Tail, fog, and dash lights out. No fuses blown

[ArkieDave]

Tail lights, fog lights, and dash instrument lights are out.
Sheriff pulled me over to make sure I knew, what fun.
No fuses blown, checked all fuses inside and underhood box. Bulbs look good.

Will try disconnecting aftermarket trailer wiring box and see if that cures it. May replace bulbs for good measure.

Could it be a relay, if so which one?

2000 XLS 4x4

 

[Alec]

Welcome!

I may be wrong, but I think the only commonality between them is the headlamp switch.

 

[ArkieDave]

Thanks, a buddy mentioned that as a possibility.
Brake lights, head lights, and turns all work. Haven't checked if back-up lights are affected.

 

[mrboyle]

Alec is correct. The switch is most likely the problem.

 

[ArkieDave]

The guy's at my Ford dealership think it is most likely to be what Ford calls the Multi-function Switch located on the steering column. What the turnsignal stalk operates. Ford guy says all the light functions are routed thru the $60 switch. Not just the headlamps.

If this part doesn't fix the problem Monday then I may have to pay the dealer to fix this. I get off work after dark and don't want to bother the sheriff any more.

 

[Alec]

The multifunction switch is a common problem and is a possibility. However I still think it's the master headlight switch. If it was only the highs and lows and turns I'd suspect the turn stalk. But again, I could be wrong, but I think it's the headlamp switch.

 

[ArkieDave]

The ford parts guy said that he's never had to order a headlight switch. I'm thinking about firing the tail light relay off the head light relay.

I would lose parking lights when the headlights are off but the lease is up in two months and I don't want to put any money into their vehicle.

Now I just need to figger out which relay is which.
Back to the search function.

Dave

 

[BeauJ]

Last Xmas I got my windows tinted at a well know place. I dropped it off and picked up later only to notice my turn signals, heat, a/c, or interior lights didnt work. It was late so i had to wait till the next day to get some fuses. I bought a 5 pack and every time I cranked it up it blew the fuses.

A quick trip up to Ford and in about an hour they graced me with a $450 bill and said it was a relay. Luckily it was under warranty, but yours could be a relay

 

[VairKing]

I am going to agree with the others saying its the headlight switch. I just had a Taurus in the shop, that aslo had no parking, dash, or tail lights. Pulled out the headlight switch and the thing was all melted together. I can almost guarantee its that switch...

 

[ArkieDave]

I was driving home Saturday to remove the mulit-function switch when the lights came back up and have remained on since.

The only thing different was the fact that it was raining. The first time we've had rain since the problem started.
Wiper functions also run through the multi-function switch.

If the problem re-appears then I will try spraying the multi-function switch with electric parts cleaner before replacing it.

Thanks to all who helped with this annoying problem.
Dave