1995 Ford Contour: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Aug 24, 2008 · Electrical · 123,945 miles · VA

While driving to the store one evening as it was getting dark I noticed that my instrument panel was dark. I asked my boyfriend to get out and check if I had tail lights (remembering my sister had a similar problem when I was little) indeed I didn't have tail lights or dash lights and when the switch was turned to just have parking lights on they didn't work either. However I still had turn signals, headlights, hazard lights and brake lights. We tested fuses and consulted a parts store with the problem, finally my boyfriend took apart the headlight switch where he found the wiring harness was partially melted.....he tried to bend the little prongs back so they would make connection with the switch again and put everything back together and now my lights work. I am however ordering new parts for my car and the sales man said that it was odd to have a problem there since it was a low heat area and suggested looking on the federal safety agency for recalls due to this problem.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Lights · CA

Consumer noticed that the headlights were clouded from the inside. While driving at night consumer was not able to see due to headlight clouding. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the headlight lenses needed to be replaced. The lenses were replaced. *ak

Filed Dec 29, 2003 · Lights · CA

I have a 1995 ford contour. My headlight lenses are getting so cloudy I can hardly see when my headlights are on. I think this is a safty issue. Replacements cost $98.00 for each side. Is there any recourse or any recall on the lens. I believe this is a defective product.

Filed Jul 25, 2003 · Lights · MS

The headlamp assembly is not performing. Significant haze on the lenses has reduced light output to dangerously low levels. Parts are integral to the automobile [not customer replaceable].

Filed Oct 3, 2002 · Lights · CT

Consumer states that the head lights cover gets fogged up,resulting in a dim reflection from the lights. Causing poor visibility.contacted dealer, this is a common problem. Nlm

Filed Sep 19, 2002 · Lights · TX

While driving and with no warning headlight lens will fog up, distracting consumer's view, making it hard for consumer to see during night hours. Dealer notified.*ak consumer states both headlight lenses are clouded not fogged and the headlights do not shine as bright, the headlight is made of plastic not glass.

Filed Sep 13, 2002 · Lights · GA

Consumer statest that the headlight lenses turn yellow after a period of time. Consumer not able to see other cars clearly at night. Please provide any further information. Nlm

Filed Jul 1, 2002 · Electrical · GA

Wiring under hood burned out,causing damage to major sensor.also, headlights kept going on and off.

Filed May 3, 2002 · Lights · RI

Headlight covers have yellowed with age, this makes it difficult to see when driving at night.

Filed Mar 22, 2002 · Lights · OH

Headlight plastic is becoming cloudy and does not permit the headlights to illuminate the road. The vechile was taken to a ford dealer who said the repair was $400.00 and not a recall item. This is a safety defect that could lead to numerous deaths and injury. Ford needs to replace these defective items at no charge.

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · CA · fire

Consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway and noticed a smoke smell coming through the vents. He pulled over to the shoulder and vehicle was on fire. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak prior to recall 00v367, engine was overheating and burning excess oil from overheated piston rings, after recall repairs, there was an internal antifreeze leak that was going into motor oil, engine cooling fans were operating intermittently when engine was hot, dealer found upper radiator hose at water pump had a pinhole leak, engine cooling fan wiring overheated and burned out at fan relay and fan connectors, then consumer received recall 01i009 and had these repairs completed on vehicle, after recall repairs, engine and in-dash wiring overheated and burned, dealer installed recall parts for blower motor again, consumer later informed a new motor was needed due to no compression due to overheating damage. This took place prior to vehicle fire. Headlight and taillight lenses replaced. Overdrive light was inoperative, shift lever internal sliding bezel had a stress crack, at times it was hard to get out of park when temperature was cold. A/c did not blow cold air and was noisy. Fuel door would not open at times. Speedometer cable was replaced due to a ticking noise.

Filed Oct 3, 2001 · Lights · NE

Headlight switch is always warm and hot to touch.