Light switch???

[ssmoke14]

Recently I started having problems with my headlight not coming on at times. I was told that it would be $200+ for the switch and $700+ for the modulator (I guess this makes the HL come on automatically). Has any one else had this problem? I know i can order the switch for $70+ bucks. Thanks in advanced!

[musclemerc]

Recently I started having problems with my headlight not coming on at times. I was told that it would be $200+ for the switch and $700+ for the modulator (I guess this makes the HL come on automatically). Has any one else had this problem? I know i can order the switch for $70+ bucks. Thanks in advanced!I had the same problem repaired under warranty and it was the LCM (lighting control module) run a search someone posted a fix by replacing the on board relay with a heavier relay.

[Bigdogjim]

This is how all my issues with lights and wackey wipers started. The lights come on when they wanted and do not turn off with the switch. It was the LCM (lighting control module). However last time it wiped out everything lights, wipers, and heat A/C unit over $$2000. to fix. Warranty fixed it at the time. Get it checked out now!!

Good luck.

[ssmoke14]

thanks guys.

[RF Overlord]

ssmoke14, DO NOT let the dealer replace the LCM...as you already know it's outrageously expensive.

The defective relay can be bought for $3.38 from Mouser Electronics (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=sGAEpiMZ ZMtSzCF3XBhmW7Rmwp1m9ujJ9F%2fZ BxTA3jI%3d). Removing the LCM is relatively simple and replacing the relay is easy if you have any experience at all with soldering circuit boards.

Most likely the headlight switch is not defective...it's almost always the LCM.

[ssmoke14]

soldering is one thing im not familiar with. BUT I should have came to you guys first cause they charged me 50 bucks just to tell me. Im just trying to find the cheapest price for the LCM.

[RF Overlord]

Find a friend who can solder or a ham radio enthusiast. The cheapest you'll find the LCM is likely over $300.

Removing the LCM: 15 minutes
Replacing the relay: ½ hour (I'm being generous here)
Paying $3.38 instead of $700: priceless

[ssmoke14]

so i should put in a stronger relay and change the LCM out?

[Bradley G]

I bet you could get one of the resident LCM experts to exchange out your module for a resonable amount?
Where's Richy04 when you need him? :D

[RF Overlord]

ssmoke, check out this thread (http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1640918&fpart=1). The first post describes how to replace the circuit board mounted relay with an external one. The later posts describe how someone simply replaced the on-board one.

[burt ragio]

Where can I find a scematic of the LCM ?

[SC Cheesehead]

Where can I find a scematic of the LCM ?

Burt,

Check out the link in Bob's posting below, it's got photos of the relay and it's location on the LCM board.


ssmoke, check out this thread (http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1640918&fpart=1). The first post describes how to replace the circuit board mounted relay with an external one. The later posts describe how someone simply replaced the on-board one.

This is what I did, replacement relay is around $3.00 and is available though Mouser Electronics.

Hardest part for me was getting the LCM out the car due to my "diminutive" size :rolleyes:. I ended up pulling the driver's seat to give me working room.

That said, the whole procedure took around 2 hours (incl. the seat), and have had no problems since.

[Sharky]

soldering is one thing im not familiar with. BUT I should have came to you guys first cause they charged me 50 bucks just to tell me. Im just trying to find the cheapest price for the LCM.

I did the Mouser relay swap, too. I can't solder either, so I removed and opened up the LCM and took it to a TV repair shop. He soldered the new relay in for $5.00.

Cost: relay: $3.38 + shipping, soldering: $5.00 = $15.00 total. Beats the heck outta $300 for a new LCM.

[SC Cheesehead]

I did the Mouser relay swap, too. I can't solder either, so I removed and opened up the LCM and took it to a TV repair shop. He soldered the new relay in for $5.00.

Cost: relay: $3.38 + shipping, soldering: $5.00 = $15.00 total. Beats the heck outta $300 for a new LCM.

Sharky,

Agreed. I ended up doing my own soldering, but it can be a bit tricky if you've not done it before. Replacing the relay is the way to go, beats the heck out of buying a whole new LCM.

[RF Overlord]

I can't solder either, so I removed and opened up the LCM and took it to a TV repair shop. He soldered the new relay in for $5.00.Sharky, that's an excellent suggestion... :up:

[ssmoke14]

What type of relay should i get?

[SC Cheesehead]

What type of relay should i get?

You can order an OEM-type replacement through Mouser:

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=sGAEpiMZ ZMtSzCF3XBhmW7Rmwp1m9ujJ9F%2fZ BxTA3jI%3d

[ssmoke14]

what type of relay should i get?

[ssmoke14]

ok! Thanks. I didnt mean to ask twice.

[ssmoke14]

Guys i just ordered the relay from Mouser. I let you know how it turns out. Thanks!

[ssmoke14]

Guys, I got the replacement relay. I haven't installed it yet but i was just wondering if replacing it allowed the functions of the light switch continue to work. Like the auto mode and the manual mode. I know one guy on the crown vic thread stated that his lights worked but they only went off when the car was off. Anyone else having this problem with the replaced relay on a MM?

[SC Cheesehead]

Guys, I got the replacement relay. I haven't installed it yet but i was just wondering if replacing it allowed the functions of the light switch continue to work. Like the auto mode and the manual mode. I know one guy on the crown vic thread stated that his lights worked but they only went off when the car was off. Anyone else having this problem with the replaced relay on a MM?

Smoke,

Everything seems to work okay on my car.

I've got the switch set on auto, and the headlights function with the sensor (i.e. come on when light is low or when the wipers are on, go off in bright light).

Manual operation of the switch controls the lights normally.

IMO, you should be go to go after replacing the relay.

[ssmoke14]

ok. I don't know what i would do without you guys. For real! in fact, i think i might take the 22's off and go original again. lol

[SC Cheesehead]

ok. I don't know what i would do without you guys. For real! in fact, i think i might take the 22's off and go original again. lol

:rofl: Wow, we've got that kind of influence?...amazing!!!;)

[RF Overlord]

i was just wondering if replacing it allowed the functions of the light switch continue to work. Yes. The relay you got from Mouser is an identical replacement for the one on the board. If all your functions worked before, they will continue to work.

[ssmoke14]

the OEM relay type relay from mouser didnt work. i dont know if it was me or the relay.

[Paul]

go here: http://motorcitymarauders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8618

[tbore007]

i Know this is an old post, but does anyone know where to find the relay.

[fastblackmerc]

i Know this is an old post, but does anyone know where to find the relay.

The OEM relay hasn't been available for a few years.

I can repair your LCM with a heavy duty external relay and upgrade the remaining 3 internal relay.

I also will guaranty the LCM that I repair for the life of the vehicle.

I offer two options:

1 - $75.00 – you send me your LCM, I repair it and send it back the same day I get it, 2-3 day return shipping. (cash, check, money order or PayPal).

2 - $275.00 via PayPal, I send you a repaired LCM, you send me your old LCM, when I get it back I refund $200.00 to your PayPal account provided your LCM is in repairable condition, ie. not burned up, connectors not broken, etc.

[tbore007]

PM sent. thnaks!

[fastblackmerc]

PM sent. thnaks!

Responded to your PM.

LCM Removal:

The LCM is about the size of a brick and is located just to the right of the steering column, in front of the gas pedal.

There are 3 electrical connectors on the LCM.

Remove the bottom two connectors by depressing the tabs and pulling on the connectors.

Remove the 2 mounting screws with a 7mm nut driver or socket.

Push the LCM towards the gas pedal while rotating it up towards the roof. Once it’s free of the bracket, pull the back of the LCM down towards the floor.

You should now be able to release the last electrical connector.

Just reverse the steps for re installation.

Use one of the 7mm screws to secure the external relay to the LCM bracket.

[tbore007]

perfect. thanks a million! I Just printed this.