LCM Fix with Pix

[CBT]

A few weeks back, my headlights started to cut off at night randomly. It was mildly amusing the first time, doing....a lot...down the interstate in an area infested with deer after leaving class at 10pm. Then it got annoying.

Zack wanted to fix it for free, (dude is a machine, I don't think he sleeps)but the whole going back and forth to the Post Office thing, nah.
Justbob told me how to fix it myself for 8 bucks, but I currently don't feel like tearing into anything that doesn't have PBR on the side of it.
So I poked around on e-bay (here's somebody who fixes them for $49.50, shipping included, http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-04-05-FORD-CROWN-VICTORIA-LCM-LIGHT-CONTROL-MODULE-REPAIR-SERVICE-2-YOUR-UNIT-/230781262912?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35bba29c40&vxp=mtr) but screw that, I want it fixed now, and again, don't feel like standing at the Post Office with a bunch of scrubs mailing out boxes of fruitcakes in time for Christmas.
Then there is the option of paying someone on here 75 bucks, but the Post Office comes into play again, a retainer on paypal, mailing stuff back, going on paypal again. It's just too many moving parts for me and again, I'm not trying to wait.
So, a couple hours ago, I went up to O'Reilly Auto Parts and told them my headlights cut off randomly in the dark, got anything that will fix it? She asks what year and vehicle, looks on the computer, walks to the back, comes back and hands me a part. Boom, 96 bucks and I'm on my way.

Here are some basic tools you will need. a 7MM socket, a pair of needlenosed pliers, and an incredibly small pry bar. The socket is for the two bolts holding the LCM in place. The other 2 are for removing the annoyingly in the way piece of plastic that I tend to hang my foot on, but in this case it is in the way. You could probably leave it in place, but it was blocking my view and it was in the way of the camera. You'll see.

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You could probably leave it in place, but it was blocking my view and it was in the way of the camera. You'll see....

[CBT]

Here you can see I've started removing the first screw and you can also see that damn piece of plastic just hanging there.
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Here is a view of the back of the the LCM, disconnecting two of the three wiring harnesses. The third one is hidden on top, you can unhook that one after you drop the LCM down.

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Sweet headrest covers!
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[CBT]

As soon as I unhooked the two grey harnesses, my headlights started going on and off on thier own. I don't know why, and I don't care, either.

This is also a sliding clip on the bottom the of the LCM that helps to hold it to the bracket. No special notes here on how to unhook it, if you can't figure it out, sell your Marauder.

Here's the second bolt, hidden behind the ODBsomething port wire.

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Here's that annoying piece of plastic, blocking the shot of that sliding clip I just mentioned....
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Here is the sliding clip, easy peasy.

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That fooking piece of plastic has to go....

[fastblackmerc]

I assume you got another LCM?

It will fail again....... I guaranty it.

[CBT]

You have to twist and push and curse at the LCM to get it out. It will come out. That's what she said.

Here it is, dangling by the third harness......AND BLOCKED BY MUTHER****ING PIECE OF PLASTIC !!

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There are three plastic push pins and a tiny light fixture holding the plastic in place. I removed it and threw it across the garage, never planning on re-installing it. And then I remembered it held the tiny light in place. Foooooook.....

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[CBT]

I assume you got another LCM?

It will fail again....... I guaranty it.

No. Now let me finish.

[Mebot]

No. Now let me finish.

haha

Sent from my handheld Zack Morris iShoe 4S.

[CBT]

Here is the view minus the plastic. LCM hanging down by gas pedal.

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And here is box. Box has part in it. Open box.

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Stare at part, ask self: Self, WTF?


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[MyBlackBeasts]

No. Now let me finish.

Ok, finish up... The suspense is killinng me!!! :eek:

[CBT]

What is this devilry? And how is that supposed to fit under dash? Oh it will fit. Yes, yes it will fit. That's what she said. She didn't sound too sure when she said it, though....

Anyway, this thing only goes together one way, it's self explanatory, that's why it didn't come with instructions. (TWSS)

Put them together. Mmmmm, that's a good feel bro. Now take them apart because it's easier to hook the harnesses to it first.


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[Spectragod]

You didn't need to pull the LCM to install that item.

Inside that potting is the same relay that went bad in your LCM.

I have spare LCM's I would have just sent you one, all I need is the broken one to fix and pass on to the next guy.

Where's the pic with the Taxi sign?

Are you done yet?

[CBT]

So, back under the dash, meh!

Here you can see the 3 harnesses snapped in. And yes, they will "click" when they are far enough in.

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Once it is hooked up good and tight, shove it up out of the way under the dash, 'cause that friggin' LCM isn't going back in an easier than it came out, lol.

Once you curse some more and finally remember how you took it out, put the LCM back in it's bracket until the little sliding lock clicks, then set the repair module behind the LCM and push it into place. You should hear your interior chime going nutty, and your headlights will come on. Ignore that ****.

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Crawl out from under dash, sit in the seat like normal. Reach down and cup your hand (I like where this is headed!) under the back of the repair module. Pull towards you. Keep pulling until you hear a loud "click" and your headlights turn off and that annoying chime stops a-chimin'.

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Boom, done. Put the 2 bolts back in place, flip on yer lights if you want and enjoy your handy. Work, handy work I meant.

So there you go, another fix option if you don't own a soldering iron or don't have time for the other crap. Under a hunnerd bucks and under 2 hours, lifetime warranty.

:beer:

[MyBlackBeasts]

Boom, done. Put the 2 bolts back in place, flip on yer lights if you want and enjoy your handy. Work, handy work I meant.

So there you go, another fix option if you don't own a soldering iron or don't have time for the other crap. Under a hunnerd bucks and under 2 hours, lifetime warranty.



Yeahhhhh!!!

Good for you! I love a story with a happy ending! :banana:

[CBT]

You didn't need to pull the LCM to install that item.
The size of that big black thing scared me, I didn't think it was possible, lol.

Inside that potting is the same relay that went bad in your LCM.
According to Dorman, it is a billy bad ass permanent fix.

I have spare LCM's I would have just sent you one, all I need is the broken one to fix and pass on to the next guy.
Believe it or not, guspech750 actually told me you fix them for free (which is flippn' cool by the way!) but again, I hate going to the Post Office.
Where's the pic with the Taxi sign?

Are you done yet?

My first design for the sign was a big fat fail, I posted about it, but I have a better design in mind. I will fly down the road with that thing lit up at the next function, lol.

[Raven34]

So that part from orielly has a lifetime warranty? Hmmm I may just be headed to orielly tomorrow. Thanks for the writeup CBT.

[tbone]

Nice write up and thank you for doing it.

I'm going to get every last day and mile from my LCM. 10 years - 171 days, 138,565 miles and counting.........

[CBT]

Nice write up and thank you for doing it.

I'm going to get every last day and mile from my LCM. 10 years - 171 days, 138,565 miles and counting.........

I feel ya. I was prepared to do the same. After class, annoying when and if it did it, but when it started doing it on the way to work, too (it's still darkity dark out when we leave) that was it. Plus, it's just dangerous. I'm all for a little danger, but if I caused a wreck I'd feel bad.
Next up, fixing dash lights and slappin' them headlights you sent me in. :beer:

[guspech750]

LOL!! Great story Casey!!

Too funny. Yet warming to the heart.


Sent from my iPhone 4S

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[CBT]

LOL!! Great story Casey!!

Too funny. Yet warming to the heart.


Sent from my iPhone 4S

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom
Thanks, man. If there's one part of you I want to warm, it's your heart. :lovies:

[guspech750]

Thanks, man. If there's one part of you I want to warm, it's your heart. :lovies:

He he. ;)


Sent from my iPhone 4S

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[tbone]

I feel ya. I was prepared to do the same. After class, annoying when and if it did it, but when it started doing it on the way to work, too (it's still darkity dark out when we leave) that was it. Plus, it's just dangerous. I'm all for a little danger, but if I caused a wreck I'd feel bad.
Next up, fixing dash lights and slappin' them headlights you sent me in. :beer:

I sometimes want to fix this problem before it happens for peace of mind, but then I just crack open another beer and stare at my beautiful Marauder in a daze......:beer:

And then I start thinking about Guspech and I'm suddenly sober again. WTF?

[tbone]

Next up, fixing dash lights and slappin' them headlights you sent me in. :beer:

Dude!? It's a 5 minute job!

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Thanks, man. If there's one part of you I want to warm, it's your *****

Fixed it for ya!

Nice write-up, but I threw up in my mouth a little when I saw the pic with the headrests....:shake:

[guspech750]

And then I start thinking about Guspech and I'm suddenly sober again. WTF?

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/01/yzyne3e8.jpg


Sent from my iPhone 4S

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[DOOM]

Ok, finish up... The suspense is killinng me!!! :eek:

That's what she said!


Skeet skeet!

[MyBlackBeasts]

That's what she said!


Skeet skeet!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Took ya long enough! I expected that from someone in 2 or 3 posts! :beer:

[tbone]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/01/yzyne3e8.jpg


Sent from my iPhone 4S

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

:bigcry: Ok. You're back in the "inner circle".

[PonyUP]

Funny write up Casey, I was reading this on the toilet, and your headrests made that job a lot easier


The Ice Bucket Approves of this message

[Phrog_gunner]

Seems your Cincinnati Reds headrest covers have become severely discolored. Unfortunate consequence of the Soul Glo?

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Funny write up Casey, I was reading this on the toilet, and your headrests made that job a lot easier


The Ice Bucket Approves of this message


Seems your Cincinnati Reds headrest covers have become severely discolored. Unfortunate consequence of the Soul Glo?

Oh the jocularity! :rofl::laugh:

[guspech750]

Seems your Cincinnati Reds headrest covers have become severely discolored. Unfortunate consequence of the Soul Glo?

LOL!
Nice!!


Sent from my iPhone 4S

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[CBT]

Seems your Cincinnati Reds headrest covers have become severely discolored. Unfortunate consequence of the Soul Glo?

Don't we have a date coming up soon during your layover? Ballpunch, it's gonna happen, lol.

[Marauderman]

Regardless of all the above --I still believe in and will stay with FBM and his fix---but will you ever step up and say if it ever goes south??? FBM has a permanent address unlike some companies who fold......just saying...........

[CBT]

Regardless of all the above --I still believe in and will stay with FBM and his fix---but will you ever step up and say if it ever goes south??? FBM has a permanent address unlike some companies who fold......just saying...........

You've met me, you really think I won't say if it doesn't work? I'll be the first person to call it a piece of junk if it breaks. I wanted it fixed NOW, and I fixed it NOW, and I didn't have 275 dollars tied up in it. Or the Post Office to mail it to anyone, even the people who would fix it for free. Or have to solder anything myself. Time is money, I have more money than time, so I'll pay the 96 bucks and move on. My post is just another option for people, the prices of the options are spelled out, pick which ever you like.

[Marauderman]

Geee..calm down--yes we have met....... don't know where the 275 $$ comes into play in regard to FBM who has some ready to mail to you to insert as replacement....understand going to get the part and fixing it same day in same town kinda thingy---didn't know you only had one car nor others to help vs a known "fix" even if it does cause some effort ---your quick fix fixed your problem--understand as said--if you had the opportunity( which I thought you had) the FBM course was what is known as the better choice but I now realize better ...when you say--."I have more money than time," that can change things totally--I agree!


You've met me, you really think I won't say if it doesn't work? I'll be the first person to call it a piece of junk if it breaks. I wanted it fixed NOW, and I fixed it NOW, and I didn't have 275 dollars tied up in it. Or the Post Office to mail it to anyone, even the people who would fix it for free. Or have to solder anything myself. Time is money, I have more money than time, so I'll pay the 96 bucks and move on. My post is just another option for people, the prices of the options are spelled out, pick which ever you like.

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Tom, Casey...get a room!

Casey...I'll gladly trade you some of my time for some of your money...:lol:

[CBT]

Geee..calm down--yes we have met....... don't know where the 275 $$ comes into play in regard to FBM who has some ready to mail to you to insert as replacement....understand going to get the part and fixing it same day in same town kinda thingy---didn't know you only had one car nor others to help vs a known "fix" even if it does cause some effort ---your quick fix fixed your problem--understand as said--if you had the opportunity( which I thought you had) the FBM course was what is known as the better choice but I now realize better ...when you say--."I have more money than time," that can change things totally--I agree!

I'm very calm, and I don't have one car I have three. I could drive my Corvette or Amy's Civic. I don't want to wait for something I can fix right then and there. Time management, nothing more, nothing less. I drive the Marauder to work during the day, and I drive it to school at night and I don't feel like waiting around for a part for it.

And since you mentioned not knowing where the 275 dollars comes from, I'll tell you. You pay FBM 275 dollars on paypal. You wait for the fixed LCM. When he recieves your old one, he paypals 200 dollars back, if the old one is deemed repairable. I'm not running the risk of paying 275 dollars for a part that may or may not be repairable. Not when the options are:

Zack - Free.
Spectragod - Free.
Do it yourself with a soldering iron - 8 bucks
E-bay - 49.50
Dorman, via O'Reilly - 96 bucks, no paypal, no e-bay, no post office, fixed in a couple hours.

I have presented an option for the .net crowd, with pictures. It's not THE cheapest option, it's hard to beat free, but it is an option.

Here's what the paperwork says:
"Lighting control module repair solution
Dorman Engineered plug and play repair solution
Restores headlight control and prevents problem reoccurence
Dorman engineered to improve upon the original design, our lighting control module repair solution restores the headlights to proper operation. This part installs between the harness and failed original module to provide a reliable, cost-effective repair solution."

I checked the foglight and parking light modes, they work just fine. Anyone who guarantees this will fail, I guarantee I have a warranty that says I get another one.

[Granddaddy Marq]

I'm very calm, and I don't have one car I have three. I could drive my Corvette or Amy's Civic. I don't want to wait for something I can fix right then and there. Time management, nothing more, nothing less. I drive the Marauder to work during the day, and I drive it to school at night and I don't feel like waiting around for a part for it.

And since you mentioned not knowing where the 275 dollars comes from, I'll tell you. You pay FBM 275 dollars on paypal. You wait for the fixed LCM. When he recieves your old one, he paypals 200 dollars back, if the old one is deemed repairable. I'm not running the risk of paying 275 dollars for a part that may or may not be repairable. Not when the options are:

Zack - Free.
Spectragod - Free.
Do it yourself with a soldering iron - 8 bucks
E-bay - 49.50
Dorman, via O'Reilly - 96 bucks, no paypal, no e-bay, no post office, fixed in a couple hours.

I have presented an option for the .net crowd, with pictures. It's not THE cheapest option, it's hard to beat free, but it is an option.

Here's what the paperwork says:
"Lighting control module repair solution
Dorman Engineered plug and play repair solution
Restores headlight control and prevents problem reoccurence
Dorman engineered to improve upon the original design, our lighting control module repair solution restores the headlights to proper operation. This part installs between the harness and failed original module to provide a reliable, cost-effective repair solution."

I checked the foglight and parking light modes, they work just fine. Anyone who guarantees this will fail, I guarantee I have a warranty that says I get another one.


Thank You Casey this sums it all up. 37 post to get here.

[fastblackmerc]

I
And since you mentioned not knowing where the 275 dollars comes from, I'll tell you. You pay FBM 275 dollars on paypal. You wait for the fixed LCM. When he recieves your old one, he paypals 200 dollars back, if the old one is deemed repairable. I'm not running the risk of paying 275 dollars for a part that may or may not be repairable.

The way it works is I send you a repaired LCM via Priority Mail once I get your PayPal. You get the LCM in 2 days. When I get your old LCM back I refund $200.00 to your PayPal account. I've only had to not give a refund 1 time. When I was sent an LCM that had a broken socket. If you are careful taking the LCM out there is no problem.

[Vortech347]

So basically its this big ass module thing that goes onto the factory LCM.

Wouldn't you want to REPLACE defective parts rather than leave them in? Sounds like a time bomb for a fire.

[fastblackmerc]

So basically its this big ass module thing that goes onto the factory LCM.

Wouldn't you want to REPLACE defective parts rather than leave them in? Sounds like a time bomb for a fire.

I was thinking that too.................

I bet the "new" part has the same undersized relay.

[CBT]

So basically its this big ass module thing that goes onto the factory LCM.

Wouldn't you want to REPLACE defective parts rather than leave them in? Sounds like a time bomb for a fire.

Me? No. Hence, the posting, I don't have a new one or a defective one that has been fixed to swap out with it. If it eases your mind to have a defective part fixed internally rather than externally, that is your choice.

[Vortech347]

Me? No. Hence, the posting, I don't have a new one or a defective one that has been fixed to swap out with it. If it eases your mind to have a defective part fixed internally rather than externally, that is your choice.

You haven't had a car fire before have you?

When it comes to electronics if it isn't working right its REMOVED.

How can you not find a module? Its the same as a crown vic. There are more crown vic/GM's in this world than just about any car I can think of.

[RF Overlord]

Let's keep this civil.

Casey kindly posted up a third alternative repair, so now we have more choice.

[Spectragod]

Let's keep this civil.

Casey kindly posted up a third alternative repair, so now we have more choice.

I posted up this module some time ago and got my hand smacked too. It bypasses the relay inside the unit for the head lights, so there is no chance of fire. But hey, when you don't understand how electrical circuits work, and believe everything 1 person says, this is what you wind up with.

I also put one of those modules in one of our road cars to try it out, 6 months ago and it's still going, that's like 3 years of use in a regular car.;)

[Baaad GN]

Nice write up Casey, gives others a little more confidence on doing their own repairs.

[Rockettman]

It is a great write up; and thanks for it.

The real test will be if it lasts. That's the important note here.

[JBeezy]

Awesome write up. I truly enjoyed it.

[rocky]

You've met me, you really think I won't say if it doesn't work? I'll be the first person to call it a piece of junk if it breaks. I wanted it fixed NOW, and I fixed it NOW, and I didn't have 275 dollars tied up in it. Or the Post Office to mail it to anyone, even the people who would fix it for free. Or have to solder anything myself. Time is money, I have more money than time, so I'll pay the 96 bucks and move on. My post is just another option for people, the prices of the options are spelled out, pick which ever you like.

It looks like oreillys jumped on the LCM problem, hopefully its a bigger relay...probably is. Think it took me 4 hours start to finish and 40 bucks and that included a cheap solder gun, solder, trip to store and 12 pack bud light and a pack of 2 relays. That was 8 months ago or so and recently just did another for our lincoln store down the road since our JANKY LCM's were on backorder lol..and I had NO money in that one because I had the extra relay and extra solder(Good thing because I didn't get paid ***** to do it). Wasn't hard to do but was a little time consuming and if the oreilly fix is permanant I say HELL YEAH.

[na svt]

Da Bears!
.
..

[na svt]

Are these the same parts:
http://frugalmechanic.com/auto-part/dorman-599200-light-control-module
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-599-200

[fastblackmerc]

It looks like oreillys jumped on the LCM problem, hopefully its a bigger relay...probably is. Think it took me 4 hours start to finish and 40 bucks and that included a cheap solder gun, solder, trip to store and 12 pack bud light and a pack of 2 relays. That was 8 months ago or so and recently just did another for our lincoln store down the road since our JANKY LCM's were on backorder lol..and I had NO money in that one because I had the extra relay and extra solder(Good thing because I didn't get paid ***** to do it). Wasn't hard to do but was a little time consuming and if the oreilly fix is permanant I say HELL YEAH.

Did you upgrade or just replace the crappy undersized stock relay?

[fastblackmerc]

Are these the same parts:
http://frugalmechanic.com/auto-part/dorman-599200-light-control-module
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-599-200

I bet neither of those have an upgrade relay in them..... You will have the same problem again.....

[rocky]

I bet neither of those have an upgrade relay in them..... You will have the same problem again.....

the first link looks what he has and Dorman says "Dorman-engineered to improve upon the original design, our Lighting Control Module Repair Kit restores the headlights to proper operation. It plugs directly into the original module to provide a reliable, cost-effective repair solution"

...we'll see though