2000 Explorer 4L - Headlamp problem (light off intermittent)

[eddyk]

Hi everyone,

I see lots of people getting help in this forum so i want to ask you if you can help me on my problem with the headlamp on 2000 Explorer 4L (not the eddie bauer version, no autoday light, just the manual headlamp switch).

I have checked the ford service information and have looked over the basic troubleshoot and the wiring diagram, but i still cannot pinpoint the problem.

So, my current problem is the following:

When i turn on the ignition key, the headlamp should be on. It does turn on normally. But a few weeks ago, i noticed both lights wont turn on. Then, i turn the headlamp switch to low beam, the parking lights are on but the beams are still off, then i turn to high beam, the parking lights are on but still the high beam never come on.

Then, i verified all fuses in both fuse box, everything are OK.

after that, i unplug the headlamp switch, check the component testing (according to service manual, wiring diagram, chapter 149-001 component testing), everything is still OK, and therefore my headlamp switch seems to be OK.

Then, i was deperately closing everything and was thinking to bring this to a garage. All of a sudden, my lights are back !

I was very surprise because i did not fix any problem, in fact i cannot identify the problem.

Then, i went on and drive for 1 week and when i needed my headlamp the most (snowing night, need to drive long distance), they failed on me, NO LIGHT AT ALL!!!

now, i am furious to find the problem but like i said before, i couldnt find out what it is at my first temtative.

do you have any ideas where to look at ??

thanks

please let me know

Edward Ko

 

[eddyk]

another update...

today, i start the car and the lights were off

but then, after about 30 seconds, the lights turn on!

another symptom i cannot explain ...

please help

 

[gonenuke]

Do you have the slider switch in your mirror? If so did you test this?

 

[eddyk]

you mean the switch for power mirror? no i have not tested that but whats the link?

 

[Bill Kemp]

My guess is the multifunction switch. (Turn signal)

 

[gonenuke]

Start with this thread

Auto Dimming Mirror

 

[bobflood]

My guess is the multifunction switch. (Turn signal)

+1 for this. Since the MFS controls the dimmer and flash to pass, it can mess up headlight operation.

 

[eddyk]

@gonenuke, thanks for your input, i read the auto-dimmer mirror and i dont think it applies in my case. please note that i dont have auto-dimmer mirrors...

@bill kemp and @bobflood, it may be the MFS, i am down to this switch to check, but just to let you know, when i pull the MFS towards me for flash to pass, it works well, but when i release it, even thought my headlamp switch is at hig beam, there is no lights at all ... does this confirm what you think?

 

[RomeovilleIL]

This could be a MFS, but I would also consider since you are in Canada the truck has daytime running lights. They are run with a separate relay and control module under the hood which are likely causing the issue. I suggest you try a search for DRL.