Headlamp Short on a 1996 ford explorer EB

[suave6565]

Got a quick question for guys....


I have 1996 ford explorer Eddie Bauer..

One night i was driving, and my display monitor displayed a message like:check headlamp...turns out my driver side headlamp went out. So i took a trip to autozone to get a replacement bulb. i replaced the bulb, and nothing...i took it back to autozone and they told me to replace the bulb from passenger side and see what happens...that didn't work..

I put the new one in again...the bulb works when its on high beams...and to avoid getting a ticket...i use the high beams as often as possible....is there a relay or somthing that i should check before i take it to the mechanic for repairs? the guy from autozone thinks its a short in the low beam wire..an electrician has to locate the short.
i like to cover the bases before i make that move to the mechanic..

 

[gijoecam]

First of all, please, quit blinding oncoming traffic with the high beams just to avoid the ticket. The worst they can cite you for is an improper equipment fix-it ticket, which is a minimal charge and generally costs nothing so long as it's fixed in a timely manner. Driving with the high beams attracts the attention of EVERY driver, where as the single headlight out only attracts the po-po.

Now, that being said, check your fuse. IIRC, both of the low beams are on separate fuses, high beams are on a single fuse.

-Joe

 

[Blee1099]

Its probably the relay or module.. Try this link.. Its a common occurance on 95-97s.
Dead Link Removed

 

[gijoecam]

Its probably the relay or module.. Try this link.. Its a common occurance on 95-97s.
Dead Link Removed

If one of them works, it's not the relay as the relay controls both of them at the same time. It could be the lamp-out module, or it could still be the multifunction switch.

-Joe

 

[suave6565]

I'm bringing this up back from the dead.....from the time i posted this thread till now,i havn't really bothered with my headlamp issue...i've been blinding people for a while now and basically i have grown acustomed to it...

i need to find a solution and hopefully someone who has gone through this problem can give some pointers on how to resolved it...

help me out guys....im pissing off alot of people on the road lately.


Thanks in advance

 

[budwich]

well in your "year" that you let this thing, nothing has changed from the suggestions of those that have posted.... unless of course you actually want them to come over and do the testing / fixing for you. Trying checking the things that were suggested.

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed... Have you even tried to fix anything? Doesn't sound like it...

 

[suave6565]

i Should've mentioned this before, I tried all the suggestions without any luck. I basically gave up. just recently, i was at the mechanic, to do the inspection on the truck, and since they check the minor things, like horn,lights,signals...that was somewhat of an issue....they couldn't figure it either but suggest to have it tested for electrical short...since they are not my regular mechanic and they screwed up my back brakes, i wasn't too sure on taking thier advice....If i do take it to my mechanic, it would be in on a Saturday which is the time i have off to do most my things....so yes i did try...i had hopes on someone else shedding some light on this.....

 

[budwich]

Well, you need to be a little more specific as to what your checks were along with your results for anyone to provide you with additional advice.

 

[Kryptonite.]

Same Problem

I have a 1995 Eddie Bauer, we have just bought it from a guy that we knew. When I went to pick it up, I turned on the switch and all the lights came on including the fog lights. Shortly there after the headlights and the fog lights just turned off. Then I thought, its not good to drive with no lights so I turned the High Beams on. I drove it for 400 miles in the dark and yet no one flashed at me. This leds me to believe the prevoius owner adjusted the high beams in a manner so it didn't blind the people it was shining on. So I am suspecting they have had this problem for a while. The Front Turn signal works fine. I have not yet taken it to a mec. because I dont have the time nor the money. I have replaced all the fuses in the interior compartment, and i have tested the fuses under the hood. I have also have changed the bulbs. I would really like to fix this problem asap, But it seems as if no one can pin point the problem. Thanks for any help

Also, When i hit the fog light Button, it clicks to the on position but the back light doesn't work nor does the status light

 

[budwich]

Kryp...I won't suggest that you "tail gate" on this thread cause I don't believe you have the "same problem". Did your message center indicate that you have a light out problem like the original poster?

Anyways, checking fuses with a meter is a good start but isn't the "end all test". From there you need to check for voltage at the fuse positions that are involved.... at least three, one for your highs and two for your lows.