Faulty DRL Module???

[magicd]

Here's the symptoms; 1998 Explorer, Headlights remain on when ignition is turned off. Highbeam indicator is illuminated on dashboard. When the headlight switch is turned to on, the highbeam indicator will go out. I have read many threads with similar symptoms which seem to point to the DRL module located under the hood, near the front, attached to the radiator carriage. Before I go and purchase one, are there any other remedies, such as a relay? If so, where is it located? Currently, I have to disconnect the battery when leaving the vehicle and of course, re-connect when I want to drive (what a pain!)
Thanks in advance!

 

[budwich]

yep... fubarred DRL module. You are going to have fun finding a replacement unless you go thru ford....$$$. You can buy "generic kit" from auto parts stores to provide the feature. My drl died a couple years ago and haven't come across a "worthy" replacement and I certainly ain't going to "donate" money to ford.

Having said that... the cheap "non-fix" is to disconnect the module at the bump (ie. pull the connector)... even that's fun as they put it in a "real good spot". Your lights will work "normally" again.

 

[drewsy1971]

i have disconected the module and the lights still stay on! is there another relay somewhere that could be shorted out?

 

[budwich]

what exactly is your problem? note the OP's symptoms.... lights stays BUT he also has a "brights indication" on in the dash... this is a drl problem. You have to provide more details of your problem... lights on dim? feature options (auto lamps?), fuse checks (numbers), etc.

Your problem is likely autolamps if you have that option.... otherwise, the MFS is the likely candidate.

 

[drewsy1971]

the drl stay on even when the ignition is off. i have disconected the drl module and also disconnected the headlight switch and still they stay on. there were two slightly melted wires in the wiring harness for the headlight switch.judging by pictures on another thread i found here on the problem it looks like the wires from the multifunction switch on the column. but i fixed them and still the headlamps are on! ( even with the headlight switch not plugged into the harnes) the high beam light on the dash is not on and when i do have the lightswitch turned on the high low still work as do all signals etc! yes i do have the auto lamp option but i have never used it! how do i disable it?

 

[budwich]

ok thanks for the additional info (autolamps).... there ya go! most likely cause of your problem. You can try pulling the headlamp relay... especially since you don't use the feature.

 

[drewsy1971]

where is the headlamp relay?

 

[HughP]

drewsy1971 - did you solve this problem? I'm having the same issue. I pulled all the relays but haven't checked the DRL module yet. I don't want to drop $100 CDN on one if that isn't the problem.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

drewsy1971 - did you solve this problem? I'm having the same issue. I pulled all the relays but haven't checked the DRL module yet. I don't want to drop $100 CDN on one if that isn't the problem.

wanted to say good on you for searching, but this thread is 6 years old! lol
if this helps you, all the drl's from when ever they started putting them in, up to 98 are the same in all fords, car, truck, van, suv. 99 and up are different, but you can jump them.

 

[Mil1ion]

Whatever you do don't buy a DRL module from
ROCK AUTO.

The box says Standard (brand) formerly a great company but i went thru 3 of them as they all had circuit board problems.
$98 later and i still have the same issue.

I believe taking off from an auto wrecking yard vehicle will be a better part.

Motormite makes these as well but could still be junk.