1997 Ford Expedition: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jan 23, 2013 · Electrical · 179,000 miles · PA

I was returning home from work and I heard a clicking noise as I was driving coming from my dash along with all of my gauges jumping rpms ran extremely high and speed gage jumping from all over from 50's to 05 miles a hour lights lighting up and then power lost in which made it harder to stop and steer its done this a few times along with a with the clicking the radio will turn its self on and kills the battery and there is a smell of a hot plastic smell along with all of that when I start to lose power my head lights dim down.

Filed Mar 5, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 113,000 miles · CA

This issue was at night while driving the headlight to see at night had turned off at a 35 MPH speed no bumps no turn just driving straight. This is a serious issue, you use your lights for night and your are left with no lights, as a result for this huge problem I received a ticket that is how I found out my lights were not working. The headlights fuses, module components, wiring were checked no issues there, as for all other lights example emergency lights, rear lights interior lights are functioning. But as the electrician found the directional switch combo was burned left with a white shadow in one area it was replaced, and now functioning. As for the suspension not functioning properly is this an issue that has not been able to be resolved. I have taken it to different shops and there is no air leakage in the suspension pump and other areas that are linked with the suspension. The suspension pump still repeatedly pump air every 45-60 minutes which it's fine, but not when the vehicle bounces very vigorously for 15 minutes or more till it activates the suspension to pump air. When the suspension is down the steering wheel functions different as the bouncing makes it hard to drive at a certain speed, not safe but manageable in the mean while. During this time I'm not appreciating the quality of my expedition components.

Filed Feb 27, 2012 · Lights · 113,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. While driving at approximately at 35 MPH, the contact was pulled over by a police officer because the headlights were not functioning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact inspected the vehicle and did not notice a failure with the fuses or the relay. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2007 · Lights · 170,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. While driving various speeds at night, the contact's visibility is impaired because the headlights do not shine brightly. The dealer stated that his vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 06e060000 (exterior lighting). He has not made any repairs to the exterior lighting. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 170,000 and current mileage was 174,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2006 · Lights · 120,000 miles · WA

Dt*: the contact stated the electrical connectors to the exterior lights melted causing the lights to become inoperable. This is the second time the connector has been replaced. The first time the connector for the low beams was replaced. As a result the vehicle only had day time running lights. The second time the connector for the blinkers and the hazards flashing warning lights were replaced. The dealership was alerted however they are unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer has been alerted.

Filed Feb 18, 2005 · Acceleration, Lights · FL

While driving 50 MPH, the driver noticed that the headlights were inoperative. This caused the driver poor visibility. The vehicle was taken to a body shop for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the multifunction switch needed to be replaced. *nm combo switch was replaced. Consumer was concerned that the deactivation switch, which was known to cause fires, was not recalled for her vehicle.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Lights, Steering · PA

Consumer stated that steering made a clicking sound,and headlights malfunctioned. Also, high beam lights did not work unless consumer held them . Consumer will be taking vehicle to the dealer for it to be checked out.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Electrical · 60,132 miles · MA

I am original owner of my 1997 expedition, which just turned 60000. Driving at night, the dashboard lights flickered. Stopped the truck and it stalled. When trying to restart, battery did not have enough joice to turn engine. When hooking up jumper cables, the starter engaged by itself, without key in ignition, engine started, but starter remained engaged for a few minutes. Engine idled, but when headlights were turned on engine stalled. When trying to restart, nothing happened when turning key, even with jumper cables connected to a good battery. Had to have it towed. Mechanic had to replace ground wire, starter, starter soleniod, starter cable, alternator, battery, and lockout sensor. Mechanic said he has replaced many ground wires on these trucks, but typically only ground wire, starter solenoid, & battery. My truck was the worst effected. How can I find out if there is any action that can be taken against ford for this very expensive fault ?

Filed Jun 24, 2002 · Lights, Locks · MT

Door ajar and overhead lights come on and stay on approximately 10 minutes after vehicle has started without any doors being opened.*ak the light is illuminated all the time and consumers daughter nearly fell out of the car when the door wasn't shut. The light was ignored because it is on all the time.

Filed Sep 12, 2000 · Lights · MS

While traveling on the interstate at night at approximately 65mph, I switch the headlights from high beam to low beam and the headlights went out completely. The only way I could see to drive was to hold the wiper, headlight dimmer arm fully to the rear. This item was replaced under warranty after it defected once before.

Filed Jun 9, 2000 · Lights · TX

Headlights will not function. Told mechanic cannot locate problem.

Filed Nov 4, 1999 · Visibility · WA

I am under 5'. The ability to see using the sideview mirrors is nearly impossible. During daylight hours, I weave my head back and forth, looking through the high seats. However, night driving is a terror! The sideview mirrors--regardless of positioning, do not give a clear view of vehicles or headlights. Further, since it is dark, if a car is a dark color it can not be seen! My husband, who is 5'8" does not have a problem. Thank you for listening.