I have a '94 Mark that's having headlight trouble. A couple of weeks ago the autolamp feature stopped working. But the lights worked fine from the switch. On/Off no problem. Today, the lights came on without the light switch being in the On position or the Autolamp knob set in the On position? I turned the switch on/off a few times, turned the autolamp on/off, key on/off. No real pattern. Lights went out. After about a hour I went and checked the beast and the lights were back on. This time they wouldn't go out. Disconnected the battery and after a few more hours reconnected and the lights have been working correctly from the switch for the last 3 hours. Autolamp still not working though. Something's going on? Any ideas? Maybe a relay or light switch? Thanks
Headlights will not turn off...
- Thread starter frankko
- Start date
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
One more update. The lights stayed off all night last night, but when my wife went to work this morning she said the lights came on and stayed on again. Also, one other thing I did not mention before was that when the autolamp feature quit working a few weeks ago so did the warning sound you should get when you leave the lights on. Something that I have been doing quite a bit lately. I'm used to never having to turn the lights on or off! I'm sure they are connected, but thought this might help pinpoint the problem. Thanks again.
One more update. The lights stayed off all night last night, but when my wife went to work this morning she said the lights came on and stayed on again. Also, one other thing I did not mention before was that when the autolamp feature quit working a few weeks ago so did the warning sound you should get when you leave the lights on. Something that I have been doing quite a bit lately. I'm used to never having to turn the lights on or off! I'm sure they are connected, but thought this might help pinpoint the problem. Thanks again.
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
Replaced the headlight switch with the one in the safety recall. No luck. Headlights still come on and will not go off. Maybe the dash panel Autolamp dial switch is bad? Can I check this? The relays under the hood checked out OK. Not much else left...photo cell light sensor amplifier? Any thoughts?
Replaced the headlight switch with the one in the safety recall. No luck. Headlights still come on and will not go off. Maybe the dash panel Autolamp dial switch is bad? Can I check this? The relays under the hood checked out OK. Not much else left...photo cell light sensor amplifier? Any thoughts?
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
This is perturbing. There is no troubleshooting procedures in the manual for lights remaining on - only inoperative lamps. Having eliminated the main light switch, we must now look for where power could be getting to the headlamps.
Looking at the schematic in the EVTM and negating an unlikely short to power, the only other source for power would be through the autolamp relay. The autolamp switch/pulse width dimming module controls the day/night sensor/amplifier which in turn controls the autolamp relay.
My first guess would be the autolamp relay is sticking - but you said the autolamp function failed prior to this event, so I'm leaning more to the autolamp switch/pulse width dimming module.
It appears to me the one test to see if it was the day/night sensor/amplifier at fault would be if the park lamps came on with the headlamps or just the headlamps themselves. If just the headlamps are on then I blame the autolamp switch/pulse width dimming module. But if the park lamps also come on then I suspect the day/night sensor/amplifier.
I wish I could be of more definitive help.
This is perturbing. There is no troubleshooting procedures in the manual for lights remaining on - only inoperative lamps. Having eliminated the main light switch, we must now look for where power could be getting to the headlamps.
Looking at the schematic in the EVTM and negating an unlikely short to power, the only other source for power would be through the autolamp relay. The autolamp switch/pulse width dimming module controls the day/night sensor/amplifier which in turn controls the autolamp relay.
My first guess would be the autolamp relay is sticking - but you said the autolamp function failed prior to this event, so I'm leaning more to the autolamp switch/pulse width dimming module.
It appears to me the one test to see if it was the day/night sensor/amplifier at fault would be if the park lamps came on with the headlamps or just the headlamps themselves. If just the headlamps are on then I blame the autolamp switch/pulse width dimming module. But if the park lamps also come on then I suspect the day/night sensor/amplifier.
I wish I could be of more definitive help.
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
Your telling me it's perturbing...
I'm still not working correctly, but I have made a difference.
I replaced the autolamp/switch/pulse dimming module and got the same results. And the parking lights do come on with the headlights. Also, it only does this after I start the car. I've been disconnecting the battery to shut everything off. I reconnect the battery and all is well. The lights come on with the headlight switch and will turn off with the key OFF or ON. Once I start the car the headlights and parking lights come on and stay on.
Now the new twist:
I just went out to check the symptoms again to see if I had missed anything and I disconnected/reconnected the autolamp module and checked to see if any wires in the harness were loose. None seemed to be, but when I reconnected the switch and hooked up the battery and started the car this time only the parking lights came on and stayed on. That now seems to be consistent. I've tried it a couple of times. I think I must have a wire(s) loose going into the wire harness connector that the autolamp module plugs into. I must have tightened up or lossened up a wire back there when I was checking. All I did was lightly tug/push on them. I'm going to go dig a little deeper and see if I can find which one(s)are bad.
Thanks for the help.
Your telling me it's perturbing...
I'm still not working correctly, but I have made a difference.
I replaced the autolamp/switch/pulse dimming module and got the same results. And the parking lights do come on with the headlights. Also, it only does this after I start the car. I've been disconnecting the battery to shut everything off. I reconnect the battery and all is well. The lights come on with the headlight switch and will turn off with the key OFF or ON. Once I start the car the headlights and parking lights come on and stay on.
Now the new twist:
I just went out to check the symptoms again to see if I had missed anything and I disconnected/reconnected the autolamp module and checked to see if any wires in the harness were loose. None seemed to be, but when I reconnected the switch and hooked up the battery and started the car this time only the parking lights came on and stayed on. That now seems to be consistent. I've tried it a couple of times. I think I must have a wire(s) loose going into the wire harness connector that the autolamp module plugs into. I must have tightened up or lossened up a wire back there when I was checking. All I did was lightly tug/push on them. I'm going to go dig a little deeper and see if I can find which one(s)are bad.
Thanks for the help.
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
I paid $60.00. But it's a very difficult part to obtain. The dealer I go to could not get it. It's obsolete. He checked to see if anyone else in the country had it and only came up with two. One of which happens to be a place about 15 miles from my house, Green Sales. What are the odds? They are a good source for old Ford parts. I think I got the only one they had though. But, it looks like mine might not be bad, so I may have one I could sell you once I get these lights all straightened out.
I paid $60.00. But it's a very difficult part to obtain. The dealer I go to could not get it. It's obsolete. He checked to see if anyone else in the country had it and only came up with two. One of which happens to be a place about 15 miles from my house, Green Sales. What are the odds? They are a good source for old Ford parts. I think I got the only one they had though. But, it looks like mine might not be bad, so I may have one I could sell you once I get these lights all straightened out.
N
Neilster
Guest
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
If there is a Daytime Running Light (DRL) module on your car, that may be it. I had to replace mine on my 1998 Mark8 last winter. Not sure if the Gen 1's have this. But the symptom is the same. Lights on all the time unless you unplug 'em...
Could be a connector on the DRL module. It's up front so it could be corroded...
Hope this helps...
If there is a Daytime Running Light (DRL) module on your car, that may be it. I had to replace mine on my 1998 Mark8 last winter. Not sure if the Gen 1's have this. But the symptom is the same. Lights on all the time unless you unplug 'em...
Could be a connector on the DRL module. It's up front so it could be corroded...
Hope this helps...
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
... And the parking lights do come on with the headlights. Also, it only does this after I start the car. ... Once I start the car the headlights and parking lights come on and stay on.
[/div]
I may be wrong, but looking at the schematic, you just convicted the day/night sensor/amplifier. It has an ignition power feed which is hot with the key in the 'run' position.
You may try pulling fuse #9 in the instrument panel fuse box. This will remove the ignition power feed from the day/night sensor/amplifier module(but it will still have the battery power feed). Be aware this fuse controls the electronic day/night mirror, hard ride relay, soft ride relay, shock damping module and transmission control switch. For troubleshooting purposes, temporarily removing the fuse should not be critical.
[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
... And the parking lights do come on with the headlights. Also, it only does this after I start the car. ... Once I start the car the headlights and parking lights come on and stay on.
[/div]
I may be wrong, but looking at the schematic, you just convicted the day/night sensor/amplifier. It has an ignition power feed which is hot with the key in the 'run' position.
You may try pulling fuse #9 in the instrument panel fuse box. This will remove the ignition power feed from the day/night sensor/amplifier module(but it will still have the battery power feed). Be aware this fuse controls the electronic day/night mirror, hard ride relay, soft ride relay, shock damping module and transmission control switch. For troubleshooting purposes, temporarily removing the fuse should not be critical.
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
I checked the wires going into the autolamp connector and also the wires going into the headlight switch and all seemed to be tight. I also cleaned them with contact cleaner. I gave each a push into the plug. No real difference except the lights on warning chime started working. It had not been working since the autolamps stop working in the beginning. I need to see which switch may have something to do with that, probably the headlight switch. Any thoughts?
I checked the wires going into the autolamp connector and also the wires going into the headlight switch and all seemed to be tight. I also cleaned them with contact cleaner. I gave each a push into the plug. No real difference except the lights on warning chime started working. It had not been working since the autolamps stop working in the beginning. I need to see which switch may have something to do with that, probably the headlight switch. Any thoughts?
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
Just a thought,Do you happen to have an aftermarket alarm or remote starter? or any other non factory goodies?I have seen issues related to the symptoms you are having.I have not taken this switch out,but is it all one module or two separate ones?What I am getting at is,can you disconect the auto part and just use the headlight switch by itself?
Just a thought,Do you happen to have an aftermarket alarm or remote starter? or any other non factory goodies?I have seen issues related to the symptoms you are having.I have not taken this switch out,but is it all one module or two separate ones?What I am getting at is,can you disconect the auto part and just use the headlight switch by itself?
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
I do not have any aftermarket stuff installed. There are two switches. One is the headlight switch and the other is the autolamp control and also the interior lights/dimmer control. I guess I could power up without the autolamp switch plugged in. I don't think that would cause any problems and it may help determine if the problem is with the switch connector? Does anyone know if that could cause some other problem?
I do not have any aftermarket stuff installed. There are two switches. One is the headlight switch and the other is the autolamp control and also the interior lights/dimmer control. I guess I could power up without the autolamp switch plugged in. I don't think that would cause any problems and it may help determine if the problem is with the switch connector? Does anyone know if that could cause some other problem?
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
Quote:
I may be wrong, but looking at the schematic, you just convicted the day/night sensor/amplifier. It has an ignition power feed which is hot with the key in the 'run' position.
You may try pulling fuse #9 in the instrument panel fuse box. This will remove the ignition power feed from the day/night sensor/amplifier module(but it will still have the battery power feed). Be aware this fuse controls the electronic day/night mirror, hard ride relay, soft ride relay, shock damping module and transmission control switch. For troubleshooting purposes, temporarily removing the fuse should not be critical.
I missed your post earlier Driller. I removed fuse #9 and reconnected the battery. Nothing strange until I started the car. Parking lights only on. Turn off the car and now the parking lights and headlights are on? Disconnected the battery. Put the fuse back in and tried the same scenario and only the parking lights come on after turning off the car? Is this thing possessed?
Quote:
I may be wrong, but looking at the schematic, you just convicted the day/night sensor/amplifier. It has an ignition power feed which is hot with the key in the 'run' position.
You may try pulling fuse #9 in the instrument panel fuse box. This will remove the ignition power feed from the day/night sensor/amplifier module(but it will still have the battery power feed). Be aware this fuse controls the electronic day/night mirror, hard ride relay, soft ride relay, shock damping module and transmission control switch. For troubleshooting purposes, temporarily removing the fuse should not be critical.
I missed your post earlier Driller. I removed fuse #9 and reconnected the battery. Nothing strange until I started the car. Parking lights only on. Turn off the car and now the parking lights and headlights are on? Disconnected the battery. Put the fuse back in and tried the same scenario and only the parking lights come on after turning off the car? Is this thing possessed?
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
I ordered the photocell light sensor amplifier today. Will not get it until tomorrow. Only thing I haven't tried replacing. Would pulling fuse #9 elliminate the amplifier? I'm going to be messing with this after work tonight so any suggestions would be appreciated. Any comments on my post a couple back about not connecting the autolamp dimmer control switch and seeing what happens? Thanks for the help.
I ordered the photocell light sensor amplifier today. Will not get it until tomorrow. Only thing I haven't tried replacing. Would pulling fuse #9 elliminate the amplifier? I'm going to be messing with this after work tonight so any suggestions would be appreciated. Any comments on my post a couple back about not connecting the autolamp dimmer control switch and seeing what happens? Thanks for the help.
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I missed your post earlier Driller. I removed fuse #9 and reconnected the battery. Nothing strange until I started the car. Parking lights only on. Turn off the car and now the parking lights and headlights are on? Disconnected the battery. Put the fuse back in and tried the same scenario and only the parking lights come on after turning off the car? Is this thing possessed?
[/div]
Something has got to be backfeeding power somewhere. Not knowing the internal circuitry of the day/night sensor/amplifier module, I guess that's the likely candidate. But boy do I hate guessing(as I'm sure you do as well). If it makes any sense, there is an ignition feed to the module as well as a battery power feed that is always on(with the battery connected of course). Since it seems to trigger with the ignition and then subsequently reset by removing battery power, does it makes sense the day/night sensor/amplifier module is what the problem is?
After that, what's next? An e x o r c i s t ?!
[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I missed your post earlier Driller. I removed fuse #9 and reconnected the battery. Nothing strange until I started the car. Parking lights only on. Turn off the car and now the parking lights and headlights are on? Disconnected the battery. Put the fuse back in and tried the same scenario and only the parking lights come on after turning off the car? Is this thing possessed?
[/div]
Something has got to be backfeeding power somewhere. Not knowing the internal circuitry of the day/night sensor/amplifier module, I guess that's the likely candidate. But boy do I hate guessing(as I'm sure you do as well). If it makes any sense, there is an ignition feed to the module as well as a battery power feed that is always on(with the battery connected of course). Since it seems to trigger with the ignition and then subsequently reset by removing battery power, does it makes sense the day/night sensor/amplifier module is what the problem is?
After that, what's next? An e x o r c i s t ?!
RE: Headlights will not turn off...
The photocell light sensor amplifier was fried. I knew something was up when I couldn't get the damn thing apart. The sensor and connector were melted together. It looks like #3 (relay output) and #4 (power) connections were fused together. Makes sense with the symptoms I was having. The lense cover was also very very dirty. That may have had something to do with this? Once I got the thing disconnected and powered up the car, no lights on except with the headlight switch and no lights stayed on after turning off the car. Finally! I've included a couple of shots of the two pieces. Now the problem I have if I want to get this working again is to find the harness connector. Dealer says he can't get one. I guess I'm going junk yard shopping or to the auctions.
Thanks for the help everyone. I would have ditched this car long ago had it not been for this forum.
The harness connector:
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/615.jpg
The sensor connector. Close up of the hole burned into the plastic.
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/616.jpg
The photocell light sensor amplifier was fried. I knew something was up when I couldn't get the damn thing apart. The sensor and connector were melted together. It looks like #3 (relay output) and #4 (power) connections were fused together. Makes sense with the symptoms I was having. The lense cover was also very very dirty. That may have had something to do with this? Once I got the thing disconnected and powered up the car, no lights on except with the headlight switch and no lights stayed on after turning off the car. Finally! I've included a couple of shots of the two pieces. Now the problem I have if I want to get this working again is to find the harness connector. Dealer says he can't get one. I guess I'm going junk yard shopping or to the auctions.
Thanks for the help everyone. I would have ditched this car long ago had it not been for this forum.
The harness connector:
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/615.jpg
The sensor connector. Close up of the hole burned into the plastic.
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/616.jpg