'87 TC headlight problem
olcars
10-26-2003, 08:12 PM
I have an '87 TC with delayed off, automatic dimming that is losing lights on right hand turns with moderate acceleration in the turn. Also occaisionaly loses lights over rough surfaces. By losing lights I mean the headlights actually go out for 3-4 seconds and then come on again. This occurs both in manual mode and the automatic mode and also occurs on both high and low beam. The wiring is factory original and has not been molested. I have shaken the wires under the dash and by the steering column but have not been able to duplicate the fault. Also I replaced the light switch with a known good unit with no effect. Need some help from someone who has run into this problem. Thanks in advance
Towncar
10-27-2003, 03:27 AM
I'm resonably sure the '87 used headlight relays to keep the switch cooler, but I'm not positive. If that's the case there may be a short to the relays or loose wire, I'm sure they would share a common power and ground.
I have the '96 and it has no relays, the switch gets really hot and the system sucks. Several guys over at LincolnsOnline.com (http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=3) have installed relay sets in the 90's thru 97's to correct the fomoco flaw. Check over there if nothing else comes this way. I already did a search over there, is seems as if your problem is unique but you may want to ask those guys anyway.
I have the '96 and it has no relays, the switch gets really hot and the system sucks. Several guys over at LincolnsOnline.com (http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=3) have installed relay sets in the 90's thru 97's to correct the fomoco flaw. Check over there if nothing else comes this way. I already did a search over there, is seems as if your problem is unique but you may want to ask those guys anyway.
olcars
10-27-2003, 10:24 AM
I'm resonably sure the '87 used headlight relays to keep the switch cooler, but I'm not positive. If that's the case there may be a short to the relays or loose wire, I'm sure they would share a common power and ground.
I have the '96 and it has no relays, the switch gets really hot and the system sucks. Several guys over at LincolnsOnline.com (http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=3) have installed relay sets in the 90's thru 97's to correct the fomoco flaw. Check over there if nothing else comes this way. I already did a search over there, is seems as if your problem is unique but you may want to ask those guys anyway.Thanks for the tip. I do have the wiring schematic and it does show a relay and also the I have heard a buzzing at times when the the problem happens which wouild be consistent with a relay rapidly opening and closing. The problem is I have no idea where to look under the dash for the relay. Also the time the lights are out is same each time it happens as if it were some device going through a reset procedure. Thanks again at least I'm narrowing the problem. Jerry
I have the '96 and it has no relays, the switch gets really hot and the system sucks. Several guys over at LincolnsOnline.com (http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=3) have installed relay sets in the 90's thru 97's to correct the fomoco flaw. Check over there if nothing else comes this way. I already did a search over there, is seems as if your problem is unique but you may want to ask those guys anyway.Thanks for the tip. I do have the wiring schematic and it does show a relay and also the I have heard a buzzing at times when the the problem happens which wouild be consistent with a relay rapidly opening and closing. The problem is I have no idea where to look under the dash for the relay. Also the time the lights are out is same each time it happens as if it were some device going through a reset procedure. Thanks again at least I'm narrowing the problem. Jerry
Towncar
10-27-2003, 06:32 PM
The problem is I have no idea where to look under the dash for the relay
I don't have your year/model so I can't check the book, but I'd wager the relay would be under the hood somewhere closer to the consumption source. :2cents:
If your hearing it... hmmmm. Maybe they stuck it on the firewall or under the wiper assy. facia ? Dosn't seen logical to put it inside the car, but with fomoco.... anything goes.
Damn... wish I had your manual.. I'd gladly copy anything from the '96 if I thought it might help, but like I said earlier... I need to ADD relays to mine :cheers:
I don't have your year/model so I can't check the book, but I'd wager the relay would be under the hood somewhere closer to the consumption source. :2cents:
If your hearing it... hmmmm. Maybe they stuck it on the firewall or under the wiper assy. facia ? Dosn't seen logical to put it inside the car, but with fomoco.... anything goes.
Damn... wish I had your manual.. I'd gladly copy anything from the '96 if I thought it might help, but like I said earlier... I need to ADD relays to mine :cheers:
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