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        General >> Problems >> Problems with main beam staying most of the time
        
(Message started by: mondeoman on Mar 16^th, 2015, 3:07pm)

Title: Problems with main beam staying most of the time
Post by mondeoman on Mar 16^th, 2015, 3:07pm

Hi,

I've got a 1995 2.9 24v Ultima which has suddenly developed a fault with the headlights and you guessed it, close to MOT time.

The main beam appears to be turning itself on with everything else off, including the ignition switched off. I can hear a relay clicking in and out in the main fuse box which is on the drivers side of the car.

If I put dipped headlights on and the main beam is still on then putting them on with the stalk on the steering column turns them off.

The main beam are not always permanently on and can sometimes flick on and off. As a temporary measure I have pulled the two fuses for the left and right hand-side main beam to stop the battery being drained flat.

Any thoughts/advice/suggestions?

Cheers,

Simon

Title: Re: Problems with main beam staying most of the ti
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Mar 16^th, 2015, 4:13pm

Have you had the 'Big connector' out on the main fusebox ?
Easy to put back incorrectly which can lead to electrical gremlins.
Might be worth removing this connector and checking for corrosion on the contacts / pins - or even just to re-seat it ?

Title: Re: Problems with main beam staying most of the ti
Post by Simmo on Mar 16^th, 2015, 5:21pm

The large connector, as Mike says, can go back BUT one row out which does cause problems with the lights. Have a read of This thread (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=admin;action=display;num=1267895931). The other thing to check is the connector behind the lighting switch and the rear of the switch itself for signs of overheating. Known issues. The pin on the switch is usually number 15. ;)
The large connector is a fiddle and the saying on here is 'If it goes on easily the first time it 'aint right' It seems to be correct but is actually one row out. ;)

Title: Re: Problems with main beam staying most of the ti
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Mar 16^th, 2015, 6:00pm

As Simmo has said, the connector on the back of the headlight switch can 'melt' and cause problems.
Be aware if you have to replace it, I'm fairly sure the switch is different for cars with & without front foglamps.

Title: Re: Problems with main beam staying most of the ti
Post by mondeoman on Mar 16^th, 2015, 7:03pm

I have not had the main connector off so not sure that would be the cause, unless it's corrosion.

Could it be the main fusebox wiring corroding due to water ingress? If so presume would need to replace and will be a big expensive job?

I will check the switch for damage.

Cheers,

Simon

Title: Re: Problems with main beam staying most of the ti
Post by Simmo on Mar 16^th, 2015, 9:23pm

Scorpio Mike is right in that there are different light switches for different models.

Water in any of the fuseboxes will certainly cause issues.

If you have a saloon have you checked the loom in the boot for any signs of damage?. The loom runs over the rear o/side wheel arch very close to the boot hinge. IF it is not held back correctly over time the hinge can damage the loom wiring. You MAY have to undo some of the loom tape to find signs of damage. ;)