Headlights shut off the other night while driving...

[biodole]

The other night, I was driving for maybe 2-3 minutes (thankfully not far from home), and my headlights shut off. The fog lights stayed on, but regular headlights did not work.

I toggled the switch from AUTO to ON for headlights, will still no results.

I used the forward push for high beams, and they didn't work either. However, when I pulled the handle forward (intermittent) the high beams worked.

I drove it back home, parked it, and tried it again the next day, and it worked fine. I drove it 3-4 times since then, at night, without issues.

Here are the facts:


1. The first time the lights shut off, the selector switch was on AUTO
2. The times after the initial incident, I used the ON switch rather than AUTO for the headlights. (they stayed on after this)
3. I tested my battery with a battery tester and it shows "WEAK" under a normal load. I also noticed that my car takes a bit longer to turn over than usual.


Has anyone an idea what could be going on? Is it the LCM? Is it the battery? Is it the automatic headlight sensor? Is it a relay/fuse?

I'm not going to pay $500 for a new LCM when I know there is the mod that some of you guys have done for relatively cheap. However, I'm fairly inexperienced with this mod, and if anyone has instructions on how to do it, I'd much appreciate it.


Thanks!

[Mebot]

sounds like the LCM. pm fastblackmerc or if you want to tackle yourself look for CBT's how to thread. I'm sure someone will post a link to it anon.

Sent from my handheld Zack Morris iShoe 4S.

[RoyLPita]

+1 on Fastblackmerc repair of the LCM.

[biodole]

sounds like the LCM. pm fastblackmerc or if you want to tackle yourself look for CBT's how to thread. I'm sure someone will post a link to it anon.

Sent from my handheld Zack Morris iShoe 4S.


Is there a link to the HOW-TO thread or fastblackmerc's kit?

I'll PM him now regardless.

[rocky]

+1 on Fastblackmerc repair of the LCM.

+2 ON FASTBLACKMERC, great guy!

[Mebot]

Is there a link to the HOW-TO thread or fastblackmerc's kit?

I'll PM him now regardless.

sure I found the link below for CBT's thread with pictures:

www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=83711 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=83711)

[screamn]

+3 on Jim's excellent work/craftsmenship on LCM repairs!!!!

[biodole]

The LCM Fix with the Dorman LCM Repair Kit seems to be the best way for me to get this fixed BEFORE I go on a week-long trip starting tomorrow :X

I wouldn't be able to wait for parts to arrive via the mail, and I wouldn't be able to do any type of serious repair (the LCM Repair kit is definitely easy enough).

So with that in mind, I'm in another pickle....finding the Dorman LCM Repair Kit in South Florida.

I've already called autozone, NAPA, advance auto, and Pep boys - all of them do NOT have it in stock and have to custom order it.

Does anyone here have ANY idea where I can get this part, TODAY?

[screamn]

Also, FYI, fog lights will still work when having problems with headlights due to the LCM issue.

Can be used temporarily, instead of high beams.

Ask me how I know?

[fastblackmerc]

The LCM Fix with the Dorman LCM Repair Kit seems to be the best way for me to get this fixed BEFORE I go on a week-long trip starting tomorrow :X

I wouldn't be able to wait for parts to arrive via the mail, and I wouldn't be able to do any type of serious repair (the LCM Repair kit is definitely easy enough).

So with that in mind, I'm in another pickle....finding the Dorman LCM Repair Kit in South Florida.

I've already called autozone, NAPA, advance auto, and Pep boys - all of them do NOT have it in stock and have to custom order it.

Does anyone here have ANY idea where I can get this part, TODAY?

I can send a repaired LCM to where ever you will be on your vacation. I can send it Priority Mail and have it delivered in 2 days. The LCM is easy to replace, takes about 15 minutes and a 7mm nut driver or socket. In the mean time if your headlights go out try tapping the LCM and they should come back on.

[biodole]

I can send a repaired LCM to where ever you will be on your vacation. I can send it Priority Mail and have it delivered in 2 days. The LCM is easy to replace, takes about 15 minutes and a 7mm nut driver or socket. In the mean time if your headlights go out try tapping the LCM and they should come back on.


Sounds awfully tempting...

Is the fix you do for the LCM very difficult? Or is it something I could do myself? I'd gladly pay for your expertise if I could do it today without wanting to hang myself with extension cord during the process.

[biodole]

Is there any SHORT TERM fix that I can use to ensure my lights will NOT go off when I go on the trip tomorrow?

I've called 15 places already and no LCM Repair kits.

I'd love to have Jim send me a fixed LCM, but unfortunately I can't risk the lights going out on the busy and dark section of I95/FL Turnpike tomorrow and/or the next day.

Any TEMPORARY solutions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

[shou]

If you've ever soldered/unsoldered on a PCB the fix is pretty easy.

My biggest problem was wrenching my shoulder out putting the darn thing back in the dash.

[biodole]

If you've ever soldered/unsoldered on a PCB the fix is pretty easy.

My biggest problem was wrenching my shoulder out putting the darn thing back in the dash.



hmm....I don't know specifically to what you are referring.

If you know of a quick fix that will hold things together for just another 5 days or so...I would be forever in your debt.

[shou]

Here ya go

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1871445&page=1

[fastblackmerc]

Is there any SHORT TERM fix that I can use to ensure my lights will NOT go off when I go on the trip tomorrow?

I've called 15 places already and no LCM Repair kits.

I'd love to have Jim send me a fixed LCM, but unfortunately I can't risk the lights going out on the busy and dark section of I95/FL Turnpike tomorrow and/or the next day.

Any TEMPORARY solutions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

There are no short term or temporary fixes that I know of.

[RF Overlord]

The Dorman fix is the only logical fix other than either having fastblackmerc do his upgrade or doing the upgrade yourself. Unless you are comfortable unsoldering double-sided circuit boards, it's not really a layman's job. If the Dorman fix is not available in time, Jim is your best bet.

[shou]

I agree, If you haven't done soldering, de-soldering on stuff like that I wouldn't do it.

But if you have it's real easy to do the repair/upgrade

[fastblackmerc]

The Dorman fix is the only logical fix other than either having fastblackmerc do his upgrade or doing the upgrade yourself. Unless you are comfortable unsoldering double-sided circuit boards, it's not really a layman's job. If the Dorman fix is not available in time, Jim is your best bet.

I have had some LCMs sent to me that have been "repaired"..... If I was blind I could have done a better soldering job! Once you damage the PCB and the traces you might as well throw the LCM in the round file. That is why I have a core charge.

[RF Overlord]

I used to do all my own circuit board repairs until I lost the sight in my left eye. Without good depth perception, trying to get the iron, the part, and the solder to all line up can be a challenge. :rolleyes:

Thank God for people like Jim who can do the work and do it RIGHT... :up:

[catchmenow]

the problem with your head lights is your headlight control module it sit right under the dash board left side of the radio a black box some times u can tap it and lights will come on but u still need to replace it...let me no how everything work out for u...im pretty sure that will fix it..

[fastblackmerc]

the problem with your head lights is your headlight control module it sit right under the dash board left side of the radio a black box some times u can tap it and lights will come on but u still need to replace it...let me no how everything work out for u...im pretty sure that will fix it..

I believe we've established what the problem is and the fix in this 3 year old thread!

Thanks for playing!

[GoldPanther]

Lol 2 posts, he's clearly trying to help but he's definitely not familiarized with the forum. So nice of him anyways.

[Ourobos]

I just had the recall done on mine last week for FREE at Ford.. New parts.. It's a 15 year / 250,000 mile recall, so if under that mileage, give them a call.

FWIW, when mine did it, I could get the lights to work again by using my turn signal a few different ways. Happened 3 times before I said enough.

That's if 3 years wasn't enough for you to fix it.. LOL

[Dragcity]

My headlights just went out last night. Only function that made them light up was to utilize the flash to pass switch. I received my recall notice in January 2016, but have not been contacted that the pat is available yet. No sense rushing into these things.

I think I have some kerosene coach lights off a 1905 Ford I can strap to the front of my Marauder while I wait on the part.

Might have to send mine out for repair.

[fastblackmerc]

My headlights just went out last night. Only function that made them light up was to utilize the flash to pass switch. I received my recall notice in January 2016, but have not been contacted that the pat is available yet. No sense rushing into these things.

I think I have some kerosene coach lights off a 1905 Ford I can strap to the front of my Marauder while I wait on the part.

Might have to send mine out for repair.

I have some repaired ones available to swap out if needed.

[Mr. Man]

My headlights just went out last night. Only function that made them light up was to utilize the flash to pass switch. I received my recall notice in January 2016, but have not been contacted that the pat is available yet. No sense rushing into these things.

I think I have some kerosene coach lights off a 1905 Ford I can strap to the front of my Marauder while I wait on the part.

Might have to send mine out for repair.Bet they are brighter than the MM headlights.

[fastblackmerc]

Bet they are brighter than the MM headlights.

After installing one of my repaired LCMs a former member here swore his headlights were brighter......

[BAD MERC]

(LOL, I replied to a thread FROM 2013. Please excuse my lack of attention)

[Mr. Man]

After installing one of my repaired LCMs a former member here swore his headlights were brighter......
Brighter than the lights before the LCM swap or brighter than the 1905 oil lamps? ;)

[fastblackmerc]

Brighter than the lights before the LCM swap or brighter than the 1905 oil lamps? ;)

I might depend on the type of oil used..................

Before vs after the LCM swap.

[Dragcity]

Now that is funny. Our lights are pretty mediocre.

Bad Merc, good luck with the Hurricane. Go for high ground, if there is any.

[Miami33055]

There was a recall on the LCM; take to dealer for a free replacement.

[maximusslade]

I had to kick my LCM once in a while to get the lights to come back on.

[fastblackmerc]

I had to kick my LCM once in a while to get the lights to come back on.

There will come a time when kicking it won't work. You know that time will be when it's cold rainy and dark out.

Your LCM is on the way out.

[maximusslade]

Oh I didn't mean not to fix it. I just meant kicking it might get you home. Luckily for me, my LCM was covered under a Ford recall.