Anyone have Headlight Failure?

[Brutus]

As a fleet manager of a County Law Enforcement Agency, we have expierienced several headlight failures. Being a member of the forum and using the handy serch function I have seen that this is a common problem, and should be addressed. I have been in contact with the NHTSA and am currently putting out a Teletype to all Law Enforcement agencies nationwide. I did however feel that this information would be helpful to members here who have had the same issue. The info in the Teletype is as follows:

This agency has experienced several failures of lighting control modules on 2005 Ford Crown Victoria’s. While driving down the road, we have experienced a sudden loss of headlights, and in some cases, the headlights have not came back on for a substantial period of time. The failures occurred without warning. We have contacted Ford Fleet services and made them aware of the issues but at this time they have not issued any recalls. We have also contacted the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and filed a complaint. ODI has currently opened an investigation into the issue which is referenced under NHTSA Action Number : PE08066. Due to the safety issue of this defect and the cost associated with repairs, I would ask that anyone with this problem contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 and file a complaint in an attempt to have a recall issued from Ford. The current investigation covers Ford Crown Victoria’s and Mercury Grand Marquis’s, model years 2003-2005.

As stated I would encourage anyone that this failure applies to also contact the NHTSA and file a complaint. Maybe with enough of a response we can get Ford to acknowledge the problem and issue a recall.

Thank You,
Jeff

[musclemerc]

I recently had my LCM replaced under my extended protetction plan.You are right Ford needs to issue a recall on the LCM's and thanks for the info on filing a complaint with the NHTSA i'd advise all with this issue to do the same.

[Haggis]

Welcome back Jeff, long time not hearing from you. How is Julie and Luke? Thanks for the info, so far no problems here with my lights or anything else for that matter.

[Brutus]

Welcome back Jeff, long time not hearing from you. How is Julie and Luke? Thanks for the info, so far no problems here with my lights or anything else for that matter.


Hey dude! Things are good. Julie and Lukie are very well.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13 430&d=1221923815

[O's Fan Rich]

I did not have a failure, but after reading about them on here and on crownvic.net, I decided to install this set up:
http://www.suvlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=1 12
to lower the strain on the LCM relay. I also gained MUCH brighter headlights.

[ckadiddle]

Yup. Recently had LCM replaced. Bad relay symptoms, headlights going on and off at random intervals.

[Granite]

replaced my LCM with one from an 04 vic, thanks for the info...we probably ought to issue a complaint concerning the climate control as well.......

[Drock96Marquis]

It's mostly an issue for 2003 models, though can happen to the newer ones as well.


For those of you that experience this problem and don't want to replace the entire LCM / no longer covered under warranty, log in at Crownvic.net and go into the Body of Knowledge forum. There you will find an article on how to replace the internal LCM relay in favor of an externally mounted standard 30/40amp automotive relay.

BEST thing you can do BEFORE this happens is install a headlamp wiring relay upgrade kit. This takes all the load off the LCM's relay so it wont fail.

[omarauder]

replaced my LCM with one from an 04 vic, thanks for the info...we probably ought to issue a complaint concerning the climate control as well.......

and the rear axle issue......

[juno]

I had the headlight fialure and did the upgrade Rich was referring to in addition to the relay replacement on CV.

[SID210SA]

I looked on CVN but saw noting of the LCM or its location....just the upgrade...I am starting to have the headlight issues.....only the head light turn off....parking and driving lights stay on...then in a few seconds they come back on...getting annoying

[jonroe]

My headlights just completely quit and it was the LCM - replaced under the extended warranty. It is a problem that should not happen. There should be a recall that replaces the unit with something better. I'm afraid this lame LCM will go again when I'm out of warranty. I ALSO had the heated seat control modules BOTH go. I just love these "CONTROL MODULES" - what a brilliant idea.

[captain]

Would this also repair the "dimming" during wide open throttle?

[SC Cheesehead]

My headlights just completely quit and it was the LCM - replaced under the extended warranty. It is a problem that should not happen. There should be a recall that replaces the unit with something better. I'm afraid this lame LCM will go again when I'm out of warranty. I ALSO had the heated seat control modules BOTH go. I just love these "CONTROL MODULES" - what a brilliant idea.

Actually, it was probably one relay in the LCM that caused the problem. If it goes out again, check out this link:

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1640918&fpart=1

Problem can be fixed in less than an hour for less than $20, or for less than $5.00 if you just change out the failed relay.

[jonroe]

Thanks for the link but that job is not a reasonable solution for most owners. You shouldn't have to get that deep into an electronics module. What I wonder is can the overall circuit be simplified so the LCM doesn't do so many "smart" things. Maybe we can dumb down the circuit some and eliminate the LCM altogether and replace with simple relays which are reliable and easy to service. What are the inputs and outputs of the LCM and what functions does it perform - can some be eliminated?

[RF Overlord]

Would this also repair the "dimming" during wide open throttle?No. That's caused by the PCM telling the alternator to shut down during WOT. Nothing to do with the LCM at all.

[RF Overlord]

What are the inputs and outputs of the LCM and what functions does it perform - can some be eliminated?I suppose it COULD be done, but it would have to be by someone a lot smarter than me, The LCM controls just about everything with a bulb in it...headlights, taillights, blinkers, interior lighting...

[captain]

My thoughts also. She shuts down thealternator and is living off live battery. Since the harness does litttle more then reproduce that scenario anyway.