headlights just shut off at night!

[03huntin'rig]

My gf's 2000 explorers lights just randomly shut off while driving and we almost crashed. Shut the light switch off and then back on and they lit back up. What gives?

 

[RonD]

Check the fuse to make sure it isn't loose.

Then Head light switch, wiggle wires while someone watches the head lights, also turn the switch back and forth a few times, could just be dirty contacts

 

[shane96ranger]

I would change the headlamp relay and see if the problem continues. It's been a while since I've owned my Mounty, but as I recall, the relay was under the air filter box. Someone else may be able to confirm or correct me.


I think it's a faulty relay or bad ground. If it has autolamps or the Eddie Bauer package, that's a whole new can of worms.

 

[Tractor Dan]

I second the headlight switch. Mine has done that before. It seems to have calmed and started behaving. Hoping to order it with my next round of parts. But i would check the fuse, check the switch, and look at the wires and relay. I do know i think i have read where sometimes wires going to the switch get hot and that can cause the issue.

 

[Haywire6000]

I don't know if the exploders have it the the 99 and new crown vics do( My dad had One with same issue) The LCM(Lighting control module) heats and and the relays kicks off, give it a few minutes and it usually would come back on. It used to only happen when the high beams were on but I got to the point that even when the low beams would cut out. Now, to the headlights and the markers shut off? If so it's most likely the lcm.

 

[03huntin'rig]

Changed the relay today after checking for loose wires and light switch. so far so good but will update if problems continue. thanks guys

 

[lil red turbo]

hi/lo beam switch

on my 88 it was the connector on the hi/lo beam switch it was pulling off and was crooked enough that one terminal wasnt making contact. i just pulled the steering column cover and realigned the connector. no problems since

 

[Mark_88]

on my 88 it was the connector on the hi/lo beam switch it was pulling off and was crooked enough that one terminal wasnt making contact. i just pulled the steering column cover and realigned the connector. no problems since

Exactly what happened to mine...one too many jolting bumps on the road...but I found this out after I replaced the dash switch ($45???)...

 

[Napabandit]

My headlight switch pigtail disintegrated over time. It would get hot, lights would shut off, it would cool, lights would come on again. Might look at the connections to ensure time hasn't taken a toll.