Strange electric gremlin

[TKZ]

I have a 98 5.0 awd mounty, The buttons on the factory radio will not work unless the headlights are on...
And when the head or just the parking lights are on the radio and info center are very dim. Also the auto lights do not work- just the headlight switch. Has anyone heard of this ?

 

[Rickter Spatz]

I had some bizarre electrical - involved head lights, fogs,and other stuff that would or wouldn't work - blink on or off. Looked and looked - all fuses, all relays including the like 2-3 'hidden' places, replaced headlight switch, used relays off eaby, all with no joy. After three weeks or so broke down and took it to the Ford dealer and they fixed a ground wire or more, in like 15 minutes, no charge - so i had 'em change the oil.

Something to check.

 

[TKZ]

Thanks,
I will check that tonight- Grounds will do funny things!

 

[TKZ]

So the grounds checked out ok, I replaced the headlight switch & refurbished the dimmer switch. I used fast_daves post - http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-refurbish-a-1998-dimmer-switch.429107/ great write up !!!
Now everything is back to normal except the auto lights, I think the dimmer switch was my problem.
Now on to the auto lights........