electrical problems

[DennisM]

I just recently (2 weeks) ago purchased a 97 XLT 4x4 4dr and I am having problems with some inside lights. I was hoping someone could help me out with some of it. The truck is under a warrenty but the Ford dealer had it all of today and has no clue as of yet.
The dash idicator lights operate fine(4x4,4x4lo, speed control) until I turn on the parking lights or headlights. Then they go out.
No lights on the radio work except the clock. (with or without the lights on) The clock doesnt dim when the lights are on.
The overhead console does not dim when the lights are on nor do the lamp or mode buttons illuminate.
None of the controls for the rear air, rear radio control illuminate.
Are the power mirror control and switch supposed to light?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sschultz]

Dennis, Welcome to the sight. I see no one has responded yet. So I'll take a shot.
I don't own a 97 but I've owned several Fords, and from past experiences, I've found that fords react oddly when the motor to body ground wire gets broken.
Also try blowing out the headlight switch with some air, sometimes the contacts get dirty.
I hope this helps.

 

[Henry]

Sounds like the headlight switch has gone bad. I had a Mustang with similar problems, when the switch was in the first position all the parking and dashboard lights went on, when I turned the headlights on also then the parking and dashboard lights all went out. I had to replace the switch itself.