Flickering Lights - Possible Solution Found

[blackf0rk]

Ever since I got the marauder I've found that if I look close enough I can see all the interior/dash the lights flickering (at night). And sometimes it's worse than others - where I don't have to look close at all to see them flickering. I know some people have stated their cars do this too, and I also remember a few people saying that it wasn't a problem with the alternator. Well, I think I know what the real problem is (at least in my car).

The interior lights dimmer control.

When I move this control back and forth (essential rubbing the internal conections together) a few times, the flickering stops. I think that the problem is minor corrosion or build up in the dimmer control housing.

Try it out on your vehicle and see if it works.

[djv5150]

I have the same problem.

[Rider90]

For those that aren't sure, next time you are at a stop light at night look at your radio display for about 5-10 seconds.

[ahess77]

This is caused by oxidation build-up on the dimmer switch contacts. There is a low voltage across the thumbwheel switch that the module reads and adjusts the light output accordingly. There isn't enough voltage to overcome the oxidation layer & therefore the resistance varies across the switch. So, when you rotate the thumbwheel you rub off the oxidation and get a constant resistance until the oxidation builds up again.

Ford eliminated gold contacts for the cost savings in many switches and contacts that were put in place to prevent these problems.

[STLThunder]

Had the problem, but my dealer replaced the main light switch and dimmer control under warranty, no problem since then.

[cyclopsram]

There is a new TSB out for the Panthers whose horns are hard to blow...goes to the same problem... the contacts are getting fuzzy... there is a procedure outlined and they use the stuff that your repair your rear window defroster with... a glue with metal in it....two coats...on the contacts...check it out... Sorry I don't have the number, but I got it off the Ford website...maybe Carfixer or Roy...??? RAM

[merc6]

For those that aren't sure, next time you are at a stop light at night look at your radio display for about 5-10 seconds.

Hell, I could tell looking on the window switches and the sterering wheel buttons

[bagpiper]

I have seen the radio light dim then go bright when driving,I will try the switch

[JMan]

I have seen the radio light dim then go bright when driving,I will try the switch

Bagpiper,
The display lights change in low light conditions whether or not the headlamps are on. That is a normal condition. Their issue is a quick flickering not an intentional dimming/brightening. Pay attention to that and you'll see what I'm talking about. It may also be in the owner's manual.

J

[ROB502]

They replaced a lighting module on mine no more problems.

[bagpiper]

Its a flicker of the lights,the radio was the first time I noticed it during the day