Factory HID headlight conversion for Town Car

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Tahoelover2002

New member
Hello,

I've recently started the conversion of my 2008 Signature Limited from the halogen headlights it came with to the HID headlights that were offered as an option for that year. I wanted everything to be all original and factory (yes I know I can get conversion kits for much cheaper but I only like OEM stuff) so I contacted Lincoln Corporate and they were able to help me figure out what I needed to change out as far as parts to make the conversion work. With the help of people on these forums, I was provided a VIN number of a car that came from the factory with HIDs. I then took my VIN number and the car's VIN that has HIDs and compare the parts lists. I was told from Lincoln Corporate as well and serval, SEVERAL dealerships (I called numerous ones to verify that the info I was getting was correct) that the only difference was the headlight assembly itself (which includes the bulb, ballast etc...). The wiring harness, headlight switch, LCM (lighting control module) were all the same. I ordered the Ford HID headlight assemblies and $3k later I have them in hand.

Today I went to installed them. They went in without a hassle and they look great! My issues is: when I have the car off and i manually turn the headlight come on as they should with no issues. The moment I key the car on or start it and have it running the headlights flicker (both on AUTO and manual on). My question is for those out there who may be a Ford tech....is the LCM (lighting control module) on the Town Cars programmable as far as do I need to have mine reprogrammed to let the car know there are now HID installed and not halogen lights? BC everything parts wise is correct and in order and as stated before the headlights work fine with the car off. But once it is keyed on or started and the computer kicks on, they start flickering. My guess is that this is a programming issue. Anyones opinion or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Also as a side note for those who work as techs for Ford. I heard that there is a Ford help line for techs that help them solve issues such as this in the shop. If anyone is willing to help me out and give them a call to see what they say, that would be GREATLY appreciated! I work for Peterbilt and I know we have the same type of help center and they also get in touch with Peterbilt engineers or District Service managers that may have the answers/diagrams/ etc.... I didn't know if Ford's worked the same way.
 
driller

driller

El Presidente
Tahoelover2002 said:
... the only difference was the headlight assembly itself (which includes the bulb, ballast etc...).
Click to expand...
Are you saying it was 'plug and play'?

Where did the ballast get power from? The same plug as the halogen lamp(s)?

I would have to look at my manual and/or inspect our '06 Town Car to become familiar with setup. But the symptoms you describe appear to be either a shielding problem or some type of disruption on the power to the ballast. My best guess would be to put a voltmeter on the power supply to the ballast and check the voltage with the car off and then with the car running.

Edit: There are several hits on google regarding flickering HID setups, though mostly see to be related to aftermarket installations. The common theme is inadequate power to the ballast.
 
T

Tahoelover2002

New member
Yes, it was plug and play as far as the headlight assembly; the connectors were exactly the same for both the HID and Halogen headlights. I just find it soo odd that they work fine and perfect with the car off but the moment the key is tuned on and the computer kicks in, they start flickering. And these headlight assemblies are brand new from Ford so I doubt they are bad.
 
T

Tahoelover2002

New member
I didn't have any issues with the lights when the Halogen bulbs were in. Everything on the car functioned normally as it should. I'm still think there may be some programming that needs to be changed in the LCM. All the dealers I called said the part number for my car and the one with HID was the same so the module should have been good and didn't require any replacing.
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
First off, thanks for coming back and posting about your results. I was curious about this project of yours, and I'm sure others will be also.

I do like your "programmable LCM" idea, but don't have any knowledge on the system at all.

Other thoughts that come to mind are more in-line with Driller's. Electrical. Does the ballast require (and/or have) a good chassis ground? Is it possible that your alternator is on it's way out? Is it possible you got a bad ballast?
 
S

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
I know you said the harness is the same but I am wondering if the pin position for the wiring matches. I would check voltages for all the wiring with the car off and running.

Also does the town car have DRLs?
 
T

Tahoelover2002

New member
Mike:

I have not had any problems with the alternator on the car, but I suppose it is a possibility since the problem would be more noticeable on the HIDs then the regular Halogens. If the HIDs do not get the correct voltage/amperage they will act like they are now; flickering. The halogen bulbs would just be dimmer but most people wouldn't pay attention to that unless they we so dim you couldn't see at all. I will try and test my alternator tonight and see what readings I am getting.

Steve,

I was told the pin positions were the same; both connectors matched up exactly as the old halogen headlight assembly did. And all the other marker, turn, cornering and high beam lights are working correctly. As far as DRL; I'm not sure. I'm more of a GM guy and GM's are very easy to tell. The Town Car is very different then what i'm use to. I leave my switch on the "auto lamp" position all the time and I never see the lights come on until it gets dark.....so I'm going to say no it does not.
 
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Tahoelover2002

New member
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. A close friend of the family had a family member that works for Ford. He was able to bring the Ford software home and reprogram the LCM in my TC. Apparently you need to enter the option code for HIDs into the computer and refresh the LCM. He did that and BOOM the headlights worked perfectly! He even setup my daytime running lights while he was connected to the car. I couldn't be happier! Thank you to everyone for all your help with this, it is greatly appreciate!!
 
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