Auto-Lamp Feature

B

budpytko

Registered
Funny coincidence...but not really funny, odd, I guess. I drive a '97 Merc Gran Marquis provided for me by the job. It has the auto-lamp feature as does my '97 Mark. Last week, I started having electrical problems with the Merc. Hit the key to start it and nothing. The radio was playing until I hit the key...same with the dome light, (it was daytime)...car died completely..lost radio pre-sets...just like I disconnected battery. Opened hood, cleaned battery terminals, started right up. Couple days later, same thing. Then just jiggled pos. battery cable and it starts. Then Mon.evening it does it again only it's dark. Jiggled pos. battery wire ... a number of times...no start. But the lights came on each time. As soon as I turned the key, lights went out, dead. I reached over and turned the auto-lamps to "OFF", turn ignition switch, voooroom. Starts right up. No problems since. But I'm leaving the auto-lights switch to "OFF", except when I need the headlamps, them I switch 'em to "ON" manually.

Sorry this is so long, but gotta do it...Fast forward to tonight. Get into the Mark, put key into ignition, turn it to on and the headlamps come on. Turn the key a little further to start engine and....headlights go out, radio shuts off. Let go of key, lights come back on and radio comes on. Attempt restart, same thing. Reach up and turn auto-lamp switch "OFF". Car starts as if nothing happened. Didn't lose radio pre-sets though.

Now, my question is: How many of you use the auto-lamps? Or does everyone use the manual method to use headlamps? Has anyone else experenced the above in their Mark? Or do I just happen to have 2 different '97 Ford products that have their batteries ready to fail at the same time? And by turning off the headlight voltage drain I am buying a little time?


Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

You either need a new battery or a new alternator or both.

Most times a weak battery will light the lights and hold the radio presets - but when you turn to the starter - it's a bigger drain on the battery that drains what little power you have and thus the lights go out.

It's possible the lights try to stay on using the auto feature when you turn the key to start - and the lights and starter together are more than the weak battery can take - and thus the starter won't turn and the lights dim out together.

I recommend you fix things quickly. If it's a weak battery - you are quickly trashing that expensive alternator trying to charge the battery constantly.
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

I have mine set on Autolamp permanently. It's set at 60-seconds. No problems. It's your battery on both cars. Cold Weather drains them.
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

"...and I bet both have the OEM battery terminals."
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...and the guy at the Battery Warehouse says: "Can I remove those blasted plastic covers? They don't allow the connector full contact on the battery terminal". Told him to hand 'em to me... They went into trunk. He cleaned battery and cable ends for me...no charge.


Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

"I never use the auto-lamp, when I do my Neon wont light up... I NEED A BaLLASSSSSSSST!"
Click to expand...

You drive a Neon??

Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
Click to expand...

I thought a fellow 2nd gen owner would be more understanding then that :)
Click to expand...

Sorry 'bout that....couldn't resist!! LOL

Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

I used to use auto lamp all the time until I put in the HID's. They come on inside the garage when it's not dark outside. Some Rumor about striking the bulbs all the time and wearing them out. However when I did use the auto lamp I never had a problem.

A lot of those 2nd Gen's are beginning to lose their neon too. I've seen two cars around here with non working neon? I guess a $700.00 a pop for most they will continue not to function. If the back ballast is as unique as the ones in front I guess an aftermarket solution is not going to happen. That sucks for you guys. Glad I only have to buy $2.00 194's for my rear deck lid lights. There are many Joys to having a 1st gen.
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

About a year ago - someone was going to list the part numbers and info on the ballast - so I could cross it with an aftermarket or OE part.

As more of those beautiful $700 lights go out - small cheaper parts will become a bigger demand.

Offer still stands. If someone can give me a list of all the little parts and numbers - along with all the data they can glean from a disassembly - pictures, etc. -- I'll buy a quantity of each and resell them to members as needed as a "Neontail Electronic Repair Kit".
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

I keep mine turned off since I park in the garage, keeps the lights from turning on, then back off when I back out. When driving at night, I flip the autolamp on, then off once back in the garage.
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

I never use the auto-lamp, when I do my Neon wont light up... I NEED A BaLLASSSSSSSST!
Click to expand...
I had mine set on autolamp until tonight when I noticed that my neon doesn't work with the autolamp. But it works with the switch. Is this normal?
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

That was Dec 18th....Today Feb 9th, I had the battery replaced. This time it DID test bad on the checker, under load! Turning off the Auto-Lite feature bought me a little over a month. Now this is posted, the next person will know just to replace the dang battery and be over it. Don't wait for the 2nd time to need a jump start!

BTW, that WAS the original battery and it lasted for 94,000 miles. Not too shabby, eh?


Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: Auto-Lamp Feature

Almost UNbelievable, at least to me. My batteries tend to last 3 years, sometimes 4. No more !!
 
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