Problem with Lights

[prg333]

Back at the end of July I needed a new LCM. Ford wanted $585.00!! Thanks to Fastback-Mer I got one re-built for 87% less!!!:burnout:

I was driving home last week at night and a cop pulled me over. He said my rear taillights were out. I was lucky not to get a ticket.

I checked the fuse for the rear taillights, parking lights and fog lights. No problems with the fuse. I also had the fuse box under the hood checked and no problem there.

So the regular lights work, but the fog lights, taillights and parking lights along with the light sensor that turns on and off the lights in the automatic position did not work. When I moved the switch that controls the lights, to the position of automatic,and parking lights I did not hear a click. Only when switching to the position of the regular headlights did I hear a click.

A few days later all the lights (tail,parking and automatic sensor) worked again. I could also hear the click,when the switch was moved to all 4 positions.

However it went out again 2 days ago. So it appears to be an intermittent
problem of some sort.

Any thoughts as to what is causing this? Bad Switch, bad relay, loose wires Could it be the LCM? Has anyone else had this problem.

Any advise/help would be greatly appreciated:)

[Blk Mamba]

Similar problem, but it's my headlights, and cornering lights, just had them fixed again, my automotive electrician told me the LCM is not recognizing the ground, he flashes the computer, and everything is good.

[prg333]

So you had to have the LCM replaced or the existing one serviced? Or was it the headlights and cornering lights that had to be serviced? Was it an easy fix?

[fastblackmerc]

Similar problem, but it's my headlights, and cornering lights, just had them fixed again, my automotive electrician told me the LCM is not recognizing the ground, he flashes the computer, and everything is good.

I find that hard to believe. Flashing the "computer" has nothing to do with the LCM. :shake:

Make sure the connections to the LCM are tight ie. you hear them "click" when connected.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what FBM said^^^

He was probably "flashing the computer" just to be able to justify charging you.

"Not recognising the ground"? I have no idea what he means be that. The grounds (there are multiple) are either connected or they aren't...nothing has to be programmed to "recognise" them.

[JimmyXR7]

I would pull the headlight switch and check its continuity. Or check out the circuits from the connector with a jumper wire (easier for some).

My Marauder had the headlights go out and it was the LCM as the same sized relay is used as for the lesser taillights and running lights. The headlights use more power and that relay goes first.

My daughter's Mercury Sable has front grille mounted driving lights (not fog lights) on the same circuit as the taillights and running lights. The headlights worked but the other lights did not. The headlight switch circuit check determined all lights would work and the switch was bad for the tail lights and running lights.

Since the Sable has limited life, I went to Pick-N-Pull and for $17.00 purchased an exactly same part numbered switch from a Taurus. Since your Marauder may be around for a while, I suggest you consider purchasing new switch.

Jim

[prg333]

Thank you for your suggestion. I will check the headlights switch. I suspect that could be the problem. Is the switch relatively inexpensive? Is there a lot of labor involved in replacing the switch?

[Granddaddy Marq]

The switch retails for $100. I got one at a dealer in Albertville Al. for $68. RockAuto was cheaper but shipping made it about the same. You can pry the switch out, but you might damage it or the trim. I took the trim off and pushed it through from the back.

[Flip]

My tail and running lights were not working. I went to check the wiring to the LCM. I really could not see what I was doing, but in just a couple of seconds something I touched made the connection again and the lights are working. Obviously something is loose, so I will have to check tomorrow to make a more permanent solution.

[JimmyXR7]

The switch retails for $100. I got one at a dealer in Albertville Al. for $68. RockAuto was cheaper but shipping made it about the same. You can pry the switch out, but you might damage it or the trim. I took the trim off and pushed it through from the back.
- Wow, $17 out the door for a Grand Marquis/Crown Victoria headlight switch at PickNPull. Now I remember why I go there.
- The Trim panels (with the clock, pop off with a little prying) I use a putty knife and not a screwdriver on plastic parts. The dashes have a couple of screws near the gauges and then gentle prying. If you miss one hidden screw, you will damage the plastic. Take it easy.
Jim

[Bill Lalk]

What is the LCM? My headlights don't come on for the first 5 to 10 minutes but always pop on after that. I sure hate to spend over $500 on a guess. I will check connections, install a new headlight switch and lastly the LCM as my order of repair. So, LCM?? Thanks.

[RF Overlord]

Lighting Control Module.

It's a black brick behind the dash, just above your right leg. Very common failure point.

[Bill Lalk]

Thanks RF..

[fastblackmerc]

What is the LCM? My headlights don't come on for the first 5 to 10 minutes but always pop on after that. I sure hate to spend over $500 on a guess. I will check connections, install a new headlight switch and lastly the LCM as my order of repair. So, LCM?? Thanks.

No need to spend $500.00 on a part that will fail again.

I can repair your existing LCM for much much less.

PM me for details.

[Flip]

Fastblacmerc, I think my problem with the taillights lies within the LCM, similar to the headlight issue you have fixed for I don't know how many of us. Tonight I gave the LCM a little thump and they came right on (just like with the headlights before you fixed the LCM).

Have you ever worked your magic on the tail lights?

[fastblackmerc]

Fastblacmerc, I think my problem with the taillights lies within the LCM, similar to the headlight issue you have fixed for I don't know how many of us. Tonight I gave the LCM a little thump and they came right on (just like with the headlights before you fixed the LCM).

Have you ever worked your magic on the tail lights?

Am going to be looking at that issue this weekend.

[69marquis conv]

fastblackmerc, did you ever look into the issue as you mentioned in the previous post? I am having this issue with one of our Grand Marquis'. Intermittent no taillight issue. Please advise if you have found a solution.