No Headlights

[Wordwoman]

About two weeks ago, my headlights stopped working. Thought it might be a fuse, but fuses were fine. I discovered that flicking on my high beams woke my headlights up. This worked fine for about a week or so, but now the headlights refuse to come on. Any ideas on what this is? I am guessing some sort of switch, but does anyone know what it is called, where it is located and how hard it is to change?

 

[Alec]

Probably the multifunction (turn stalk) switch. There are a few writeups on this site on how to change it. Good luck!

 

[joehawk]

Rod, yes he does have a shop here in Portland. The name of the shop is Gary's Auto Care, 233 NE Columbia Bulevard, PH 503-286-9851. His name is Duwayne, and he said to call ahead to make sure he is not on vacation, and it would be best to leave the vehicle for a couple of days to diagnose the problem. The guy is really honest and he says the shop is also. And he knows what he is doing. Joe

 

[csslazyboy]

headlight fix

I had the same problem and it took the Ford dealer hours to figure out and they were even going to bypass the computer warning system in my Eddie Bauer altogether, but realized it would cause more problems (basically straight-wiring). Because what I had noticed that even though my right headlight wouldn't work, except on high beam, the computer wasn't telling me there was a problem. SO, the FIX is some type of 'Headlight warning module' or something to that effect in the middle console that wouldn't complete the circuit to the headlight. Not sure of the exact term they used but it wasn't a relay, but headlight chip/module that related to the computer???!!!!! Cost close to $200 with labor...I think the part was like $75.

 

[swjonesy]

I had the same problem on my 1996 and replacing the multifunction turn signal stalk solved the problem.

 

[410Fortune]

Yes some of the later model trucks, limiteds and Eddie Bauers I have heard of the headlamp module going out, it is part of the computer control diagnosis system and if it goes bad it must be replaced before the headlights will work.

HOWEVER since you said the high low beam lever was off an on for a few weeks, I agree with Alec, the high/low relay is built into the lever assembly and they wear out.
It is actually a pretty simple proceedure to replace it, once you get the steering column shrouds off its 2-3 screws. Part is avail at any Ford dealer, for my truck (1988) they are about $70