Headlamp control switch question... is this supposed to be like this??

[Mikes95XLT]

Okay I recently replaced my headlamp control switch bulb cause it was burned out (no, I didn't just take apart the dash just for that bulb, I also put in my new gauges lol) but when I replaced the bulb, whenever the truck is on, the bulb is lit. Is it supposed to be like that?? I would assume it would only come on with the parking lights, but maybe I'm wrong?? Thanks....

 

[os1kne]

Yep, I'm pretty sure that it's supposed to be like that. Mine burned out a while ago, I don't know if there's an easy way to replace the bulb but I assumed that it'd be a real PITA, so I've left it burnt out.

 

[NorminN.B.]

I can't help you with your light switch, but the dealer says the switch isn't supposed to light up on my 2000 sport. Seems odd, you can't see the switch when it is dark . I haven't been able to remove the panel as I have a bad back. But I will remove it as soon as I can. Is there any tricks to removing it? Thanks, NorminN.B.:redexp:

 

[Howard]

On my 98 it does just that ie: as soon as you turn on the ingnition the lamp lights behing the headlamp switch.

 

[Alec]

If your headlamp switch has a bulb it should be on all the time. Mine is burned out, but I'm not worrying about it until I have a better reason to pull apart that part of the dash.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Normin: There really isn't a trick to removing it. It just takes a lot of work. Go under the useful thread forum, and look up the gauge install thread, and follow those instructions to get the panel off. I'm gonna warn you though, the panel around the gauges is a *****!!! You have to really pull to get it off..... let me know if this helps you out.

Howard and Alec: Thanks for the confirmation. It just seemed weird to me that it would be on all the time, and not come on with the parking lights like everything else.

You know what else? That little bulb cost $25!!!! Damn!!

 

[Robert]

You got ripped on the bulb then. I remember seeing posts from people only paying $5 for it. Do you have the headlight bulb part number?

The reason the switch is lit any time you have your ignition on, is so that for those that don't know where it is can find it in the dark. If it only came on once the parking lights were turned on, then it would kindof defeat the purpose since to turn the parking lights on, you already had to find the switch.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Originally posted by NorminN.B.
I can't help you with your light switch, but the dealer says the switch isn't supposed to light up on my 2000 sport.

They are telling you a lie. Possibly because they don't want to do the work under warranty?

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Originally posted by Robert
You got ripped on the bulb then. I remember seeing posts from people only paying $5 for it. Do you have the headlight bulb part number?

Yea it's FMC F57Z13B765AC

The reason the switch is lit any time you have your ignition on, is so that for those that don't know where it is can find it in the dark. If it only came on once the parking lights were turned on, then it would kindof defeat the purpose since to turn the parking lights on, you already had to find the switch.

Makes sense...

 

[Robert]

Thanks for the part number. I was having a heck of a time trying to find the number. The number that I thought was it turned out to be for my cruise buttons (it's OK since I neede them too). Ford Parts Network lists Fords price at $4.81 for the bulb and their price is $3.99. Since they charge $7.00 shipping it is cheaper to just go to Ford unless you have other things to buy. The $4.81 price matches what I thought people were paying for it.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

WTF?!?!?!

Guess what...... the g**damn bulb ALREADY burned out!!! I just put it in TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The dealer is going to hear from me tomorrow.....

 

[yob_yeknom]

Make sure it went in all the way. The bulb may seem like it is in all the way (turned far enough) but may not be. It's hard to turn it far enough because the slot to put something in to turn it is so small and the plastic 'mushes' so easily. When the bulb is turned all the way (which takes a little effort) it will click in place, and you will definitely be able to feel go into place. It is just as hard to remove a bulb that has be installed completely, so if you can easily remove the bulb it's not in all the way.

(I learned this the hard way too. Thought the bulb had blown after just a few days, then found out I hadn't twisted it into place completely.)

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Hmmmmm maybe I'll have to try that....

 

[Robert]

Yeah, my bulb was put it by the dealer under warranty a couple of years ago and less than two months later I noticed it not working again. When I pulled my dash apart last year to paint it, the bulb was no where to be found. A couple of months ago when I had my dash apart again to put my 4x4 disable switch in, I was determined to find the missing bulb. I found it tucked down inside the dash, right under the switch. I put it back into the switch and made sure it seated properly this time. Took care of one of the minor annoyances in my Explorer. I have a theory that when the dealer replaced the bulb under warranty that they just wedged their hand up there and got it somewhat in since they only had my car in the back for about 20 minutes. Oh well, at least I didn't have to buy another bulb.

 

[Digger196]

Originally posted by Alec
If your headlamp switch has a bulb it should be on all the time. Mine is burned out, but I'm not worrying about it until I have a better reason to pull apart that part of the dash.

ditto