer Michigan 04 CV LX Sport Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,607 Vehicle Specs	Well, the multifunction switch, when its normal, thats your brights, but if you push it towards the dash thats your brights, and they stay on, if you pull it towards you it wont stay locked in that position, thats just to flash your brights. Not sure why they would go dim, you might have a messed up harness going to/coming out of the multifunction switch. And no, 1st gens dont have DRL or automatic lights, just the pull switch, pull to the first position is parking lights, then pull it again, as far as it can go is headlights; then you twist it to adjust the dash light brightness. Hope that helps a little? You might want to just try replacing the MF (multifunction) switch, from what ive read, these are very common to go bad, and mess up like that, my 92 is still fine though, but the 95 I just picked up needs one I think. __________________ '13 Dodge Charger RT

05-29-2009, 10:44 PM	#3
Sams01XplrSprt Southern Cali Explorer Newport Beach California & Bay Area California 2001 Sport (sold) Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15,633 Vehicle Specs	welcome __________________ 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0 sohc engine. Mods include: dual 40 series flowmasters & high flow k&n air filter & removed silencer & yellow fog lights (sold for $1,800) as of 2-26-12

05-29-2009, 10:46 PM	#4
BrianDye Elite Explorer Michigan 04 CV LX Sport Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,607 Vehicle Specs	Ah yes, welcome to the site btw :p __________________ '13 Dodge Charger RT

05-29-2009, 11:25 PM	#6
fixxxer Wannabe Elite Explorer Aurora, Co. 93 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,462 Vehicle Specs	The 1st Gen Limited's do have DRL's and auto-head lamps, although the XLT model, the most common model, does not. __________________ -Larry 93 XLT 4x4 90 Celica GTS 97 Camry Ford Explorer and Ranger Owner's Guides and more...

05-29-2009, 11:00 PM	#5
jscotty467 Wannabe Elite Explorer Orlando, Fl 94 XLT Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks for the welcome...unfortunately these switches are a little more pricey than the ones for the 2nd generation. I would imagine used ones will be hard to find, not to mention I am not a big fan of used electrical components.

05-30-2009, 12:12 AM	#7
lifeguard379 Wannabe Elite Explorer sacremento,ca 93 eddie bauer 2 door Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,211 Vehicle Specs	how is the alternator? is it the current draw? what dose the volt meater say? __________________ 93 2 door eddy Bauer HP44 and Big bearing 9 and 4.88 My elite registry http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=153392 sas thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=165147 sas registry http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=244780

05-30-2009, 12:22 AM	#8
jscotty467 Wannabe Elite Explorer Orlando, Fl 94 XLT Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Alternator seems fine. Voltmeter shows steady at 12-13 volts. Battery connections are good. Headlights do not dim down when load changes (compressor or blower operation). Low beams seem excessively bright, highbeams very dim, high beam indicator always on. The more I think about it the more I think it is the MFS.

05-30-2009, 12:27 AM	#9
jlsparky7 Wannabe Elite Explorer Woodhaven, Mi 1996 5.0 XLT AWD Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,517 Vehicle Specs	Welcome __________________ Explorer how to videos Brakes, Intake, Seafoam, Coolant Flush, Oil change, Differential Flush, Inertia Switch, Thermostat, Transfer Case Flush, Throttle Mod, and more! http://www.youtube.com/user/jlsparky7 If you like/use my vids you can thank me by subscribing to my youtube page! Thanks!

05-30-2009, 12:33 AM	#10
BrianDye Elite Explorer Michigan 04 CV LX Sport Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,607 Vehicle Specs	Maybe...as dumb as this sounds...it could be the bulbs....try buying a cheapo at Kmart or something, and see how it works theyre like 5$ for a shit brand. You have the 9004 style. I didnt know the limiteds had that? XLTs dont have the DRL or anything do they? The eddie bauer would if they did... __________________ '13 Dodge Charger RT

06-01-2009, 12:00 AM	#11
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,681 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the stock 91-94 section. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

01-05-2011, 08:39 PM	#12
explorer/ranger Wannabe Elite Explorer NM 89 Ranger/Explorer Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 15 Vehicle Specs	sorry I know this is an old forum but was wondering what you did to fix this problem? I have a 93 that is doing the exact same thing you described with the dimmer switch and pushing it for brights and they get really dim and when pulled toward you it seems like maybe brights are on and like yours the bright warning lamp stuck on any info on what you did would be great, thanks