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Help!!! No Headlights!!!

albertabound

Member
Joined
November 15, 2005
Messages
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City, State
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Year, Model & Trim Level
1996 XLS 4WD
:( I have been having problems with the headlights. First the running lights wouldn't shut off, when engine was turned off, and when on, would always be on high beam. A pulled fuse took care of that, until I could find out the real cause. The main lights still worked with the dashboard switch. Now, my headlights don't turn on at all, and the high beams only when I pull and hold in place the stem (combo) switch on the steering column. I checked all fuses, and found all OK. I recently replaced the bulbs for the low beams as well. A fellow at a local parts store said it sounds like the "Daylight Running Lamps Module" inside the engine compartment. I am willing to try pulling this out if it is the most likely cause. I would appreciate any feedback on this, and if anyone knows if this is an easy fix, 0r other possiblities. Thank you in advance. :can:
 



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I had the same problem a few years ago. its the multi-function switch.
 






When you say multi-function switch, are you referriing to the wiper, turn signal, high beam "stick" on the stearing column? if so, is it an easy fix?
 






I think so but I'm not really sure what it consists of. I just remember the dealer replacing it. Hopefully someone Else will chime in on this.
 






Dont know if yours is the same but the part # for mine is yl5z13k359baa
they go for about $60
Fast parts network has them (formally Ford parts network)
Dead Link Removed
 






bentley said:
I think so but I'm not really sure what it consists of. I just remember the dealer replacing it. Hopefully someone Else will chime in on this.
I had the same exact problem and had to replace multi-function switch. If you ever get to look at the schematic wiring diagram, you'll see that it goes through the multi-function switch after the headlamp switch which explains why it won't work even while you manually use the switch to turn on the headlamps. The DRL module is one the last place it hits so it may be a possibility that it's defective as well. I would check each of them just to be sure.
 






Thank you for the info. I did source out a "new" multi-function switch from a used car parts place (only $6.50!), and just finished installing it. When tested, all functions are working fine with the exception of the daylight running lamps. They remain on in high beam only, and even after ignition is switched off. I'm thrilled to have headlights again, but not thrilled with the DLR situation. If anyone knows of a solution to this, please let me know. I've heard that the DLR module is a possiblity. Thank you in advance for your feedback.
 






albertabound said:
Thank you for the info. I did source out a "new" multi-function switch from a used car parts place (only $6.50!), and just finished installing it. When tested, all functions are working fine with the exception of the daylight running lamps. They remain on in high beam only, and even after ignition is switched off. I'm thrilled to have headlights again, but not thrilled with the DLR situation. If anyone knows of a solution to this, please let me know. I've heard that the DLR module is a possiblity. Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Hopefully this diagram will help you troubleshoot your problem. Let me know if you need any other diagram. Good luck!
 

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i had this problem happen to me afew years ago, and it is the multi function switch, the problem is that it has a tendancy to melt if too much voltage is run through it, and this crossed the wiring at that point and causes the head lamps to not work. What caused this problem for me was putting piaa super white bulbs, because they draw more power then the factory ones. i found out from my freind who is a master tech at ford, shortly after the expensive repair that ford has issued a bulletin stating not to install aftermarket head lamps due to the multi function switch melting.
 






What does the multi function switch look like/or do? Where is it located?
 






The MFS is what the turn signal lever is connected to (actually the lever is part of the assembly)

Look for posts by aldive, he's got a nice writeup on how to replace, a 20 minute job.
 






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